No Fruit?

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 7 / NT - Luke 3:1-22

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”  - Luke 3:10-14

When I was growing up, our family planted numerous trees around the house. One of those trees was a Mimosa tree. The promise of its unique beauty kept us in expectation, but after three leafless seasons, we concluded it was dead and dug it up. We were then shocked to find life in the roots, yet no fruit of leaves on the branches. How could there be root, but no fruit?

The Christian life is very much like a tree. When we're planted and rooted in Jesus, there is fair expectation of fruit. As John prepared the way for our Lord, he preached, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (vs. 8)  When asked what he meant by fruit, John gave practical and individual instructions. If someone has come to Christ in repentance and faith, they become new creations, like newly planted trees in the God's garden. When there's spiritual root, there should be spiritual fruit.

As you continue through the spring and beyond, what fruit will be seen in your life? If you are spiritually rooted, Jeremiah 17:8 says you will never fail to bear fruit. Yet, what will that fruit be? With each new day ask , “What should I do then?” I have root, what should be my fruit?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 8-9 / NT - Luke 3:23-4:13

Oversight ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 5-6 / NT - Luke 2:39-52

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 

 " - Luke 2:51

"But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 

 " - Matthew 3:15

Every sports team has one head coach and many players. Quite often the best coaches are those who were once players themselves. They are good leaders because they were good followers. A true "servant-leader" understands the value of both qualities in the game of life. Obedience is the prerequisite to oversight.

Jesus is our Lord and Master, yet at one time He was an obedient son and cooperative baptism candidate. He set the example for all "servant-leaders" as mentioned in Hebrews 5:8, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." Obedience is the prerequisite to oversight.

Do you have the qualities to lead others my friend? God may have called and gifted you, but the lessons learned through submission to others are character building. And just as significantly, our continued surrender to the Lordship of Christ is imperative. Obedience is always the prerequisite to oversight.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 7 / NT - Luke 3:1-22

Knowing the Truth ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 4 / NT - Luke 2:8-38

"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." - Luke 2:16-18 

There never seems to be a lack of gossip sheets in the grocery store. The competition is centered on getting the dirt out as fast as possible, whether it's right or wrong. The practice is a timeless drive called "getting the scoop". This fervor is also supported by the idea that "people need to know". Well, the real scoop is; people need to know the truth.

The shepherds were given the scoop about Messiah's birth. First they traveled to Bethlehem to see the Child with their own eyes and then spread the story. These "wise shepherds" got the details straight before they spread the news. As a result, "all who heard it were amazed" since the scoop was life changing truth.

Are you quick to spread the news about the latest event? Do you have a craving to be the first to share the story? Have you ever been as excited about telling others about the Lord? There is no greater scoop than to tell someone who has never heard about Jesus the wonderful story of salvation. People need to know the truth!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 5-6 / NT - Luke 2:39-52

Fresh Hope ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 2:14-3:5 / NT - Luke 1:67-2:7

"because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high" - Luke 1:78

We move into spring with a number of expectations, some of which may have spiritual focus. We may intend to attend church more regularly, become more involved in some outreach ministry or offer to serve in the upcoming Vacation Bible School. But, are these hopes similar to those of last fall or the beginning of the new year? Our walk with God is filled with many good intentions but failed efforts. How does the Lord put up with our dropping the ball again and again? Because of His tender mercy, the sun rises every morning.

The Hope of Israel and ours is found in the fulfilled promise of Malachi 4:2, "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." For those who know, love and fear the Lord there is a tender mercy to allow us new beginnings every day. As little orphan Annie put it, "the sun will come out tomorrow", and when the "sun" is Messiah Jesus there will always be "healing in His wings".

Be encouraged my friend to enter the spring with fresh hope. When the Lord holds you in His eternal grip, He does so with tender mercy. And you can face every day with the words of Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 4 / NT - Luke 2:8-38

My Savior...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 1:1-2:13 / NT - Luke 1:46-66

"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior'" - Luke 1:46–47

History serves us well, as long as we keep personalities in perspective. Great men and women of the past may be portrayed as heroes and heroins. They may have performed significant feats that qualify them as such, but the fact remains that they were just as human and frail as the next person. As David reminds us in Psalm 103:14, "For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust". No pedestal of fame can change this fact.

Biblical history serves us well too. We will find a pantheon of spiritual giants as we skim through the Scriptures. They include those who were strong leaders, bold heralds of truth and skilled builders of God's kingdom. Among these personalities is the woman that gave birth to Jesus. Her name was Mary and she was blessed with great privilege. But her own words testify of a basic truth: she needed a Savior, and God met the need. Even Mary believed what David wrote in Psalm 14:3, "...there is none who is good, not even one." No pedestal of fame can change this fact.

If we learn anything from history, we understand that all people are sinners, in need of a Savior. If Mary, the mother of Jesus, rejoiced in God her Savior, everyone has the same need. No one is so heroic, strong, bold or skilled that they are not equally dust, without true goodness and God in this world. (Ephesians 2:12). There is no pedestal of fame high enough to lift you above the need for a Savior.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 2:14-3:5 / NT - Luke 1:67-2:7

Let it Be as He Wills...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Psalm 48 / NT - Luke 1:26-45

"And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'" - Luke 1:38

When I was young, every guy in the neighborhood played sandlot baseball. I wasn't very good at the game, but I played every weekend. The reason I got to play was because I showed up early and played anywhere they put me. Someone has said that success is 10% skill and 90% showing up. That may be an oversimplification but it does emphasize the real issue of effective ministry. Those are most used who "show up" when needed.

Mary was a true and successful servant of the Lord. She showed up when called and was willing to serve in any way the Lord asked. No matter how embarrassing or demanding, the simple response to God's direction was, "let it be to me according to your word." Most believers would find greater joy and fulfillment if they would just be willing to show up and play wherever the coach put them.

How about you my friend? Are you serving in the way the Lord has called you? Or have you complicated matters by inserting your plans over and above God's will? Why not take the simple path of happiness and success by starting every day with the prayer, "let it be to me according to your word."

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 1:1-2:13 / NT - Luke 1:46-66

In His Time...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Chron. 31 / NT - Luke 1:1-25

"And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years ... But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John' ...' 'Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.'” - Luke 1:6,7, 13, 25

Does it pay to live righteously? Are the godly always blessed with good things? Are their prayers always answered quickly with abundant and joyful results? Is God's timing always the best? Such questions occasionally haunt even the most faithful believer. 

As we look at the experience of Zechariah and Elizabeth today we see a very relieved couple. Their "reproach" and "prayer" has finally been addressed. But for years they had been faithful to the Lord with an empty nest. In their day being barren was seen as a really bad thing. Was God displeased with them or did He have a very different plan?

Blessed are those who wait on the Lord my friend. And as you wait, be faithful. Be assured that your prayers are heard and your heartache is felt by the very "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). May you find rest in the fact that He makes all things beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11) ... "And you will have joy and gladness" (Luke 1:14).

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Psalm 48 / NT - Luke 1:26-45