Fertilizer

NOVEMBER 19

MATTHEW 7:19_and cast into the fire.

In the parable of the fig tree, I see Jesus as the vine dresser. The needs you have in life require fertilizer. 

If you feel like your life does not, and has not, produced fruit—don’t panic. You are not about to be cut down and cast into the fire. Jesus sees your potential because He knows your created purpose. He wants to work in and teach your heart through the Bible. Jesus longs for you to hear His words and know the truth. And knowing the truth will make you … you guessed it … free!

This is freedom from believing the devil’s lies. 

Lies that makes the tree (your life) wither.

If you believe anything negative about your created life—you’re withering.

If you believe that you were not created with a purpose in life—you’re withering.

If you believe you can never personally know God—you’re withering.

If you believe Jesus does not have the power to give you eternal life—you’re withering.

If you believe your physical afflictions or defects can keep you from achieving God’s purpose—you’re withering.

If you believe your lack of finances can keep you from achieving God’s purpose—you’re withering.  

All of these things cause you to come to God with your needs. God meets your needs with the fertilizers of faith and trust.

PRAYER

King Eternal, Please help me see that my needs increase my faith. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.    

Christ uses my needs to draw me closer – To Him!

Balance in Life

NOVEMBER 18

MATTHEW 7:19_that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down…

Do you agree that trees which are not producing good fruit should be cut down? Every living thing has a purpose. It needs to perform that purpose to keep balance in life. Does that mean if your fig tree is having a bad year you need to cut it down? No. Jesus’ heart of compassion gives everything and everyone ample opportunity for life—including eternal life. 

Jesus tells us a parable in Luke 13:6-9 (KJV), “He spake also this parable; ‘A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?’ And he answering said unto him [owner], ‘Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [fertilize] it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.’”

This tree was taking up space and nutrients, yet not producing. The owner was correct that it was serving no purpose. The vine dresser, who spent his time in the garden, saw a slight hope that if this tree were carefully nurtured it might begin to produce. 

Jesus sees that potential in all of us.   

PRAYER

True God, You give me what I need to produce good fruit. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.    

Christ gives everyone an opportunity for eternal life!

He Does It All!

OCTOBER 6

MATTHEW 7:9_Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask…

One of the great mysteries of the spiritual life is the Trinity. The Triune God who functions as three-in-one. 

The Bible teaches God can function as the Eternal Father, the Jehovah-Jireh provider, and as the I AM. The Bible teaches this same God can function as the Son, the Creator of all that exists, and as the Christ, the Messiah who saves for eternity all who believe. The Bible also teaches this same God can function as the indwelling Holy Spirit, who comforts, who teaches, and who guides. No wonder He is all-powerful—He does it all! 

Jesus calls God, Father. So do I. Jesus taught to pray to God as My Father, which art in Heaven. As a Jesus follower, you are a child of God. II Corinthians 1:3 (KJV), “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” Be comfortable in God because He loved you before you loved Him. 

God wanted King David to know how to call upon Him. Psalm 89:27 (KJV), “He [King David … and me] shall cry unto me [God], Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.”

God is all those things to me.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of You and worship You as my Father. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.          

Christ teaches me God is my Father—I am His child!

You Decide

OCTOBER 3

MATTHEW 7:8_and he that seeketh, findeth…

God does some seeking Himself. Proverbs 20:27 (KJV), “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Okay, so it sounds a little strange, or even humorous, in the King James, but if you translate belly and inward parts as the very depth of your being you may do better. 

This verse tells something about your spirit. If you are a triune being: body, soul, and spirit—what is your spirit? Think of it as the part of your being which communes with God. It also is the part which is eternal. 

Your spirit is housed within the body, and you can’t see it. Yet, you know it is there because it communes with the Holy Spirit. This is what searches the innermost part of your being—kind of like a conscience. 

Your soul (mind, will, emotions) also is housed in the body, you can’t see it either. Yet, you know the soul is there because you think, you decide whether to follow God’s path or the devil’s. You can cry when you hurt and smile when you’re happy.

The body is the only part of your being you can see. One day it will die. The spirit will live on.

You have the freedom to decide where your spirit will live – for eternity.

PRAYER

God Who Sees, Help me as my spirit and the Holy Spirit guide me. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.                                   

Christ uses my spirit to lead me—I will follow!

A Secure Future

AUGUST 29

MATTHEW 6:34_Take therefore no thought for the morrow…

Is the future high on your worry list? Everyone should think about the future. Certainly you should think about your eternal future. Do you know for certain where you will spend eternity?

Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV), God tells His people, “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Because God does not want you to spend time, energy, and health in worry, He made a way to secure your future. 

John 3:16-17 (KJV), “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

God wants the world saved. Choices must be made individually. You must open the door to your heart. Jesus stands knocking.

Within the next 15 minutes you will receive a Salvation post. If you are ready, pray the prayer. Print the page, sign, and date it.  Next, tell all your family and friends, and praise God that your future is secured.   

PRAYER

Jesus Savior, Praise You for giving Yourself to secure my eternal future! In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Christ gave Himself for me—He is my Savior and Lord!