Tag: Fruit

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Fruit of the Spirit, Uncategorized

Rest For Your Souls

Posted on by MaryEllen

Inspired by LGG’s study, The Fruit of the Spirit, w5d2

Roadmap for Our Journey: Matthew 11:25-30; SOAP: verses 28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

In His infinite knowledge, God knew that those who chose to follow Jesus would carry heavy burdens and need rest. Jesus Himself told those (this includes us today) who wanted to follow Him that they would have to turn from their selfish ways and take up their cross daily. They would have to hate what is wrong and cling to what is good. These requirements aren’t easy for us today, and they certainly weren’t easy when Jesus and His disciples walked this earth. Because of this, God not only sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins; He also offers His followers, including us, a rest only Jesus can give. We have this rest through the power of His Spirit, who enables us to carry out God’s call on our lives.

It is not only helpful but necessary to understand that Jesus is speaking to a crowd. Some, perhaps many, of the people would have been Jews. “These Jews,” according to bibleref.com, “would have been struggling to know God the Father. Their religious leaders had placed enormous burdens on them (Matthew 23:4), and they were laboring to carry those burdens in hopes of being approved by God. Jesus has just said that He can reveal His Father to anyone, and He immediately offers rest to everyone who is weighed down.”

The rest for the soul that Jesus offers is an internal, spiritual respite, peace of mind, and emotional stability rather than the removal of physical work or life’s trials.

Leslie Schmucker

Core Aspects of Jesus’ Soul Rest (source unknown)

DimensionDescriptionBiblical / Theological Meaning
Nature of RestInward calm and refreshment (anapauo)It relieves the exhaustion of fear, worry, grief, sin, and self-reliance.
The Giver’s CharacterGentle and lowly in heartJesus does not shame or crush the weary; He offers a compassionate, steady presence.
The Method (The Yoke)Taking Christ’s yoke and learning from HimWalking alongside Jesus as a partner in a shared, balanced load rather than carrying life alone.
The ResultPeace of mind and heart (zoe)It replaces performance pressure, perfectionism, and heavy legalistic burdens with grace.

Jesus describes the rest not as a physical rest, but as “rest for your souls.” Bibleref.com explains it like this:

The path to the Father through Jesus is not one of weary labor and heavy work. Jesus’ earlier analogy about the path to life being narrow and “difficult” (Matthew 7:14) is entirely separate, and speaking from a different perspective. From the view of the world, following Christ means taking on difficult circumstances and giving up worldly pleasures. From the view of eternity—of salvation—following Christ means giving up the impossible task of carrying our own sin.
Christ does not say it here, but the gospel will reveal that Jesus is offering to carry the burden and do the work in order to lead those who come to Him—those who are “yoked” to Him—to the Father (Matthew 11:30; John 6:29).

Bibleref.com/Matthw 11:28

THE PERSPECTIVE OF ETERNITY

What Jesus refers to here, however, is the perspective of eternity. Compared to the impossible task of earning one’s own salvation (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16), Jesus offers something infinitely “easier” (Matthew 11:30). By making this comment, Jesus is not offering freedom from commitment. His yoke is still a yoke: it still comes with demands from a holy God. But the apostle John will later write that obedience to the God we love is not burdensome (1 John 5:3). This is true in part, the gospels will reveal, because Jesus will carry the ultimate burden of our sin for us and will provide power in the Holy Spirit to carry out His will. ~Bibleref.com

COMPARED TO

EARNING ONE’S OWN SALVATION

Jewish people described living under obedience to the Law as having a yoke upon them. In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees made that load even heavier by adding manmade requirements and regulations on top of the law of Moses (Matt 23:4)

Friends, Jesus’ offer to swap yokes meant our sins would be placed on Him, and His “yoke and burden”, described as “easy and light”, would be placed on us. ‘While Jesus offers rest and partnership, accepting his yoke still means living under the authority and demands of a holy God, though his grace and strength make them bearable.’1 But these demands (obedience to the God we love) are not burdensome. When we truly understand what God has done for us, what He requires of us, and what comes from following Him, we see that following Him is not a burden but a privilege we do out of love for what He has done for us.

Scripture makes it clear that we are saved by grace, not by works, but through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8-9). However, Paul goes on to explain that we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,2 so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. So while salvation is a free gift, it comes with a commitment to God,3 but this commitment is not a burden but rather a privilege, as Jesus “carries the burden, the yoke of our sin for us and provides power in the Holy Spirit for us to live out the commitment.”

We must come as disciples to learn, willing to be guided by His yoke – not merely to receive something. 4

· The yoke of Jesus is easy and light as compared with the yoke of others.

· The yoke of Jesus is easy and light as long as we do not rebel against it.

· The yoke of Jesus has nothing to do with worries that are forbidden to us.

· The yoke of Jesus does not include the burdens we choose to add to it.

Jesus is Gentle and Humble in Heart

Jesus knew that gentleness was what weary people needed most. They don’t need more demands, pressure, or performance. Rather, they need a gentle, humble Savior who sees their exhaustion and says, “Come. I’ll take that. Rest here.”

Jesus doesn’t just model gentleness for us. He invites us to learn it from Him. Gentleness is something we absorb as we stay close to Jesus and watch how He treats people. His gentleness toward us shapes our gentleness toward others.

Are you weary today? Come to Him first. Let His gentleness toward you fill you back up. The gentleness you extend to others will always flow from the gentleness you have first received from Him.
You cannot give what you have not received. So receive it today. He is waiting.5

d. For I am gentle and lowly in heart: Jesus revealed His nature when He described Himself as gentle and lowly of heart. It is His servant’s heart, displayed throughout His ministry, making Him qualified to be the one who bears our burdens.

e. And you will find rest for your souls: Jesus described His gift to His followers as rest for your soul. This unmatchable gift – both powerful and profound – should be considered the birthright of those who come to Jesus and are His followers. They should believe that something is wrong if they don’t experience rest for their souls.6

Response of Prayer

Lord, I was weary and burdened, and I came to You, and You gave me rest for my soul…Rest from striving, from shame, and so much more through the years. You have taken my yoke, the sin and heavy burdens of my life, upon You, and You have allowed me to experience the ease and privilege of Your yoke, Your gentleness, and Your gentle and humble heart in so many ways. I am most blessed to belong to You and pray that You will help me imitate Your gentle, humble, servant’s heart to the world around me. ~ Amen and Amen

Response of Worship

The More We Know

https://www.leslieschmucker.com/blog/2021/1/30/33pmprzaq2i4ykl26jw3igpb9jryy6

  1. Bibleref.com and others ↩︎
  2. A New Creation ↩︎
  3. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. ↩︎
  4. Enduring Word, David Guzik, Matthew 11:28-30; 3.c. ↩︎
  5. LGG The Fruit of the Spirit, digital journal, p. 149 ↩︎
  6. Enduring Word, Matthew 11:28-30; 3.d,e ↩︎

i. “You will find rest for your souls is an echo of the Hebrew text of Jeremiah 6:16, where it is the offer of God to those who follow his way; Jesus now issues the invitation in his own name!” (France)

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Beginning to Forever, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

Marred by Sin

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based on the LGG Bible Study, From the Beginning to Forever/w1d3

Friends, I realize that this passage is not only familiar but long. However, it is a beautiful part of the Love Story that God has written for us. Pray for fresh eyes, an open mind, and yielded heart to the characters, the good – the bad – and the ugly. Study the enemy’s ways so that they do not trip you up – because he is still prowling around like a lion, looking for someone to devour. Let yourself imagine the innocence and true joy of those first days before sin entered the picture, then choose to look forward with hope to the eternity that awaits us – because Christ triumphed over the grave, not only striking the head of the enemy but securing his doom!

The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him …

A Mighty Fortress is Our God/Martin Luther
Read: Genesis 3:1-15; SOAP: verse 15 (for further reading – Gen 3:16-21)

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”

13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”

“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this, you are cursed
    more than all animals, domestic and wild.
You will crawl on your belly,
    groveling in the dust as long as you live.
15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.1”

Genesis 3:1-15 NLT or (KJV)

What a story this portion of our journey tells. We meet a talking serpent, believed by most commentators to be Satan.2 We get a first hand look at his cunning and deceptive ways to steal, kill and destroy God’s people/creation. We see not only the first temptation but the subsequent sins of Eve and Adam. Sin that brought death to the life they had enjoyed. Their innocent, beautiful lives and relationships with each other and with God, were marred by sin and turned upside down. The couple that once knew no shame or fear were now hiding themselves from God because as Adam told God, “I heard you moving about in the orchard, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” We also see the first blame shifting as Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. We also witness the first consequences of sin first hand as God confronts each of the guilty parties.

  • He said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy,and in pain you will give birth.And you will desire to control your husband,but he will rule over you.”
  • To Adam, God said: “The ground is cursed because of you.All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.”
  • To the serpent He said, “I will cause hostility between you and the woman,and between your offspring and her offspring.He will strike your head,and you will strike his heel.”

The bottom line of God’s curse on Satan is this: He has been the enemy of humanity since the beginning. He can never be trusted. As Peter wrote, he continues to hunt and seek to devour humans to this very day (1 Peter 5:8), but the good news is he won’t be allowed to do so forever.

Bibleref.com

You see, God made a way where there seemed to be no way. So even though Satan would damage Christ3 and it would look like the cross and grave had the final say, the ultimate victory belongs to Christ on behalf of humanity; and those of us who are in Christ will celebrate the victory with Him for eternity!

Several songs come to mind here as I close out today’s journey: Up from the grave He arose, Victory in Jesus, and Mighty Warrior (aka: Satan has no authority here!) May our hearts rejoice and sing at the good news of the Gospel story From the Beginning to Forever!

The More We Know

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

“I Chose You”

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus, w6d2

Read and SOAP: John 15:16

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

John 15:16

Early on in this journey, we learned or were reminded that we are filled with God’s Spirit and called to bear His fruit. Today’s Scripture adds to this knowledge that not only are we commissioned to bear fruit, but we are also chosen by Christ.

Friends, I believe this is a crucial part of our faith. It is a truth that we must grasp to truly understand and appreciate the relationship we have been given with God – the Father, Son, and Spirit.

We were not only chosen, but we were given purpose and the responsibility to go and produce lasting fruit. Or, as today’s journal entry explains: “We didn’t just stumble into a relationship with Jesus by chance. He saw us, loved us, and appointed us for an incredible purpose. And make no mistake, this is not a random selection but a deliberate choice made by the Creator of the universe. He hasn’t just chosen us to become His own but to have a fruitful life, a life with the lasting legacy of love and service that reaches through eternity.”

Because of this relationship with Christ, who abides in us and has invited us to abide in Him, we have the privilege of asking anything, according to God’s will. We have also been told to expect to receive what we ask for. While this is a wonderful promise, we must be careful to understand what it is to pray according to God’s will. Borrowing again from today’s journal entry, I’m sharing what I believe is a helpful explanation/example of praying according to God’s will.

What are some of the things we can ask for in the name of Jesus? A godly character and lasting fruit! To be a fruitful Christian, it is absolutely essential that we come to God in faith through prayer, expecting Him to work in us the things we ask for. We abide in Jesus by depending on Him for fruit, and the way we show our dependence is through prayer – through asking Him and trusting Him to answer.

Abiding in Jesus, p175

Surely we are thankful to belong to and be loved by God. Yet, it can be daunting to realize the responsibility to bear fruit that lasts. May God help us to abide in Jesus every day that He gives, and may He help us make a lasting impact for His Kingdom. – Amen

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control …

Galatians 5:22-23

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Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Living by the New Nature

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Based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus

Read and SOAP: Galatians 5:22-23

 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:22-23

For two weeks now, we have read and talked about our responsibility, as believers, to “bear fruit.” So it should come as no surprise that we have reached the definition or description of the fruit a believer should produce. The thing I love about Paul is that he not only tells us what the fruit of the new nature is, but he reminds his readers what the old nature looks like.

At the moment of conversion, the Christian receives a new nature. It is instantaneous. Sanctification, on the other hand, is the process by which God develops our new nature, enabling us to grow into more holiness through time. This is a continuous process with many victories and defeats as the new nature battles with the “tent” in which it resides—the old man, old nature, flesh.

Gotquestions.org

In contrast to the earlier description of the sinful nature, which wants to do evil, our new nature (controlled by the Spirit of God) wants to do what is good and right. Before Paul lists out the “fruit of the Spirit (or new nature),” he highlights the details of the old nature. They include sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealous, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Paul says that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God!

On the contrary, Paul writes that those who live by the Spirit instead of the old sinful nature will be noticeably different. He explains that the Spirit produces evidence of a godly character. As we grow in our understanding and love of God we will become more loving, experience more joy and exhibit more patience and self-control. We won’t be so quick to get angry or be unkind, instead we will known for our gentleness, goodness, and faithfulness. And, instead of missing out on the Kingdom of God, those who live by the Spirit will inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.

Galatians 5:22-26
The More We Know

Friends, I should tell you, Galatians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It played a great part in the transformation and growth of my faith and understanding of God’s grace. In large part, Paul has written this part of the letter because he knew many were struggling with the old nature. He’s trying to help them understand that they no longer are to live as though they are still slaves to sin, for they have been set free and given a new nature. Yet, somehow, they are back to believing that circumcision can save them and have lost sight of the faith they professed and the truth that it is the only way to God. They are now trying to add works to their faith. Paul reminds them that this is futile, as faith alone in Christ alone is the message of the Gospel. May we never lose sight of this truth and may we always stand in awe of His grace and mercy.

For more insight on today’s journey read today’s LGG Blog Post

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Fruitful Abiding

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus,w2d2

Read: John 15:5; SOAP: John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

John 15:5 NET

If you had to do a double-take to make sure you weren’t rereading the previous post, rest assured, you’re not. It is, however, quite similar. It actually appears that Jesus was recapping His previous statements. Repetition in Scripture is quite common and is meant to get our attention. In verses 1-4 of John 15, Jesus has made numerous references to Himself as the vine and has clarified several times that the disciples are the branches, as well as the role and importance of abiding. Bearing fruit is also mentioned five times, emphasizing the role of the branch. What we see from all the repetition is that Jesus wants His disciples to understand the importance that He and the Father play in the life of a disciple, and to know that while bearing fruit is the goal for every believer, they cannot accomplish this without the Vine and the Gardener.

 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

John 15:1-5

While some may be overwhelmed at the thought of having to bear “much” fruit, they should find hope and encouragement that they do not have to do it alone. Still others, the “I can do this myself” person, may see it as a personal challenge and plow ahead, determined to get it done, yet find it discouraging when they yield no fruit in their own strength. This is because abiding is the key. As today’s LGG Journal entry points out, we must “remember our role. We are branches, not the Vine. When we’re weak, He is strong, and it’s perfectly okay” (and necessary) “to lean into that truth. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. When we abide in Him, He does the heavy lifting.”

Because I am at a place in my life where the simplest of tasks can, at times, seem overwhelming, knowing that I do not have to “bear much fruit” by myself comes as great encouragement. However, this does not mean I can sit idly by. I must faithfully live in Christ. This means that I must daily depend on Jesus through faith and prayer. When a believer lives like this, they draw nourishment from the Vine and tender care from the Gardener, which produces more and more fruit from the branch.

Friends, may we not strive in our own strength but stay connected to the Vine and yielded to the Gardener, so that we bear much fruit and draw others to Him.

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to produce or make things happen on your own? How might focusing on abiding in Jesus, rather than striving, help you bear fruit in a way that brings peace and joy?

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Abide in Me

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus,w2d1

Read: John 15:3-4; SOAP: John 15:4

(note: clicking the link for the above verse will allow you to read from whatever version you prefer)

3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

John 15:3-4 NLT

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:3-4 KJV

Last week’s journey centered largely on the teaching of Jesus, that He is the vine, God is the gardener, and His disciples are the branches. He told the disciples that, as the Gardener, God will prune the branches that bear fruit so that they will produce even more fruit. Picking up today in verses three and four, we find Jesus encouraging His disciples that they are already clean because of the Word, or the Gospel message, he has spoken to them.

However, our focus is on the command that follows, what it means, what it doesn’t mean, and why it is important. Read it out loud: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”

  • What it means: We (the branches)are dependent on Christ (the life-giving vine).
  • What it doesn’t mean: The concept here is not about losing your salvation. Salvation is the free and eternal gift of God’s grace earned not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ. If you doubt this or have any questions, I urge you to visit https://www.gotquestions.org/vine-and-branches.html
  • Why it’s important to abide (remain) in Jesus: Jesus makes it clear to the disciples that they are to bear fruit, but that they cannot do that apart from Him. His emphasis here is that we need to stay intimately (closely, daily, nothing between us and Him) connected to Him in order to be spiritually healthy and bear fruit.

Friends, if we want to be healthy, fruit-bearing followers of Christ who spread light in/to the world around us, we must stay close to Jesus, our life-giving vine. In Him we find our strength, we find peace, and we bear fruit. Apart from Him, we will surely wither and fade.

Do you want to be a light for Him? Read His Word and pray daily. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will reflect Him.

Do you want your conversations to be encouraging and full of grace and truth rather than spewing hate, gossip, or lies? Spend time with Him in His Word. It truly has the power to change the way we think and speak, not to mention how we love others.

Do you want to love Him more and follow Him faithfully? Find the passages of His love poured out for you, His boundless grace, and His mercies that are new every morning are game changers.

James wrote it like this: Come close to God, and God will come close to you (James 5:8). I have both tested and tasted the truth of this statement, and I assure you it is a blessing beyond compare to experience the nearness of our God, and the relationship which blossoms from it.

Reflection: What are some areas in your life that may need “cleaning” or renewal through God’s Word?

The More We Know

“When new branches start to grow, they often droop low to the ground. As they touch the soil, dirt and mud begin to cling to them, which can stop them from growing strong and bearing good fruit. To help them thrive, a gardener has to gently lift the branches, carefully washing away the dirt, so they can reach their full potential and produce good fruit.

For us, we experience a similar “cleaning,” through God’s Word. As we read and renew our minds with Scripture, God shows us areas in our lives where things need to change. It may be areas where sin has muddled our lives and hindered us from receiving the nourishment we need to grow. But hope is not lost. Through God’s Word, it’s as if He lovingly lifts, cleanses, and restores us, allowing us to grow and bear the good fruit we were created to produce.”

Abiding in Jesus/p67

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study

Work It Out

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus/w1d3

Read and SOAP: Philippians 2:12-13

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God.

Philiipians 2:12-13

I remember the first time I really read this verse, and trust me when I say that to fully understand it, you need to know what came before the “so then.” Without a clear understanding, I fell prey to questioning the statement and meaning of “working out your salvation.” I am a firm believer that salvation is not by works but is a free gift from God to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. So I quickly read it again and checked various translations and eventually sought the help from my Pastor at the time to understand what Paul meant by “working out your salvation.” Thus was born my understanding that phrases like “so then” serve as a cue for the reader or listener to look back for the broader context and a better understanding of what is to follow.

In this case, what came before was a beautifully written character description of Christ, preceded by clear instructions of “how not to behave.”

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though He was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, 8He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

You see, friends, Paul wasn’t teaching us to work for our salvation but to live out our salvation, or as the NLT translates it: “To show the results of our salvation.” In other words to exercise the salvation we have received through Christ. This means to practice loving others as Christ loves us. It means doing good works that God has given us to do, sharing the Gospel, being kind and patient, humble, and not selfish but selfless, It means loving God and others more than we love ourselves. It means not looking out just for “our own interests but for the interests of others, too.” Ultimately, it means laying down everything for the will of the Father. Why? Because when we do – we reflect Jesus to the world around us and God receives the glory!

While we are called to work out (live out) our salvation, it doesn’t mean it will come easy. As today’s LGG journal entry points out: “the Bible makes it clear that the only reason we are able to do so is because God makes it possible. ~ God is both the source and sustainer of our faith. As we remain in Him, He works through us, producing fruit that will last, bringing glory to Him and blessings to others.”

Staying connected to Jesus, the Vine, and allowing God to transform you is what it means to abide.

Abiding in Jesus/p49
The More We Know

For more insight see the LGG Blog Post

Posted in Abide, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Necessity of Pruning

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus/w1d2

Read and SOAP: John 15:2

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.

John 15:2

Whether we are women who devote a lot of time to hair and make-up and great detail to the clothes we put on, or we’re a jeans and t-shirt and just the basics kind of woman – I would venture to say that most of us at least look in the mirror before we leave the house. Bells and whistles or just the basics may not matter, but a poor reflection of who we are should. My parents raised me to remember that what I said and did, where I went, and how I behaved and talked mattered and were a reflection on the family I belonged to.

And whatever you do and say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17

As I grew in my faith, I learned the same was true, and even more so, in the family of God. While God looks at the heart and not the outward appearance of man, what we do and say in this world should be a reflection of Jesus Christ and not the world. This may seem overwhelming at times, even impossible. However, just as my parents provided for me and taught me right from wrong, God has given me everything I need for living a godly life. He did so with the purpose that every follower of Jesus would bear Christ-like fruit and attract others to Him.

Today’s verse is a reminder that we don’t have to do this alone. Actually, as the branches in this allegory, we can’t. For, as the branches, we are dependent both on the vine (Jesus), who gives us new life, and the gardener (God), who shapes us and trains us in the way we should go. When I made a mistake as a child, my parents would correct me, training me and pointing me in a better direction. Today’s passage is a reminder that God does the same thing through his work of pruning, not to hurt us but to help us live full and vibrant lives in Christ “so that we will bear more fruit.” As we will see in the coming days of our journey, when a believer bears “fruit” they are a reflection of Christ to the world around them.

Our lives and the fruit we bear are meant to glorify Him and bless others. That’s why our Heavenly Father will not leave us the way we are. Being disciplined or pruned may hurt us, but it will never harm us. God is always after our good, and we can always trust Him,” even in the pruning.

Abiding In Jesus, Bearing Fruit that Lasts/p45

I love most fruits, so when I see them in a store or market, they attract my attention. However, the ones that really catch my eye and land in my shopping basket are the vibrant, healthy ones. Discolored bananas? No thanks. Mushy or moldy strawberries? No way! Bright oranges are absolutely going in the basket, but never the faded ones. I can’t help but think this is how it is for ‘church shoppers,’ non-believers, or skeptics of Christianity when they see or hear a believer in their neighborhood, office place, a sporting venue, school, or anywhere in the world. We need to ask ourselves: Do they see vibrant, healthy, appealing fruit, or are they turned away by the discoloration of the world, still noticeable in our language, attitudes, and/or behavior? Oh, that we might faithfully abide in the Vine and yield to the Gardener’s care and pruning so that we might bear more fruit that glorifies God and blesses others.

The More We Know
Trusting the Gardener’s Pruning: by LGG

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Fruit of the Light

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w4d2

Scripture For the Journey
Read: Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 5:8-9/SOAP: Gal 5:22-23;Eph 5:9

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.


Galatians 5:22-26

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5:8-9
Observations of the Journey

There are some Scriptures that are familiar to most believers – and I would venture to say that the passage about the fruit of the Spirit is familiar to most who are reading this post. If it isn’t, I will be so bold to say that it should be. Why? Because the truth represented in these verses can make a difference in how we are known. – Are we seen as Christ’s followers or as those who follow the ways of the world – or- perhaps, even worse selection – are we seen as a little of both?

Consider these words of Jesus to the church of Laodicea and decide which testimony would be the worst one. Jesus said, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” 1 In today’s passage from Ephesians 5:8-9, Paul explains it like this to the believers in Ephesus: “You were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. So, live like children of light- for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”

The contrast between dark and light goes all the way back to Genesis and is used to compare evil and good. Our journey today reveals that “the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” When we are living by the Spirit, our lives will reflect the glory of God rather than the evil of the world and our old nature. Paul makes it very clear that when we choose the way of the world and give free rein to our old sinful nature, it doesn’t end well. –  

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,2 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,3 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.4“
Galatians 5:19-21

None of these sins should describe the ongoing lifestyle of one who is free and forgiven in Christ and powered by the Holy Spirit.

Bibleref.com/Galatians 5:20

I shared a post on Sunday (on my Facebook page) that included a glance at the week ahead and a challenge concerning your/our testimonies. The jest of the post was the role our testimonies play, why they’re essential to our faith, and how it’s helpful to write them down. In the post, I shared a short and not-so-short example as well as prompts to help you with yours. If you haven’t seen the post – I encourage you to take a look at it later and find some time in the week ahead to jot down yours. .

Application: Living out the Journey

Today’s journey has reminded me that part of my testimony includes keeping one foot in the ‘church’ and one foot in the ‘world.’ – I became very good at it. I say this not with pride but as a reminder to everyone reading this post: It is up to us how we live. We can choose to walk faithfully in the light, or we can choose to tiptoe in the light and dabble in the darkness. However, I’m can tell you from experience that this is a very dangerous way to walk. It damages not only our testimony but likely will cause others to stumble or question the validity of our faith and/or the importance of our God and His ways. – “Worse still, the cause of Christ will be damaged as unbelievers scoff and sneer at us and blaspheme His name.”5

Friends, if we are living like children of the light, we will not be lukewarm. We will shine brightly with the “Light of Jesus,” we will be seen flowing with the “fruit of His Spirit,” who lives in us and empowers us to thrive in the ways of God, ways that reveal His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Don’t be fooled; without His power and direction and a commitment to live by the Spirit, we will readily yield to our old sinful nature and appear as though we are still in ‘darkness.’ When this happens, “the Christian life turns into a destructive and self-serving religious existence.” This is why we must learn how to ‘live by the Spirit.’ It is without question an essential part/requirement of a firm foundation.

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for saving me out of the darkness into glorious Light. Thank You for pursuing me in the wilderness and pulling me from the pit of destruction. Thank You for changing me from the inside out and teaching me to trust that You are working all things together (the past, present, and future) together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose! Thank You for the reminder not only of the importance of being a faithful follower of Christ – but, as Paul said, of keeping in step with the Spirit. Show us how to stay in step and help us practice it well – so that our lives do not turn into destructive and self-serving religious existences – but instead, may they flourish by Your Spirit’s power and be beautiful testimonies of Your Presence in us. This is my hope and plea in Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Worship Response to the Journey

I’m sure there are so many other songs that could be sung in response to today’s journey, but this is the one that kept flowing through my mind – though I really thought it was “testimony,” and not “sanctuary” – actually both work in connection to our passages from yesterday and today.

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The Third Day of Christmas

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Originally posted December 28, 2020

Scripture: John 15:5; Name of Jesus – The Vine; Ornament – Cluster of Grapes

On this third day of Christmas, I am reminded to celebrate Jesus, not just as an infant in the manger, but as The Vine who gives me LIFE. I know and have experienced that apart from Him I can do nothing, but by ‘abiding’ in Him – I will bear much fruit, be known as His “true Disciple”, and bring glory to the Father.

Jesus, the True Vine
 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  Read More

John 15:1-8

The fruit we bear is unique to those who abide in Jesus, The Vine, because it is a product of His Spirit in us. His Life-Giving Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – Galatians 5:22-23. Abiding in Him changes us from the inside-out. We will look different, sound different, act different, respond differently, and think differently than the world. Abiding in Jesus, we will learn to live and grow to look more like Him – which is God’s ultimate goal for our life. The question is, “How do we stay connected to Him?” The answer – by faithfully spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word and living obediently to it. Abiding in Jesus may not always be easy – there will be hard choices and things we must give up in order to cling to the VINE but God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. Think of it this way – while John 5:5 teaches us that apart from Jesus “we can do nothing”, Paul teaches us that through Jesus “we can do all things”, Philippians 4:13. The struggles we face in this life are only truly surmountable when we are abiding in – or sometimes clinging to – The Vine – God’s gift of LIFE.

Me – From the Insideout

3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4
The Importance of Bearing Fruit