Tag: The Heart

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A Dead Giveaway

NOVEMBER 21

MATTHEW 7:20_Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Jesus applied this principle to the Scribes and the Pharisees. They used their power to hold worshipers in bondage to fear. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy numerous times. Hypocrisy is definitely a way of knowing false prophets by their fruit. Those who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk—a dead giveaway.

People in the public eye are generally there because of their political or financial power, or because of their celebrity status. In either of these cases, you know them by their deeds. If you happen to be a fan, be careful to not only watch their abilities, but listen to their views. If their views don’t line up with your Biblical convictions—don’t become an imitator (doesn’t mean you can’t still be a fan of their talent).

The greatest power figure of all time was Jesus.  Mark 10:42-45 (KJV), “42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, ‘Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.’”

Sounds like a servant’s heart is also a dead giveaway of a true Jesus disciple.

PRAYER

Holy Jesus, Please give me a servant heart that bears fruit for You. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.                                                                                                                                   

Christ had great power – And a humble heart!

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Quench Your Thirst

NOVEMBER 20

MATTHEW 7:20_Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

You already know good fruit is salt and light. Salt that preserves the truth once it’s found. Salt that whets the appetite so you thirst for more truth. A thirst that can only be quenched by a relationship with Jesus. If you are being led to quench your thirst by anything other than Jesus—you will not produce good fruit. 

In Matthew 13 (KJV), Jesus tells a parable about planting seeds in different types of soil and how the seed responds to where it is planted: “19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground [heart] is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

PRAYER

Only Wise God, Please plant in my heart the words of Your kingdom. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.    

Christ plants His kingdom in my heart—I receive it!

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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 make 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!

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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. 7 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?’ 8 And he answering said unto him [owner], ‘Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [fertilize] it: 9 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!

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I’m Saying It Again

NOVEMBER 16

MATTHEW 7:19_Every tree…

This life is hard—for everyone. Some people may appear to never have trouble, but you’re only seeing the surface. Everyone has struggles in earthly life. 

I believe I’ve said that the Bible is about truth, and truth is about freedom. I’m saying it again.

I believe I’ve said that Jesus wants you to live free. I’m saying it again. 

I believe I’ve said that Jesus wants you to be alert to the devil’s schemes and escape the bondage into which he desires to snare you. I’m saying it again.

When Jesus ate His last Passover meal with His disciples He let them know that everyone will face hard times. John 14:26-27 (KJV), “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  

I really like that Jesus assures me the Holy Spirit will remind me of these creation principles.

Jesus’ peace conquers fear.     

PRAYER

Immanuel, Thank You for giving Your peace to me when I face trouble. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.     

Christ is peace over fear—He gives it to me!