The other day I received a belated birthday gift from my parents – a Best Buy gift card – so today my daughter and I went up to our local Best Buy to try to find some cd’s to purchase. We went up and down every aisle, looked at what seemed to be hundreds, if not thousands, of albums and yet I could not find anything that struck me as worth buying. I stood there thinking, “are there no good albums out?” It seemed that my personal music collection had everything that I wanted. Standing there with my gift card in hand, I had nothing to spend it on. Later at home while thinking about how there was nothing I wanted at the store I began to wonder if people who are looking for God – to learn who He is and what it means to be a Christ follower – feel this same way looking at some Christians. That they want something new in their lives, something fresh and life changing, but no one is showing them it.
Throughout the gospels Jesus tells multiple parables about trees and the fruit they bear. How good trees can only produce good fruit, and likewise only bad trees grow bad fruit. Jesus said to His disciples, “For each tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6:44). Basically Jesus is saying, if you truly are my disciples, there is going to be outward signs (fruit) that shows what is on the inside – Christ. So our question is: do our lives display the fruit of a relationship with Christ? When people look at us do they see the good fruit that shows we have made a decision to be Christ followers? When looking at our lives do others want what we have?
The bible tells us that our light should shine so bright that when others see it they will glorify our heavenly Father (Matt 5:16). That others should see the goodness: the changed heart, the love for others, and the servitude (fruit) that it will make them want to have a relationship with Jesus. God’s desire and plan for our lives is that we have the fruit in our lives of a good tree. That the way we live our lives will make others stop and notice that there is something different about us. That serving Jesus isn’t just about saying all the right things, but that there is a truth and life changing power in being a disciple of Christ. Our fruit should attract and draw others to God. When people come to our “store”, they should get excited about what’s inside and want it for themselves. Our lives need to show others Jesus.
So our challenge is to go out into the world and be a light in the darkness. A voice crying out in the wilderness. Let’s show the world how awesome it is to serve our God. People should never look at our lives and see nothing, but they should see our fruit planted in Christ and in turn, glorify our Father in Heaven.
Shalom!
Brent
Well put! Seeing Christians who are constantly sad, angry, or mean to each other begs the question: How well do you know Jesus? Do you know of him or do you know HIM? I knew of him for most of my life, but have only recently gotten to know HIM. And the difference is not only palpable, but physically noticeable. I just look and feel… healthier! I have more energy, less stress, and am truly free to be who God has called me to be. The Word of God is truly the living water Jesus offered the Samaratin woman in John 4. It washes you to the core, and not only does it cleanse you, but it fortifies you… is “nourishment to my bones.”
Let the explosion of joy be evident in my life Lord!
Mike
LOVE!
Once you’ve accepted Gods love and walk in it, you can’t help but be noticeably different. I just try to focus on my God, staying in constant communication with Him, and it becomes second nature to be a loving, selfless person.
Peace!
I think it is impossible to be looking for God or to encounter someone who is truly a Christ Follower and not feel the refreshing, or newness, of Gods touch. I also believe that there is a process of refinement. I think the best thing you and i can do is be light.
Well put “The Hawk.” The key there is constant communication with him. Prayer, in it’s essence is simply talking to God. It doesn’t have to be on your knees, or in a darkened room, or only at church. Prayer can be done at all times! While walking to class, while showering, while cooking… prayer is simply communicating with our creator. He tells us to come boldly before the throne of grace, and we tend to forget that. So talk to God! He will listen, and will answer you.
I had an AWESOME time!!
-The Explosion
how are all my brothers doin there at access. I wanna shout out to my boys that make the noise. Blake Mickey, Patty pat, daniel nino. man I miss yall. Here in Dallas going to christ for the nations. Man I love it here. God is moving huge. Doors are opening for me that I could never ever open. It is so moving. God is GREAT!!!! Cant wait to worship with yall again. love ya and miss ya
Jerry Davis
Jerry- It is great to here from you. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you as you keep doing His will. Make sure to keep in touch through this page or email me.
Keep on Rockin’
-Blake
You should have bought Season 6 of Smallville with the gift card!