As I took my break while at work several days ago, I chose to get some fresh air. I found myself on an empty bench facing the direction of tall green trees dancing to the rhythm of the wind, and clouds passing over me in the midst of the light blue sky. I looked straight ahead, then left to right, right to left, and back at the center, lifting up thanksgiving to my Father. I was thanking Him for the opportunity to breathe in fresh air, see creation dancing to the wind, and hear the birds include their song in the melody of that day. It led me to acknowledge how Creative and Supreme my Creator is. How He predestined that day to fulfill it’s purpose. It brought forth a smile, which expressed my joy, gratitude, and love for Him. I was in awe of having my thoughts filled with Him during my break I so much desperately needed.
My attention was then fixed on this tree amongst the others that bared no leaves, not even one. This tree was one of the tallest trees. I stared at this tree awhile as I zoomed left to right and right to left again. I was searching to see if there were any more naked trees standing. To my knowledge, I’ve seen zero present. So, this took me a little deeper in His wonder as I opened my heart for Him to speak. I ask, God what is it here You are showing me? As I sat patiently staring at this barren tree, all the other trees were filled with green leaves. They were swinging east and west, whichever way the wind took them. But, this tree had nothing to swing. Then I heard this question; How are we looking in the midst of others to others? Are we barren in the Kingdom of God? In John 15:5-8 it states; “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. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Our relationship with Jesus Christ shows in our everyday lives. Our lifestyle shows if we are spending quality time with Him. It shows if we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds and if our hearts are being conformed to His. When God is in control of our lives, the things that breaks His heart begins to break ours. Our spirits no longer have a taste for sin, but our flesh does. In this case, we are no longer bound by our fleshly nature and we now have the power of the living Jesus in us. Yes, the Holy Spirit abides in those who have accepted and believe in Jesus Christ and we now can bring the flesh under subjection. That’s an awesome ability, to tell the flesh to submit and no longer have the flesh rule you. What do you think about that? So, are we set apart from society and available for God to use our living vessels for the advancement of His Kingdom? Do we understand God abides in those that abide in Him? When others are in your presence, do they see Jesus in you? Are we unashamed of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to share the Good News with others when God presents opportunities?
God wants to use us for His glory! He wants others to witness Him living now, so they will not be counted lost on the day of Judgment. Let today be the day we lay our plans on the altar as a sacrifice and pick up our cross. Let God speak His plan to our hearts. We have the right to ask Him for wisdom, guidance, and strength to be obedient to His will that we live prosperously as others come to know Jesus for themselves. Lets not be like that barren tree that has no life to bring forth a leaf. Let our lives bring forth many leaves. The principle to this is staying connected to the Vine. Just because you are alive and standing does not mean you are living, it’s only a matter of time before you are cut down and thrown into the fire to be burned. That’s the enemy’s plan for you, but God finds no pleasure at all when one choose death instead of life. God want’s to revive you, there is still time. The time is now, He knows the next moment, we don’t. Will you let Him restore you to your intended purpose?
Prayer 4 Today
O God, my God! I come seeking You because of who You are and because it brings You great joy when we search for You. You are an ocean to my soul, my soul thirst for You, O living Savior. Thank You for the opportunity to breathe and enjoy this day You have created! Where would I be if I continued to deny and reject You, but You never stopped pursuing me. For that Father, I am grateful! It is definitely a privilege to serve in Your Kingdom. I pray that there is no barrier between us. Unconfessed sins puts up a wall. If there is anything I have said or done, I ask You to forgive me right now. If it’s something habitual, I pray You bring it to the surface so I may recognize and confess. I need to repent for the things that are not of You, so I may be set free by Truth. Lord, today is the day I want to live a life that represents You genuinely. I don’t want to look like the tree that is set apart from all others with no leaves, with no life. I don’t want to miss the opportunity any longer to join in with creation and serve a purpose. I surrender my will for Your will. I thank You for being Faithful and Just. You are amazing and I thank You for the Holy Spirit that abides in me. I want an appetite for Your Word. I need to know all about You. I have to have You in every moment of my life. Let my lifestyle demonstrate who You are and that You are living now and forever. Thank You for inclining Your ears to my petition. In Jesus Powerful Name, Amen!
My attention was then fixed on this tree amongst the others that bared no leaves, not even one. This tree was one of the tallest trees. I stared at this tree awhile as I zoomed left to right and right to left again. I was searching to see if there were any more naked trees standing. To my knowledge, I’ve seen zero present. So, this took me a little deeper in His wonder as I opened my heart for Him to speak. I ask, God what is it here You are showing me? As I sat patiently staring at this barren tree, all the other trees were filled with green leaves. They were swinging east and west, whichever way the wind took them. But, this tree had nothing to swing. Then I heard this question; How are we looking in the midst of others to others? Are we barren in the Kingdom of God? In John 15:5-8 it states; “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. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Our relationship with Jesus Christ shows in our everyday lives. Our lifestyle shows if we are spending quality time with Him. It shows if we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds and if our hearts are being conformed to His. When God is in control of our lives, the things that breaks His heart begins to break ours. Our spirits no longer have a taste for sin, but our flesh does. In this case, we are no longer bound by our fleshly nature and we now have the power of the living Jesus in us. Yes, the Holy Spirit abides in those who have accepted and believe in Jesus Christ and we now can bring the flesh under subjection. That’s an awesome ability, to tell the flesh to submit and no longer have the flesh rule you. What do you think about that? So, are we set apart from society and available for God to use our living vessels for the advancement of His Kingdom? Do we understand God abides in those that abide in Him? When others are in your presence, do they see Jesus in you? Are we unashamed of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to share the Good News with others when God presents opportunities?
God wants to use us for His glory! He wants others to witness Him living now, so they will not be counted lost on the day of Judgment. Let today be the day we lay our plans on the altar as a sacrifice and pick up our cross. Let God speak His plan to our hearts. We have the right to ask Him for wisdom, guidance, and strength to be obedient to His will that we live prosperously as others come to know Jesus for themselves. Lets not be like that barren tree that has no life to bring forth a leaf. Let our lives bring forth many leaves. The principle to this is staying connected to the Vine. Just because you are alive and standing does not mean you are living, it’s only a matter of time before you are cut down and thrown into the fire to be burned. That’s the enemy’s plan for you, but God finds no pleasure at all when one choose death instead of life. God want’s to revive you, there is still time. The time is now, He knows the next moment, we don’t. Will you let Him restore you to your intended purpose?
Prayer 4 Today
O God, my God! I come seeking You because of who You are and because it brings You great joy when we search for You. You are an ocean to my soul, my soul thirst for You, O living Savior. Thank You for the opportunity to breathe and enjoy this day You have created! Where would I be if I continued to deny and reject You, but You never stopped pursuing me. For that Father, I am grateful! It is definitely a privilege to serve in Your Kingdom. I pray that there is no barrier between us. Unconfessed sins puts up a wall. If there is anything I have said or done, I ask You to forgive me right now. If it’s something habitual, I pray You bring it to the surface so I may recognize and confess. I need to repent for the things that are not of You, so I may be set free by Truth. Lord, today is the day I want to live a life that represents You genuinely. I don’t want to look like the tree that is set apart from all others with no leaves, with no life. I don’t want to miss the opportunity any longer to join in with creation and serve a purpose. I surrender my will for Your will. I thank You for being Faithful and Just. You are amazing and I thank You for the Holy Spirit that abides in me. I want an appetite for Your Word. I need to know all about You. I have to have You in every moment of my life. Let my lifestyle demonstrate who You are and that You are living now and forever. Thank You for inclining Your ears to my petition. In Jesus Powerful Name, Amen!