August 7, 2018
BIBLE MEDITATION:
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. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
I’ll tell you one thing about fruit. You will never see a fruit factory. Now, you’ll see factories for making clothing, cars, and computers, but not a fruit factory. Instead, fruit is grown in an orchard. You see, there is no fruit without life. “The fruit of the Spirit is patience,” Galatians 5:22 says. You cannot manufacture patience. A few verses later it adds, “If we live in the Spirit, let’s walk in the Spirit.” The only way fruit is going to ripen and grow is in the right climate and with the right nutrients.
Just like we can’t grow bananas in Alaska, we can’t grow and produce the fruit of the Spirit unless we’re in the place where the Spirit can produce His fruit in us. And that place is walking and abiding in the Spirit.
ACTION POINT:
Read Galatians 5:22-25 today. You’ll never have patience until you abide in the Spirit. Even then, you don’t produce that fruit; you bear it. Jesus said, “You abide in Me, that My Word abide in you.” Then you’ll be fruitful.
Love Worth Finding's newest book, "A Final Charge to the Church, "is based on the final series of messages Pastor Rogers preached before retiring in 2005. Pastor Rogers wanted to prepare his congregation for the future. In doing so, he provided a biblically sound blueprint that applies to all Christians on topics including unity among believers, standing strong in opposition to the enemy (Satan), the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives, steadfastness in prayer, true worship, faithfulness to God's Word, caring for others, and the kingdom authority given to believers in Jesus Christ. The book is a great read for all believers who want to become better prepared, as the bride of Christ, to be radiant, pure, and faithful to Jesus, the living Word of God.