Fruit of the Kingdom

How fruitful are you? Do you consider yourself a diligent worker? Does your work to produce good fruit? Or do you wait for someone else to do it? Do you realize God is expecting you to produce fruit?

We all have worked or currently work for a living. We know our bosses expect us to do good work. Most of us take pride in doing a good job. We also know that if we didn’t, we probably won’t keep that job for long. Slackers are not well liked nor retained in workplaces.

God expects the same. Jesus tells His Jewish audience that God will remove the kingdom from them because they are not producing good fruit. His warning applies to us today.

What is good fruit? Bringing others into the kingdom of God. Completing the good works God has set aside for us (Ephesians 2:10). We are to boldly go about the work God has put before us, for we do not have a spirit of timidity but of power (2 Timothy 1:7).

When we succumb to fear, we are allowing Satan to win, rather than relying on God. We are to follow God’s instructions and carry out the mission he has given us. If we do not know what he wants us to do, we are to pray, asking God to reveal his will to us.

Jesus clearly states that God has expectations of us. His expectations apply to us as individuals and as the church. We are to produce fruits of the kingdom.

I pray we all seek to produce good fruit. I pray we seek to carry out God’s will for us. I pray each one of us will live in the power of Christ rather than the fear Satan desires of us. Seek God’s will. Execute God’s will. Produce good fruit. Follow God’s instructions. Bring others to Christ.

Matthew 21:43 “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.”

Prize of Heaven

What are your goals in life? Do you have goals? Are you pursuing a specific goal right now? Have you set interim goals to work your way to your ultimate goal? Are you progressing toward your goal? Do you have a goal to be more like Jesus Christ?

Often our goals in life are of this world. We seek a partner to spend our life with. We work hard to get promoted in our jobs. We desire to live in a good neighborhood with good schools. We try to eat healthy and exercise. We do our best to raise our children to be good citizens.

All of those goals are good. But are we pursuing the best goal? The best goal we can pursue is to be like Jesus Christ and seek the prize of heaven. There are incremental steps we can pursue as we pursue the ultimate goal. To be like Christ, we can seek to clean up the life we live.

Cleaning up the life we live is not easy. In fact, it is impossible without completely turning our life over to Christ. We must relinquish our control and allow Him to take control. We may have heard songs that state this, yet words are cheap, easily stated, and much harder to put into action. We like to have control. Yet, our control is false, an illusion. In order to fully turn over our lives to Christ, we must remove our blinders and see that God is the only one in control.

As we have steppingstones toward an earthly goal, we need to set for ourselves steppingstones to become like Jesus. The first and most important one is to begin relinquishing control and submitting to God’s control. The next steppingstone is to open our eyes and see as God sees. Only by doing this will we see the lies of this world.

I pray we all pursue the goal of being more like Jesus. I pray we open our eyes to see the world as God sees it. I pray each one of us will begin relinquishing control by realizing God is in control. Set your goals. Seek to be more like Jesus. Open your eyes. See as God sees. Allow God to be in control of your life.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Attitude of Christ

Have you thought you had a right to brag about your accomplishments? Have you thought your pedigree allowed you to think more highly of yourself? Did you find out later you really had no reason to think so highly of yourself? Have you given up putting yourself on a pedestal?

Some of us like to put ourselves on a pedestal. We like to believe we are better than others. Our perception may be that we have made better decisions or were born into a better family or we have accomplished more than others. However, that is not how we should view ourselves.

Even if we have been born into a better situation, had better education, and made good decisions, we should not think of ourselves as better than others. The Apostle Paul had all the credentials and accomplishments he could have had. His education was equivalent to an Ivy League education today. Yet, he realized it meant nothing after his encounter with Christ.

Paul came to understand the most important thing to ever happen to him was knowing Jesus. He realized what he thought he knew was not the truth of God. He discovered the true meaning of life. He understood there was nothing on this earth to compare with heaven. Paul, being a man of high status, gave it all up to follow Jesus and carry out His will.

We are to do the same. But let’s not make the mistake some have. Giving it all up does not mean we should literally throw away our education or give up our jobs. No, it means our attitudes are to change. We are to realize all we have has been given to us by God and give him the credit. We are to use what we have been given for his glory, not ours.

I pray we all give up thinking highly of ourselves. I pray we take on the attitude of a humble servant. I pray each one of us will use our gifts and talents to bring glory to God. Do not think highly of yourself. Have a humble attitude. Know that God has given you all you have. Seek to bring glory to God.

Philippians 3:7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.

See God’s Glory

How attentive are you to your surroundings? Do you use your peripheral vision for awareness? Do you listen for those small sounds that occur all around you? Have you been trained to be aware? Have you trained yourself to be aware? Have you thought about what you are missing?

As I have observed people over the years, I have discovered that many are not aware of their surroundings. It only requires a little people watching in a department store to notice their unawareness. They are wrapped up in their own little world, oblivious to others.

Unfortunately, it is this unawareness that puts us in danger at times. Being unaware can be the cause of accidents, hence the laws against texting and driving. It can allow someone to pick our pockets or purses, especially when we are in a large crowd. In worst case scenarios, it can allow us to be abducted.

But there is another, positive reason to be aware. When we observe our surroundings, we notice the glory of God. How? We see and hear his creation declaring his glory. We notice the squirrel sitting on its haunches and cracking open an acorn. We notice unique formations of the clouds. We hear the birds singing. We see his glory in the flower’s blooms and the uniqueness of snowflakes. We hear and feel the rumbling of thunder.

God’s glory is on display every day. The Psalmist encourages us to be attentive to see and hear God’s creation declare his glory. As we train ourselves to be aware, we gain a new appreciation for and a new sense of awe of God. We become amazed at his handiwork. Our days become more enjoyable, and we become more enlightened.

I pray we all train ourselves to be more aware. I pray we see and hear God’s creation reveal his glory. I pray each one of us will be more enlightened and in awe, giving God the glory he deserves. Be aware. Use your peripheral vision. Listen to what is going on around you. See God’s glory. Be in awe. Give him the glory.

Psalm 19:1-4a

The heavens are telling the glory of God;

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 

Day to day pours forth speech, 

and night to night declares knowledge. 

There is no speech, nor are there words; 

their voice is not heard; 

yet their voice goes out through all the earth, 

and their words to the end of the world.

Honor the Sabbath

Are you on the run all the time? Does every day seem to be a hustle and bustle day? Do you feel constantly tired and worn down? Does your life seem to be out of control, chaotic, and very busy? Have you taken time to rest?

Our modern American culture is one of busyness. We are always on the go. We are always busy doing something. If we have a spare minute, we fill with one thing or another. Making time to rest, truly rest in quiet solace allowing ourselves to unwind is nearly unheard of.

Many have believed the lie that not working a job for a couple days per week means we are resting. Not so. Just because we are not working a job does not mean we are resting. Often, we are busier on our days off than the days we work. We fill our days off with family events, sporting events, sightseeing, yard work, or you fill in the blank. When we are sitting at home in the evenings, we fill the couple of hours we have after dinner with watching the television, researching on our computers, or playing on our phones. Rest is not occurring.

God told the Israelites and tells us today to take one day of each week to rest. For the Israelites, it was the seventh day, Saturday, that was a sabbath day. They were to rest. They were to not only not work their fields or open their shops, but they were to stay home and rest. It was to be a day to allow both the body and mind to relax and recuperate from six days of toiling.

God knows better than we do what we need. He knows we need a day of rest. We need to not only rest our physical bodies, but we also need to rest our minds. We need renewal of mind and spirit as much as we need renewal of energy. In our Christian tradition, the sabbath has become Sunday. If we put God’s instruction into action, we will not only find rest but will be more productive the other six days of the week.

I pray we all choose to follow God’s instruction. I pray we decide to make time for true rest. I pray each one of us seek renewal of spirit through worship and renewal of mind by setting down our gadgets. Follow God’s instruction. Make time to rest. Renew your body, mind, and spirit. Set aside your electronic gadgets.

Exodus 20:8-9 Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work.

God’s Name

What stock do you put into a name? Do you like your own name? If you could choose your own name, what name would you choose? Do you associate names to certain types of people? How do you treat the name of God? Do you treat it with respect and reverence?

Though we do not associate names with meanings much anymore, for many centuries names had meanings. Likely, if you take time to look, you will find a meaning for your name. However, we now choose names for our children because we like them, not because of their meaning.

There is one name we should not take lightly, that is the name of God. Unfortunately, far too many people do, including some Christians. We have likely been told as children and adults to not take the Lord’s name in vain. But that does not fully cover it. Sure, we should not use God’s name as curse word. But God gave further instruction.

God says we are not to misuse his name. That can mean slandering it, using it in funny or expletive statements, or merely making light of it. Perhaps this is why the Israelites refused to even speak God’s name. Not only that, but they would only allude to his name in reverent and respectful ways.

I fear we have lost the reverence required of God’s name. We speak God’s name, often without thinking, in irreverent and flippant manner. We fail to think of an almighty God when we speak his name. This failure speaks volumes of what we think of God himself. When we respect someone, we won’t misuse their name. The same goes for misusing God’s name.

I pray we think of God’s awesomeness before speaking his name. I pray we remind ourselves daily of who God is. I pray each one of us decide to treat God’s name with respect and reverence. Think before you speak. Honor God’s name. Be respectful of God’s name. Be reverent with God’s name.

Exodus 20:7 You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Cast Off Idols

What idols do you have in your life? Who do you idolize? Who do you put on a pedestal? What is your top priority? Have you consciously thought about your priorities, or do you simply live with them without taking notice? Where is God on your priority list?

We all look up to somebody and it may come to the point idolizing them. As children, we look up to our parents, maybe even as adults. We may have a mentor who took us under their wing that we look up to. Perhaps we see someone from a distance we admire and long to be like.

The command God gave the Israelites after bringing them out of Egypt still applies to us today. Just as he brought them out of slavery, he has freed us from slavery. We are no longer slaves to sin because of God. We are no longer slaves to our culture because of God. Because of what God has done for us, we are to honor him.

It’s interesting that God states we are not to make idols from anything in heaven or on earth. In other words, do not worship angels, only God. Do not worship the stars, only God. Do not worship the sun or moon, only God. Why? God created all of them. We may not be inclined to worship any of those. We may believe that is a no-brainer.

Worshiping things on earth become much more difficult. There are tangible things here on this earth that we tend to worship, even if we do so unknowingly. Those things can range from various possessions to people we know. The only way we can determine if we are worshiping something or someone rather than God is to take time to evaluate our actions, what or who we are spending our time on, and compare it to the time we spend with God.

I pray we all pause to evaluate what we are spending our time on. I pray we cast off idolizing anyone or anything more than God. I pray each one of us will make God our top priority. Evaluate your actions. Evaluate what or who you spend your time on. Cast off your idols. Make God your top priority.

Exodus 20:2-4 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

Attitude of Jesus

Have you ever wondered where you stand in Jesus? Have you thought about how God views you? Do you ask yourself if God is satisfied with your attitude? What do you think he would say?

If you are like me, you sometimes wonder what God thinks of your attitude and actions. We are our own worst critics at times. At other times, we think far too highly of ourselves, especially when comparing ourselves to others.

Jesus went to the cross so that we may be forgiven, and we may have eternal life with Him. Yet, he did not and does not intend that we continue to live a life of sin. That sin may be in our attitude, how we view others, and the actions we take.

In the passage below, Jesus is telling the chief priests and elders of the Jewish religion that they were not living as God desired them to live. They knew the law. Yet, they viewed it as humans rather than as God views it. They followed the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law.

Because they were unwilling to accept Jesus for who He is, they were going to fall behind those they despised who did accept Him for who He is. The neglected, tormented, and despised gave their heart to Jesus. The religious leaders did not. We need to be careful not to fall into the same behavior as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. We need to accept Him as the outcasts accepted Him.

I pray we all accept Jesus with our whole heart. I pray we accept His forgiveness and serve Him out of love. I pray each one of us casts off our judgmental attitudes and humble ourselves like Jesus. Check your attitude. Believe wholeheartedly in Jesus. Serve Him out of love. Humble yourself before God.

Matthew 21:31 “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

What Authority?

Have you had people ask you why you follow Jesus? Have they asked you why you believe He is your Savior? Did their questions cause you to pause and reconsider your belief in Him? How did you answer them? Did you answer them like Jesus answered those who questioned Him?

Sometimes we are put on the spot. Someone who doesn’t believe, or doesn’t want to believe, asks us why we believe. The person who doesn’t believe attempts to put us down because of our belief. The one who doesn’t want to believe may be seeking an answer that will pull them off the fence.

So, how should we answer? We wrestle with that question when asked. Might I suggest we have an answer ready before we are asked that question? By being prepared, we are following the guidance Peter gives in 1 Peter 3:15. We can be prepared by thinking about the types of questions we have heard in the past and by thinking about how others might try to trip us up.

Jesus gives us an example in Matthew 21:23-27. He doesn’t give a straightforward answer but asks a question instead. We might decide to do the same. If someone asks why we believe in Jesus, rather than trying to provide hard evidence of the truth we know, we might ask them why they believe there is no eternal life. We might ask why they believe they achieve a goal they have set. We could ask why they are planning for retirement in their twenties, not knowing if they will live to retirement.

Could these questions be controversial or seem callous? Sure. But causing them to wrestle with questions for which they have no answer may just cause them to reconsider their beliefs (or non-beliefs) about Jesus. We don’t need to be confrontational. Our goal is to cause the other person to think. Our question may ignite a curiosity that brings them to Christ.

I pray we all are prepared to answer questions about our belief. I pray we seek to cause others to think. I pray each one of us will encourage others to believe in Jesus through our conversations with them. Be prepared. Lovingly challenge others. Seek to bring others to Christ.

Matthew 21:23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Work Out Your Salvation

Have you ever feared for your life? Have you faced an extremely tough situation in which you had to figure out how you would get through it? Were you forced into to doing something you would not normally do? Are you willing to go against your human inclination for eternity’s sake?

Facing a life and death situation can change our perspective for years to come. It can cause us to run amuck, taking incredible chances with our lives. It can also cause us to cherish every moment we have and turn us toward the only One who has promised us eternity.

The Apostle Paul tells the church in Philippi to work out their own salvation. He could just as easily be writing to each of us. But what does he mean? He is talking about working through our own selfishness, being willing to give it up, and turning to Christ to obtain the eternal life we all long for. When he speaks of fear and trembling, he means to be in awe of God and revere him as the sovereign king of all creation.

Most of us have not been in the presence of someone who has significant power. In our world today, we often dismiss those who are in power and look at them with no more regard than any other person we meet. We are more likely to be in awe of celebrities than rulers. No matter which person we are in awe of, we should be in far more awe of God than any of them.

We are to recognize that God is at work in each of us. He is working in us to provide us the ability and opportunity to serve him and his purposes. When we deny it, we are denying the only One who has power over us for eternal life or eternal torment. Our shortsightedness will cost us in the end. We must turn our attention to God, his Son, and his purpose for our life. That is how we work out our own salvation.

I pray we all turn our attention to God. I pray we are in awe of and revere God. I pray each one of us will work out our salvation by submitting to God and his purposes for our lives. Be in awe of God. Give God your reverence. Give up your selfishness. Work out your salvation. Commit yourself to Jesus.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.