[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Faithful and Fruitful"- Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Wed Jul 21 17:36:39 UTC 2021

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Faithful and Fruitful
Being a Christian means to be a “follower of Christ,” striving to be more like Him each day. When Jesus was here on earth, His entire ministry was focused on loving others, helping others, and teaching others, all in preparation for His heavenly kingdom, and He wants His followers to do the same. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” And in John 15:16, Jesus gives a personal invitation to serve Him: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you.” Notice that in both of these verses, Jesus promises to be with you and give you what you need to be successful. Some Christians may argue that God didn’t call them to be successful, only to be “faithful.” But that’s simply not true because Jesus clearly stated that He wanted you to go and “bear fruit.” He didn’t just call you to be faithful, but also to be fruitful! In Matthew 21:19 Jesus actually cursed the fig tree because it didn’t bear fruit. Being faithful is only part of what God asks of His followers. The other half is being fruitful. Faithfulness and fruitfulness go hand in hand. Christians who are not actively sharing their faith, participating in church, or involved in helping others are not being fruitful and eventually, will spiritually die. There’s a reason Jesus asks you to be “fruitful.” Going to church and just being a “pew warmer” won’t make you passionate to serve God. Some Christians have a desire to share their faith but are too shy, filled with fear, or are simply just not passionate enough to allow God to use them. But don’t be afraid to witness for Christ. There is absolutely no reason to fear. Over and over again God promises that you are not alone, that He is with you, and that anything He calls you to do, He will give you everything you need to do that job! And God always keeps His promises. Listen for Holy Spirit guidance and God will show you who to witness to, what to say, and when to say it. Jesus makes it very clear in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Fruitfulness will come when you allow God to take control of your life and surrender to His will. Text: Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:5-8, Matthew 12:33, Isaiah 58:11

Bible Texts:
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV - "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit." 

John 15:5-8 NKJV - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."

Matthew 12:33 NKJV - "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit." 

Isaiah 58:11 NKJV - The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

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