BROKENNESS - Part III

"Truly, truly, I say to you,

unless a grain of wheat falls into
the earth and dies, it remains alone;

but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John 12:24
The New American Standard

The process of germination is the resumption of the embryo plant inside the seed coat, or outer covering of the seed. In order for the root and shoot of the plant to come forth, the seed coat must be broken. The breaking of the outer coat allows the recommencement of the growth of the seed.
After Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he died spiritually and became enveloped, ruled and governed by his soulish nature. Although Adam died, God’s original plan did not. He already had a plan to redeem and conform man into His image and likeness. The new birth is actually the beginning of the germination or death process of the soulish man.
Jesus says is John 12:25, “Anyone who loves his life will lose it. Anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it forever.” We must allow the breaking process to occur if we want eternal life. We must lose self-gratification, self-preservation, self-interest, and self-will to allow the resumption of development and government of our spirit man just as God originally intended.
If we are TRULY born again, the bible says that we are born of “incorruptible seed, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever" (I Peter 1:23). Because you are truly born of God’s seed, He knows exactly what environment and climate to put you in to cause you to die to self and allow the treasure that He has put in your earthen vessel to come forth.
Naturally, some seed coats are so impenetrable they must go through extreme cold, extreme heat, or be pounded by the waves and surf of the ocean to weaken the seed coat. Other seeds are scraped by animals while others are devoured, digested and released in the organic fertilizer of the animal before germination begins. In like manner, God designs circumstances in life to weaken our self-life until we are broken before Him and yielded to His will.
Whatever you may encounter in life, remember that everything God allows is purposeful and meant to work together for your good (Romans 8:28). He wants His treasure from a broken vessel. Yield and surrender to the dealings of God. Realize and know every circumstance, trial, and situation is filtered through God’s loving hands. It is all designed to cause you to break through self so that we can produce fruit. The result of brokenness is fruitfulness.

BROKENNESS Part II

"Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls into
the earth and dies, it remains alone;
but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John 12:24
The New American Standard

A seed is an embryo plant which contains within itself virtually all the materials and energy to start a new plant and yield fruit. Germination must occur for fruitfulness to be realized. This process of germination is the resumption of the embryo plant inside the seed coat, or outer covering of the seed. In order for the root and shoot of the plant to come forth, the seed coat must be broken.
1 Peter 1:23 says, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” If we are truly born of God, the seed of His word will produce after its own kind. However, just as in the natural, so it is spiritually. Our seed coat, or our outer man, must experience brokenness.
Brokenness is required in the life of the believer. It simply is not an option. We must be rid of the self-life, (our flesh, desires, mind, will and emotions). Jesus said “Whoever has no love for, no concern for, no regard for his life here on earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever” (Amplified - John 12:25). Jesus communicated this just before He offered his life on the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus poured out his self-life unto death. Jesus prayed for the cup to pass from him, but he yielded to the will of his Father and said, “Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done.” Jesus willingly died to his will so that he could “bring many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10).
Naturally, many seeds have very thick seed coats, some measuring up to 2 millimeters in thickness. In some instances, it takes extreme measures to abrade the seed coat to encourage germination. This process is called scarification (which involves cutting the seed coat using acid, sand paper, knife or other measures). In like manner, the dealings of God in our life are simply to scarify, or break open, the outer shell of our flesh so that the treasure of His spirit can be released and produce fruit.
You can be certain that there is no defect in the seed of God. It is incorruptible. Therefore, the problem is with the seed coat. If there is no fruitfulness, there has been no brokenness. Pour out your soul before God and allow brokenness to occur.

BROKENNESS YIELDS FRUITFULNESS

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if
it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John 12:24
The New American Standard

Germination is the process whereby growth emerges from a period of dormancy. Only when the seed coat breaks will the process of germination begin. The soil must be broken for the seed to be planted. The seed must be broken for germination to begin. Finally, the ground must be broken again for the plant to come through the earth. Brokenness is part of the cycle of growth.
Jesus was the seed of God, but in order for him to complete the assignment he had to experience the same brokenness as the natural seed. Furthermore, the paradigm of brokenness is seen throughout His life.
First, Jesus had to born of a woman. What a humbling experience for the King of Glory to be wrapped up in the womb of a woman and break through the birth canal. Another aspect of brokenness is found in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed until the sweat from his brow became drops of blood. His soul (mind, will, emotions) was in great travail. But, he emerged being completely yielded and surrendered to His father’s will and his will was completely broken.
Next, Jesus experienced the breaking of his body. Jesus told his disciples, “This is My body, which is broken for you” (I Corinthians 11:24). He endured such great physical agony and pain just for us. His body was broken by the crown of thorns, the nails in his hands and feet, the sword that pierced his side and with the whip that gave him 39 lashes. Of the crucifixion of Jesus, 1 Corinthians 2:8 says, “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Finally, Jesus died, was buried and resurrected with all power in his hands. Another cycle of brokenness was complete in three days! Hebrews 2:10 says, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” The result of Jesus’ brokenness was fruitfulness in giving us the awesome gift of salvation!
Are you living a broken life? Brokenness is necessary in the life of every believer to produce fruitfulness. This fruitfulness is the mark of true salvation. Pray for brokenness today.

BROKENNESS

“The Lord is close to those who are
of a broken heart and saves such as
are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.”
Psalm 34:12
The Amplified Bible

Brokenness is not a very popular topic. Yet, God desires that every believer experience the power of being broken. Before brokenness occurs, one can be dependent on their ability, education, financial status, pedigree, etc., which results in pride, arrogance and an independent spirit. True brokenness will result in complete dependence upon God. For some, it may take years of adversity, suffering, trouble, and pain to finally be rid of self-centeredness, self-confidence and self-love. God’s desire is that the treasure that he has deposited in earthen vessels will be manifested and offered to Him as the sweet fragrance of obedience, submission and reliance upon Him. This can only be successful if the vessel has been broken.
Those who wish to know God and be an instrument of righteousness for the kingdom of God must go through a progressive humbling and breaking of their will, dispositions, natural skills, ambitions and strengths. Although these attributes may be good they can be a hindrance to relying on the work of the Holy Spirit. They each must go through a type of death process and be resurrected in humility and true dependence on God. God has deposited the fullness of Himself in each and every believer. The problem is not that we need more of God, it is that we need less of ourselves so that He can be seen in all of His splendor and brightness. The more broken we are the more Christ can be revealed in and through us. The tendency is to love and cherish the alabaster box more than the precious ointment that is within. The box must be broken for the contents to be released.
We must understand that in our flesh dwells no good thing. It is this realization that should drive us to humility and utter dependence and reliance upon the power of God to sustain us. Brokenness is very closely associated with humility. It requires the working of the Holy Spirit to bring us to the realization of presumption, pride, hypocrisy, deceit, delusion, formality, and self-righteousness in our hearts. This realization comes through suffering and the dealings of the Lord.
Are you experiencing the dealings of the Lord? Are you broken hearted, not only for the sin in others and the world, but about the sin in your life? Are you truly crushed and truly repentant for sin? God draws close to those who are broken before Him in humility and submission.

LOVE & ENDURANCE

"May the Lord bring you
into an ever deeper understanding
of the love of God and
the endurance that comes from Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
The Amplified Bible

The Thessalonians endured great persecution from the Jews. Paul and Silas were forced to leave the city after they were accused of teaching treasonous ideas. However, the Thessalonians were resilient and propagated the gospel of Jesus faithfully. They were known throughout Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
The church at Thessalonica expected the return of the Lord to happen at any time. The Thessalonians felt that since the Lord was soon to return there was no need to work. The Apostle Paul had to clarify that the return of the Lord was imminent, not immediate, meaning it was ready to take place but not accomplished without loss or interval of time. Paul corrected their perspective and exhorted them that although the Lord will come ‘as a thief in the night’ they were to work and live as if it were immediate. The apostle explained to them that before Christ would return, rebellion would be wide spread and a person who personified lawlessness and anarchy would appear.
Paul prayed earnestly for them in the midst of their persecution and waiting for Christ’s return. The two things Paul knew would help the church in Thessalonica endure to the end were a deep understanding of God’s love and patient endurance.
Knowing the depths and riches of God’s love would encourage and comfort them in their times of great persecution, waiting and trouble. Knowing, comprehending and experiencing the love of God would also cause them to love God and others to a greater degree. This love would also produce patient endurance in waiting for the return of the Lord. They would not be swerved from their deliberate purpose, loyalty to the faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.
Although it has been said over and over again, Christ’s return truly is imminent. Like the Thessalonians, we must come to know the love of God in a deeper measure so that we will be able to persevere and endure in these last and perilous times. It is imperative that we be rooted and grounded in love so that we will be able to be filled with all the fullness of God and endure without blame until He returns.

ONE THING

“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that
good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:42
King James Version

What an honor it must have been for Martha to have Jesus come to her home. I can imagine she wanted everything to be just perfect. It is quite understandable that she wanted everything in place with such a special guest coming across the threshold of her home.
The Bible says that Martha was ‘encumbered about much serving.’ In essence, Martha was overly occupied, too busy and distracted with serving so much so that she could not really enjoy the presence of Jesus. She was so laden with the cares of service that she even went to Jesus and complained that her sister, Mary, was not helping her with the preparations. Not only was she distracted, she wanted her sister to become distracted, as well.
In contrast, Mary seized an opportunity for intimacy with Jesus. She assumed the position of learning at Jesus’ feet. She listened attentively to the words Jesus spoke. After Martha’s complaints, he responded to her and said, “Martha, you are troubled about many things.” Jesus recognized Martha’s pre-occupation on other “things” and gently brought things into perspective for her. Jesus said only ONE thing is needful, or necessary and Mary had chosen that one focus. The one thing was intimacy and fellowship with him.
The world that we live in is very busy. There are so many things that can distract us from keeping our focus on the ONE thing that is important and the things that are eternal. We must learn how to have a ‘Mary attitude in a Martha world.’ The most important thing is seeking the face of Jesus and sitting humbly at His feet. Doing things for God and loving God can be worlds apart. We can have a ‘full plate, but have an empty cup.’ We cannot be so distracted in serving ourselves or others that we neglect the most important thing which is fellowship with the Master.
Are you distracted by so many other things rather than to sitting with Jesus? Do you have a full plate and yet your cup is not flowing over like a fountain of living water? Can it be said of you “(insert your name) has chosen the one thing that is needful?’ Make a decision to choose the good part.

CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud,
and giveth grace to the humble.”
(1 Peter 5:5)
King James Version

A characteristic of the believer is humility. The Bible teaches that we should put on humility, be clothed with it and walk in it. Therefore, humility is a decision of choice. Either we can decide to be humble or walk in pride and arrogance.
Humility is defined as “having a modest opinion of one's self; a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness; modesty, lowliness of mind.” This quality allows a person to celebrate where they have come from yet keeping in mind how far they yet have to go. This keeps one grounded and dependent upon the mercy and grace of God.
Humility is required for a successful relationship with God and with man. The opposite of humility is pride. Pride is ‘showing one's self above others, overtopping, conspicuous above others, pre-eminent’ or having ‘an overweening estimate of one's means or merits, despising others or even treating them with contempt, haughty.’ The scripture declares that God ‘resists the proud.’ This means that God stands against and repels a proud person. God hates even a proud look (Proverbs 6:17).
James 4:6 echoes this injunction to walk in humility and gives further insight. Not only does God resist the proud, but the person actually wars and fights within themselves because of their own lust and envy. They oppose themselves and do not receive answers to their prayers.
Conversely, God gives grace to the humble. We are to submit to God and to one another. We must be dressed with the cloak, or veil, of humility. While we can celebrate accomplishments, growth and promotion, we must always keep in mind it was not of our own strength and ability. It was simply and only by the grace of God. Furthermore, there is still more growth and development needed which require the same power of God to be effectually working in the life of the believer.
Humility is the first step to our land being healed (2 Chronicles 7:14). Do you have too high of an opinion of yourself? Or is it too low (false humility)? Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and he will exalt you in due season (1 Peter 5:6).

HEAL THE LAND

“If My people, who are called by My name,

shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave,

and require of necessity My face and turn from

their wicked ways, then will I hear from

heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
(The Amplified Bible)

The heart of God is to always be in fellowship with His people. Not only does sin result in broken fellowship with our heavenly Father, it causes the land to respond negatively. After the dedication of the first temple, God appeared to Solomon and gave the answer to the healing of the land. If His people chose to rebel and commit idolatry, God said he would “shut up heaven so no rain would fall, or command locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among His people” (v.13). The people would have to do four things to heal the land: humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.
Our land needs to be healed today. The remedy is still the same as in the days of King Solomon. The responsibility of healing is encumbered upon God’s people, not politicians, scientists, journalists or educators.
The first step is humility which is simply agreeing with God’s assessment of us. Humility will not allow us to have an inflated or deflated opinion of ourselves. Pride will cause God to resist us, but, humility brings us under subjection to God’s will and releases the grace of God upon our lives.
Secondly, we must pray. Prayer is communication with God. Luke 18:1 says, “men ought to always pray and not faint.” God’s people must spend quality time communing with God just as Jesus did while here on earth. We must progress from duty to discipline to delight in spending time with God.
Next, we must seek his face. In his presence we learn his ways and characteristics. We seek his will, directions and paths. The Bible says that the children of Israel knew God’s acts, but Moses knew his ways. In His presence we begin to know the heart and mind of God.
Finally, we must turn from our wicked ways, or repent. What?! God’s people have wicked ways? YES. Anytime our ways are not in alignment with the will, plan, purpose or intent of God, that way is wicked. We must forsake any thought, heart attitude, action and behavior not in agreement with God.
God will respond by hearing, forgiving and healing! We certainly need the land to be healed. As God’s people begin to humble themselves, pray, seek his face and repent the land of our homes, communities, churches and world will be healed by his power.

What Will You Do in the Days of Your Flesh?

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up

prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto

him that was able to save him from death,
and was heard in that he feared.”
Hebrews 5:7
King James Version

Jesus Christ was wrapped in humanity while he walked on the earth. He relinquished the glory he was adorned with in heaven and became enveloped in a human body. Jesus was just like you and me. Hebrews 4:15 says, “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!” In the days of his flesh, Jesus relied upon the constant fellowship and communion with his heavenly father.
Throughout the scripture, not only was Jesus consistent in prayer, he was also passionate about his fellowship with his father. He poured out his soul to God. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed so fervently and intensely that his sweat became drops of blood (Luke 22:45). Jesus knew that he was going to die and be separated from his father and he said ‘my soul is crushed with grief to the point of death’ (Mark 14:34). Rather than succumb to his mind, will and emotions, Jesus went to his familiar place of communion and fellowship and released it all in prayer. The Bible teaches that he lifted up his voice with tears and loud crying. His prayer was a heartfelt prayer.
Jesus is our supreme example. He prayed with fervor, intensity and passion. James reiterates this in James 5:16 which says, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” Jesus was able to endure the intense cruelty of the crucifixion because he labored in prayer. Jesus said “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53)? He was so confident in his prayers, that he knew His father was more than able to deliver him from death, yet he surrendered to the will of his father and obeyed in reverent fear as poured out his soul in prayer.
What will you do in the days of your flesh? Jesus is our great example. Prayer is more than just a routine or religious exercise. Jesus was in constant heartfelt communion with his father, especially in times of adversity. He found great power and strength to endure tremendous suffering. Cry out to your heavenly father, pour out your heart before him in prayer and experience his power resting upon you.

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.

When he finished, one of his disciples said to him,

"Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1
New International Version

There are various scripture passages that give us insight into the prayer life of Jesus. The Bible teaches that he prayed in the wilderness (Luke 5:16); before the appointment of the apostles, he continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12); he was alone praying (Luke 9:18); his transfiguration also took place when he went up to pray (Luke 9:28, 29). Prayer was vital to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus continually stayed in fellowship and communion with his heavenly father.
Jesus’ prayer life was so remarkable that his disciples were intrigued, inquisitive and motivated to learn more about prayer. We can surmise that the frequency, intensity and results of Jesus’ prayers were astounding to the disciples to the point they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Jesus often rose early to pray and withdrew from everyone to be alone with his Father. The disciples had to take note of the frequency of his prayers. The scripture says that he often continued all night in prayer. In Luke 18:1, he taught his disciples that they should always pray and never lose heart. Not only did he teach it, but he exemplified continually prayer.
Not only did Jesus pray often, he prayed with great intensity and passion. Hebrews 5:7 says, “While Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death, and his prayer was heard because he trusted God.” This scripture gives phenomenal insight into the humanity of Jesus. His prayers were marked with loud cries and tears. His prayers were passionate, fervent and intense. He poured out his soul to God in prayer.
Jesus experienced the blessing of answered prayer, always. He was confident that his father always heard him when he prayed (John 11:42). God responded to his son because of his ‘reverence and godly fear.’ Jesus poured out his heart, but ultimately he aligned his will with the father’s will. Jesus’ surrender and yielding guaranteed him answered prayer.
Are you intrigued, inquisitive and motivated to experience the same prayer life as Jesus? Do you want confidence and assurance that God will hear and answer prayer? Follow the example of the disciples and ask the lord to teach you how to pray.

THE GLORY OF THE LORD

“And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us,

we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
New Living Translation

The glory of the Lord reveals the totality of who God is and it is the proper opinion of the true worth and dignity of God. His glory provides a glimpse into His beauty, brilliance, effulgence, and radiance. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” All of creation resounds with testimony to the Creator giving a proper opinion of Him. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 1:20 and says, “From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.”
Furthermore, Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 11:7 “for man is God's glory, made in God's own image.” From these passages of scripture we see from the beginning, the purpose of all creation was to show forth the glory of God. Unfortunately, because of Adam’s sin in the garden the glory of creation became shrouded and distorted. The Bible says that three things groan because of sin: creation, man, and the Holy Spirit. Man, however, is the crown and glory of His creation and “Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children's glory completely” (Romans 8:19). We are supposed to reflect the glory of God and one way this can be accomplished is by spending time in His Presence in prayer, study of the word and worship. As we are totally transparent in the presence of God, we are transformed into His image and likeness. The purpose of being transformed into the image of God is so that we can reflect His glory in the earth and so that the world will know that God sent Jesus into the earth. Also, Jesus said in John 17:22, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are.” The glory of the Lord brings us into unity.
Do you want to reflect the image and brightness of God? Allow the Holy Spirit to work within your heart and transform you. Just as the moon has no light of itself, but only reflects the glory of the sun, we have nothing to offer the world except to reflect the light and warmth that we get from the SON.

A TRUE DISCIPLE BEARS MUCH FRUIT

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in
Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.
However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union
with Me] you can do nothing. When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.”
John 15:5, 8
Amplified Bible

Does your life bear the mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Being a true disciple of the One that was, is, and is to come, means to be in a progressive relationship with Him. The more time spent in His presence, the more godly fruit will be produced in the life of the follower. Daily progression and growth in Him should be the determined purpose of the disciple. Jesus said, ‘You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you’ (John 15:16). The fruit of a true disciple comes from the true source, Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is the source, the fruit that comes forth will remain and it will bring glory to God.
Jesus is the only well that never runs dry. He is a dayspring of living water that flows eternally. Being connected to Him produces everlasting fruit so that whatever we ask in His Name, the Father will give unto us. The life of a true disciple bears witness of Christ Jesus and what is pleasing and acceptable to Him. The disciple is known by the fruit produced in his life (Matthew 7:20). If the fruit is spoiled or, even if no fruit is coming forth then the source is not Jesus. As we saw in John 15:16, a true disciple should bear much fruit and keep on producing fruit that is lasting and enduring. You might ask the question, what kind of fruit should a true disciple bear? Ephesians 5:8-10 says, “For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].” The Light of Jesus in us produces only what’s good, right and true. Being connected to Him produces the fruit of righteousness, good works and holiness. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for your own study and inspection of the product that’s being produced in your own life.
We’ve all heard it said and perhaps have said ourselves, “I want to be just like Jesus.” I would submit to those that have a desire to be like Jesus, to just do what He says. Fall in love with His word. Ps 119:162 says, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth a great spoil.”
Take joy in His word, live a life disciplined by it and it will bring forth abundant fruit in your life that is acceptable to Him. When much fruit is born, God is glorified and we show and prove ourselves to be true followers of Christ. ---Trisha Barnes

TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

“So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him,
If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings
and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth,
and the Truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32
(Amplified Bible)

Are you a true follower of Christ? Jesus said that a true disciple holds fast to His teachings AND lives in accordance with them. There are many people today that profess to be Christians. However, many are not living life styles that are in alignment with the words of Christ. As disciples we must live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, just as Jesus did. He did nothing in and of Himself, but only what the Father told Him to say and do.
What does it mean to be a true disciple? Simply put, true discipleship is living in obedience to the word of God. Jesus said ‘if you love Me, keep my commandments’. In John 15:14, he says ‘we are His friends, if we obey whatsoever He commands us.’ Continuing in the word daily brings us into the realization of who God is and what we are supposed to be and do as His disciples walking in His chosen path for our lives. The Bible says that ‘the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord’. Our steps are ordered by His word as we read it, meditate on it and apply it to everyday life. Adherence to the word of God transforms us into true disciples. As we study the life of Christ, we learn to ‘believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God’ (John 6:69).
A true disciple does not go his own way, but follows the way of truth. He does not do what is right in his own eyes. Proverbs 12:15, says ‘the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.’ Instead, a true disciple submits to the will of the Father and follows wherever He leads. Mark 8:34 says, “And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]’. Taking up your cross daily is not always easy but, necessary to be a disciple of Christ. His yoke is easy and His burden is light to all who come unto Him.
Allow the word to transform you into a true disciple of Christ. Let your light shine before men so they are able to see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. In and of ourselves, we are not qualified nor are we worthy to be called followers of Christ. We must come to the same conclusion Peter did when he said ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life’ (John 6:68). He has chosen us as His disciples and appointed us to bear much fruit. What a privilege and an honor it is to be chosen by the Holy One of God, the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of the living God, and to be called His friend. If you’re wondering what true discipleship will cost you? The answer is Everything! ----Trisha Barnes

LIFE

“And this is eternal life:
that people know you, the only true God,
and that they know Jesus Christ,
the One you sent.”
John 17:3
New Century Version

The Game of Life is a classic Milton Bradley board game. In this game the object is to pick a good career, try to get the highest salary possible, and end the game with the highest net worth. Along the road to life, you decide if you will go to college or immediately enter the work force. You will get married, choose what kind of house to live in, buy insurance, and ride the ups and downs on the road of life. You can play as many times as you would like to see if you can beat your highest game finish and end as board champion.
In reality, life is all about the decisions we make. However, we don’t always get another chance to ‘play again’ and choose a different path if the choices we make don’t turn out exactly how we planned. Not only must we consider each decision taking into account the consequences and repercussions, we must also determine what makes life truly successful.
The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If our hope in Christ is for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone else in the world.” Knowing God and accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God is true living, not only in this present world, but in the world to come.
Eternal life is the ZOE kind of life. This life is real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last forever. This is the highest and best that God has for his children. Jesus came so that we could have this life and have it abundantly.
True life must be measured in light of eternity. Living only for the moment or by the world’s expectations is futile and folly. Matthew 16:26 says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This is not the game of life, this is reality and the decisions we make will effect eternity.
Commit your life to Christ today. If you have already given your life to Him, rededicate your commitment and allegiance to Him. Get to know Him intimately by reading and studying his Word and through prayer. Apply His principles to your life and put into practice his teachings and instructions on a daily basis. A life invested in Christ Jesus will ensure that you will be the high scorer and enjoy life eternal!