6 Principles For Cultivating Missional Friendships

Missional Living is all about relationships! It is impossible to live a powerful missional life without having developed strong relationships with those people you are trying to reach for Christ.  That doesn't mean you have to develop a relationship with a person before you share Christ with them. That is a popular belief but it is not one that held up by scripture. There are examples after examples where people share the Gospel with people on their very first encounter with them. So, please understand me YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH A PERSON BEFORE YOU SHARE JESUS!  But with that said I do believe that the development of strong and healthy relationships that are Godly becomes the proof to many that the message of the cross is real and authentic.  It can become the bridge that helps people who've heard the message you already brought them believe and receive. Take a few moments and listen to this video to learn 6 principles for developing those relationship you've begun on the mission field. 

Let's get a really good discussion started on this subject! Below share as a comment some of the things you've learned about developing relationships with those who haven't come to Christ yet!  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AS A COMMENT!

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GET 30 FREE VIDEO'S WITH IDEA'S ON SHINING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

Must Christians know that they "SHOULD"  be sharing Jesus with their neighbors but most don't know "HOW" to do it!  

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3 Ways to Recover From Missional Living Failure

No Christian that begins to follow Christ on His mission does it perfectly! Failure is a part of the development for a powerful missional life. Many of Christ's Followers, that have an unhealthy understanding and Biblical view of failure, allow fear of failure to keep them from joining Christ on His mission.  Their rationale is that they know they can't do it perfectly, so they won't even attempt to live a missional life because they don't want to fail Christ.

In this post we are going to look at failure and how to overcome it so that we can move forward with Christ's mission.  Christians who pursue a missional life won't be able to avoid failure but at the same time the y shouldn't allow failure to hold them back in joining Christ on His mission. 

In this post we will look at 3 ways to quickly recover from failure and keep moving forward in shining Christ's Light!

#1:  Remember Everybody Fails

" We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check." James 3:2 (NIV)

I really love the first part of this verse because it reminds me that all of us, every last single one of us, mess up and blow it from time to time.

"Indeed there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins." Eccl. 7:20 (NIV)

Did you hear the answers to each of those question that were posed in that verse?  Who is righteous on the earth? NO ONE! Who never sins? NO ONE! Other than Jesus Christ there is absolutely no one who has lived a perfect life!  

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory.  Who sins?  EVERYONE!  The closest that anyone ever come to being perfect is on their resume!

Now this is important to understand because it also apply's to every single Christian living a missional life!  All of Christ's Followers who have decided to join Him on His mission will fail in their attempts at one time or another. Every Christian messes up in their attempts to share Jesus, to shine the Light of Christ and in loving people the way God wants us to love them. EVERY CHRISTIAN!  Every great person of faith that you can think up who had done amazing things for the Kingdom of God has messed up, blown it and failed.  EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! 

When we let go of our unhealthy and unbiblical idea that Christians who who join Christ on His mission must do it perfectly then we are freed to recover from our failures and move forward with Christ's mission faster! 

#2: Realize Failure Isn't Fatal

This is an amazing truth to remember!  Failure isn't fatal!  Wow! How often have we blown our failures way out of proportion believing that the world is going to come crashing down upon us because we blew it! To often! IT FEELS THAT WAY! I get it! But the truth is - it isn't fatal, life will go on and tomorrow will be a new day.

" ... for the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumbles when calamity strikes."  Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

This verse gives a comparison between two different kinds of people. It compares the righteous person to the wicked person. The righteous person, though he falls (messes up) will rise again as in comparison to the wicked person who stumbles when calamity strikes.  

If find it encouraging that even the "Righteous Person" is described as one who falls.  Even they mess up but they always seem to get up again and not allow their failing to stop them.  

But it is important to understand Biblical Righteousness.  According to the Apostle Paul is not a righteousness that comes from good works but a righteous that is imputed to people that comes from faith in Christ's death, burial and resurrection for atonement for their sins.

This is so important to understand otherwise we can quickly be mistaken that the "Righteous Person" is a "Perfect Person" and they're not! The person who is righteous before God is the person who has failed many times, sinned many times but through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection has been declared righteous by God. Being righteous in God's sight is an act of God that He does for us and not an act we do for God.

Now with that in mind look again at the verse in Proverbs 24:16.  Those who have been declared righteous by God because of their faith in Him and not by their works even if they fall they will get up again!

Even though we mess up in our attempts to live a powerful missional life God can and will restore us to go live it again!  PRAISE GOD!

The Apostle Peter is a perfect example for us to consider.  On the night that Jesus was to be arrested Peter declared that he would never abandon Christ even if all the other apostle did.  Jesus then told him that he would indeed deny him 3 times before the rooster crowed that very night.  But then Jesus gave Peter some encouragement. Jesus told Peter that he has prayed for Peter that God would restore him and help him to encourage the rest of the disciples.  And that's exactly what happened! Peter did deny Christ but after God restored him and picked him up Peter went on to have a powerful life on mission for Christ and was an amazing encouragement for the others also. 

Why is our failures not fatal? Because Jesus is our High Priest always making intercession for us before God the Father. Jesus is asking the Father to give us all we need to get back up again!  All I can say is:

AWESOME! 

#3: Recognize The Benefits That Come From Failure

In this part I want to share two benefits that come as a result of your failures!  That's right there are benefits from failing!

FAILURE EDUCATES US: The Bible tells us in Proverbs 28: 13 that the person who refuses to admit their failure or mistakes can never be successful.  Before we can learn to be successful we have to admit we fail otherwise we are doomed to keep repeating the same mistake over and over again. God uses our mistakes to show areas of my our life that need to experience His improvement or change.

FAILURE MOTIVATES US: The lesson we learn from Proverbs 20:30 is that sometimes it takes painful situations to make us change our ways. Failures can be painful and when we become so tired of blowing it over and over again then we become teachable on the right way to do something.

Even in the story of the Prodigal Son, that Jesus told, we find the son becoming teachable when he comes to his senses while sitting in a pig pen hungry to eat what the pigs were eating.

FAILURES MAKE US DESPERATE - DESPERATION HELPS US TO BECOME TEACHABLE!

Don't allow your failures keep you from joining Christ on His mission! Instead, confess your sins and failure to God and allow God to use them to train you on how to better join Him on His mission.  

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3 Things That Every Christian Should Know

#1:  Christians Should Know That God Is In Control!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Notice that the Bible doesn't say that all things are "good" but that all things, whether good or bad, work out for good for those who love God and called according to His purposes. 

This is why Joseph was able to say to his brothers after they had sold him into slavery and after he had become second in command of all Egypt that what they did they intended to harm him but God intended it for good.  GOD NEVER WASTS A HURT!

#2:  Christians Should Know They Have A Heavenly Home!

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”  2 Cor. 5:1

Maybe this is why Jesus, on the Sermon of the Mount, taught not to store up our treasures here on earth but instead store them up in Heaven!  What good is an earthy treasure when you're spending eternity in Heaven?

"This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. My treasures are laid out somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beacon me from Heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore."   Old Gospel Hymn

#3:  Christians Should Know That They Will Be Like Jesus!

“We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  1 John 3:2

Boy I sure can't wait! A new body, a new life, a new character that's just like Jesus!  Come Lord Jesus, Come!

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3 Kinds Of People Encountered In Missional Living!

When you chose to join God on His mission you'll encounter three different kinds or groups of people.  Each person will be distinctly different from the others and will require you to share with them a different message.

In this video I will identify each of the 3 different kinds of people, describe what they are like and to share with them in order to be joining Christ on His mission.  As you are having a conversations with people think about what group they fall into and then what kind of message they need to hear.  THEN STEP OUT ON FAITH AND SHARE IT!

Now that you've heard what I had to say I'd love to hear your thoughts! Share with us about what you think below as a comment and let's get a great discussion going about how we can shine the Light of Christ even brighter and more intentional!

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3 Promises From God That Will Give You Courage

Joining God in His activity is never an easy proposition especially when you first start out joining Him on His mission.  Why?

• Because it requires COURAGE!
• Because it requires FAITH!
• Because it requires ACTION!

It's one thing to sit around and talk about joining Christ on His mission and how important it is but quite a different thing to actually get up and do it!

Hudson Taylor the great English missionary to China was thought by many of his friends to be a bit odd because he was willing to give up all the comforts of England and go to that foreign and less modern place of known as China.  What was the difference between Hudson Taylor and His friends?  COURAGE! Hudson Taylor was able to muster up the courage necessary to go shine the Light of Christ in China while the others were to afraid! 

But what is courage and where does it come from? If we can answer these two important question maybe we too, like Hudson Taylor, will be able to more effectively join Christ on His mission and go where He would send us! Maybe, we too will be able to shine the Light for those who are still lost in spiritual darkness and lead them back home to God.

Let me quickly answer that first question and get it out of the way.  What is courage?  

"Courage is the ability to do something even though it frightens you; it is strength in the face of pain or grief. Some might say that a courageous person is brave and bold; strong and tenacious; or tough and valiant.  Courage is the ability to go out and do something when everything inside of you is screaming to not go."  

Courage is one of those virtues that everyone admires and wishes to have but few actually exhibit it. Many feel that courage can only be found in just a few people and that most people will never attain it.  

However, courage is a necessary ingredient for a powerful missional life. Just to be able to say, like the Prophet Isaiah,

"Here I am Lord send me",

Requires courage. But where does that kind of courage come from? How can ordinary christians develop that mental state that will allow them to abandon all to join Christ in His work?  The answer is simple!

Courage is found in the PROMISES OF GOD! 

In this post we are going to look at 3 Specific Promises that God gave to Joshua when He commissioned him to be part of God's mission.  Joshua's calling is found in Joshua 1:1-9. Three times in those 9 verses God instructs Joshua to have courage.  3 TIMES!  Why?  Because God knew that the commissioning of Joshua was going to cause Joshua tremendous stress and anxiety and so God was reassuring him that he could have courage to do what he was being called to do.  

3 promises to match 3 admonitions to have courage.  

These same 3 promises are for all of Christ's Followers and when fully accept will give you the courage to join Christ also on His mission.  Let's take a look at Joshua 1:1-9 to learn of these 3 Promises.

3 Promises From God

#1:  The Promise Of Success

"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory." (v. 3,4)

This promise to Joshua was based on a previous promise that God had made to Abraham and again to his son Isaac and again to Jacob.  God had promised that Abraham and his family line would inherit that land as God's gift to them. 

Notice that the verses say that it "shall" be your territory but it doesn't say, "it might be your territory" or "it's possible for it to be your territory".  No. God said that the promise land WOULD BE THEIR TERRITORY and that Joshua would bring them into it to possess it.  

IT WAS A PROMISE OF SUCCESS!

In Matthew 24:14 Jesus make not only a prediction but also another promise of success that's important to all of us who are joining Christ on His mission.  He says,

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (NIV)

What's the promise in this verse?  That the gospel of the kingdom of God "WILL" be preached to the whole world!  Again, there's no if's, but's or maybe's! The Gospel of Jesus Christ will be preach to every tribe, nation, language and people group in the whole world. IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN!  

So, when we join Christ in His mission of sharing the Gospel to people all around us we are guaranteed success! We cannot fail! Why? Because it's a promise of success.  When you join Christ in making disciple of all nations you will succeed because Christ has already appointed it success. 

Knowing you can't fail in joining Christ on His mission should bring you such confidence. Why wouldn't you join Him if you couldn't fail? Why wouldn't you have courage if your success was guaranteed?

#2: The Promise Of God's Word

"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (vs. 7,8) 

This promise is stated over and over again throughout the Bible! The promise is simply this:  Know God's Word, meditate on God's Word and OBEY God's Word you will be successful.  It's really quite simple. Obedience to God and His word will bring the blessings of God into your life but failure to obey God and His word will bring about His disfavor. 

Why is this true? Because God is the creator of all things and as such He knows how it is suppose to operate. When we operate our life according to the way it was designed we experience the blessings of a well operated life but if we chose not to live life according to the way God has designed it our life will break down and fall apart. IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE.

It's like a car. You can chose to run your car and never get an oil change as it is recommended to get every 3,000 miles. And you can actually run that car for many miles that way. But eventually there comes a time will the oil breaks down and your car engine locks up and won't run anymore. The car will actually break down many miles earlier than it would have if you had just gotten the recommended oil change.  Our life is the same way. We can live life contrary to God's owner manual, the Bible, for a while. But eventually your life breaks down and will die much earlier than it would have if you had lived according to God's word. 

If you're joining Christ on His mission and living life according to the Word of God you are promised success in your missional endeavors! Look at the end of verse 7, "...that you may have prosper wherever you go." 

Why Wouldn't You Be Courageous If Your Obedience To God's Word Promised Success?

#3:  The Promise Of God's Presence

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (v. 9)

Here God tells Joshua that there is absolutely no reason why he should be afraid and he has every reason to have courage because He (God) will be with him wherever he goes.  He said the same thing in verse 5:

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you."

God's promise to Joshua was to never leave him or forsake him!  Isn't that the most encouraging thing you could ever think of?  If God's continuous presence doesn't give you courage I don't know what will!

Listen to what Jesus says at the end of when He is giving the Great Commission to go make disciples.  He says,

"and low I am with you always even to the end of the age."

There's that same promise for us that was given to Joshua! Christ has promised to always be with us as we join Him on His mission of discipling the nations.  

• Why shouldn't we be courageous?
• How could anything discourage us when we are assured that Christ will always be with us. 

These 3 promise that will give you courage are given to those who are committed to joining Christ (God) on His mission. Begin to join God in shining the Light of Christ in your part of this dark world but do it without fear and filled with courage. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this post. Leave a comment and share what's on your mind and let's see if we can get a good discussion going. Come back to read what others have to say and respond to their comments.

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7 Things Not To Do As A Follower Of Christ

Matthew 6:1-7:6

Jesus, on the Sermon On The Mount, talks about many things that are important for a Christian should do in order to live a powerful missional life and to shine the Light of Christ brightly in their part of this dark world. But, Jesus also talk about things that a Follower of Christ should avoid and "NOT DO"!  

It's important to remember that knowing what NOT TO DO is just as important as knowing what TO DO, especially when it comes to missional living.  In this post we are going to identify 7 things that Jesus tells us not to do!  It's just a list and doesn't go into any commentary as to why or how, so I would encourage you to read the passage for yourself and meditate on it so you can gain the full weight of what Jesus was conveying.  SO, LET'S GET STARTED!

#1 Don't Do Good Deed's So Others Can See!

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, You will have no reward for your Father in Heaven." (6:1)

#2:  Don't Pray Like The Hypocrites

"Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward." (6:5)

#3:  Don't Fast Like The Hypocrites

"And when you fast, don't be sad face like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They got their reward." (6:16)

#4:  Don't Store Up Treasures On Earth

"Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal."  (6:19)

#5:  Don't Worry About Your Life

"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?"  (6:25)

#6:  Don't Condemn Others

"Do not judge, so that you won't be judged."  (7:1)

#7:  Don't Give What's Precious To Those Who Won't Appreciate It!

"Don't give what is Holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces." (7:6)

How To Experience Freedom From Guilt

A survey in the UK found that 41% of the people said that they would enjoy everyday life more if they didn't feel guilty afterwards.  In other words, lots of people are actively engaged in activities that they feel guilty about after they are done and as a result the joy of life is stolen from them. 

A story is told of Noel Coward, the well known playwright, as a prank, once sent an identical anonymous letter to 10 notable men in London. The note said,

"We know what you have done. If you don't want to be exposed, leave town."  

Within six months, all 10 men that received the letter had moved!

Everyone Has Felt Guilt At One Time Or Another!

Why?  Because, other than Jesus, no one is perfect.  The Bible says that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. 

However, the Good News is that God wants to wipe your slate clean so you don't have to feel guilty anymore but instead experience God's total and complete forgiveness!  GOD WANTS TO:

• Give you a second chance.
• Help you start over again.

Listen to what Ephesians 1:7 says,

"In him we have redemption through the blood the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us wit hall wisdom and understanding."

And let's read Col 2:13-14,

" Where you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins having canceled the written code, with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us he took it alway, nailing it to the cross."

Here's what these two verse are says!  If you are in Christ God is not going to condemn you for your past mistakes because Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for your sins and was resurrected back to life again to pay for your pardon.  ISN'T THAT ABSOLUTELY AMAZING?

There is absolutely no reason why any of us should suffer with a guilty conscience any longer over you past sins if you have come to Jesus and received His forgiveness and freedom from guilt.

IF YOU'RE IN CHRIST

Your Sins Are Forgiven!

Punishment For Your Sins Has Been Made!

Christ Is No Longer Holding Your Sins Against You!

CHRIST HAS FREED YOU FROM YOUR SINS!

How Do You Experience Freedom From Guilt?

By Accepting What Jesus' Did For You Through His Death, Burial & Resurrection! By place your faith in the resurrected Lord Jesus!

3 Biblical Characteristics Of A Powerful Missional Life

In todays video we are going to look at 3 characteristics of 3 Old Testament Biblical characters that allow them to live a powerful missional life and allow the Light of God shine so brightly that the most powerful pagan king on earth at that time began to glorify the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - The God Of Israel!  Watch it and evaluate yourself to see if these characteristics are yours as well!

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Do You Have The Characteristics For A Powerful Missional Life?

Today we are going to take a look at some of the characteristics that God likes to see in the people he uses to live powerful missional lives.  Watch this video and then prayerfully consider your own life and ask God what He would have you do!

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Missional Living Activity For Father's Day

Here's a quick little idea to help you shine the Light of Christ into the lives of those men who have been like a father to you.  Watch this and make sure to share Jesus with those men you love who still need to receive Christ and His Gospel message.

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2 Important Things To Do To Make Disciples For Jesus

Let's take a look at two important things that Jesus did to call out his first disciples.  Then let's begin to join Christ on His mission by calling others to become disciples for Jesus also.  

I love to hear your thoughts about this topic! Please share your thoughts as a comment!

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Remembering What It's Like To Live In Spiritual Darkness

To effectively live a powerful missional life Christians need to remember that those who are without Christ live in spiritual darkness.  This video is intended to remind us that people are still lost in darkness and to help look at people with new eyes!

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1 Powerful Way To Join God On A Missional Living Movement

Do you want to be part of a powerful movement of God that allows the Light of Christ to shine brightly in this dark world?  Then check out this video and learn about one thing that Jesus commanded His disciples to do that would create a powerful movement of God!

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How To Start Off Each New Day For Powerful Missional Living

Watch this video and hear a great suggestion for starting the day off to brightly shine the Light of Christ in your part of this spiritually dark world!

Take a few moment and share you thoughts about how to start the day off to join Christ on His mission. Leave your thoughts as a comment.

Also, if you thought this video encouraging or empowering SHARE IT as a Facebook post or on your twitter account.  

MISSIONAL LIVING IS ALL ABOUT ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

Watch this video and get some great suggestions on how to engage in spiritual warfare while you are on mission with Christ!

8 Bible Verse To Empower You For Missional Living

These 8 verses have been particularly meaningful to me as I have been on this journey into a more missional life! They have been the fuel of empowerment that the Holy Spirit has given me to more boldly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those I am around.  I pray, as you read them, you too find them to be of help as you travel this journey!  

#1: Luke 24:46-47

"He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem."

#2: Matthew 28:18-20

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

#3: Luke 24:46-47

"He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

#4: Matthew 9:37-38

"Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

#5:  John 20:21

"Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

#6:  Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

#7: Isaiah 6:8

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, 'Here I am send me."

#8: Mark 16:15

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

WE HAVE:

1. The Mission
2. The Message
3. The Calling
4. The Power
5. The Presence
6. The Scope

So what are we waiting for? Let's go shine the Light of Christ into our part of this spiritual dark world brightly!

 

7 Important Principles For Developing The Fruit Of The Spirit

Have you ever wished you were more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kinder, faithful, gentle, self-controlled, or even filled with more goodness?  Of course you have ! We all have!  Those are the characteristics and depositions that we have marked as virtuous!  These are also the descriptions for what we as Christians have called The Fruit Of The Spirit!  

We all seems to want these virtues but we all seem to misunderstand how we attain them. They seems to be a hit and miss proposition. We seem to have some of them but rarely master all of them.  So, what are we missing? What has eluded us that keeps us from experiencing these calm and peaceful dispositions of life?

In this important post I am going to talk about 7 important principles for developing the Fruit of the Spirit which should greatly help us turn them into a reality for our own lives.  But before I get started listing the 7 principles let me point out these dispositions are a description of the "Fruit" not "Fruits".  We are not talking about a lot of different fruits that needs to nurture - just ONE fruit.  And it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  As the Holy Spirit becomes more and more implanted in our daily lives the fruit of the Spirit will become more and more evident.  First the blossoms and then the fruit.  So, in essence it is the Holy Spirit that needs to be nurtured in our lives if we are to attain those wonderful and lofty virtues. The stronger the Holy Spirit is implanted in our lives the more of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit will be evident in our lives!  

According John 15 it is God the Father's responsibility, as the gardner, to prune us back for the the purpose bearing even more fruit.  It is God who does the tending of the garden of our spiritual life so we can bear even more and more of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit or the Fruit of the Spirit.  The process that God the Father uses is the "pruning process".  This is a process where the gardener cuts back the branches so that they are able to bear even more fruit. The only way to become more fruitful and to have more of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit is for God the Father to prune us or cut us back.  

I don't know about you but that pruning process sure doesn't really seem to be a very pleasant experience.  It sounds more painful than pleasurable!  I know it will be a productive process (bearing more fruit) but not necessarily a fun process!  

Nothing to it! Right? Well let's  see!

7 Important Principles To Prepare Us For The Father's  Pruning Process

#1:  You Don't Have A Say In Whether You Get Pruned Or Not That's God's Decision.

I know we would all like to think we have a say in whether we participate in the pruning process or not but the truth is we don't.  In John 15 Jesus said that "every" branch that bears fruit the Father prunes so that it will bear even more fruit.  No branch is excluded! God the Father will prune back all the branches that are already bearing fruit for the purpose of making them bear even more fruit.  All of them - not just some of them!

Now don't think that if you decide to stop bearing fruit that God will leave you alone.  He won't! John 15 also says that the Father cuts off all the branches that doesn't bear fruit and throws them into the fire.  Here's the important thing to take away from this lesson!  All branches are either going to be cut back or cut off but be sure of this all the branches are going to get cut!  

#2: God May Even Use Satan To Prune You.

In looking at the example of Job we see that God can even use Satan as his pruning sheer!  Now isn't that an interesting concept!  Now understand Satan has as his objective to destroy your faith and your relationship with God but God's objective is to build your faith and make you even more fruitful.

Before Satan can do anything to you he first must get Gods permission.  Satan cannot do anything behind God's back or without God's knowing and permission and Satan can only work within the conditions and limits that God, himself, has established.  This should bring us tremendous amount of encouragement when we think of spiritual warfare.  Even in spiritual warfare Satan can't do anything he wants, he can only do what God allows and when God allows it!

#3: The Pruning Process Will Be Painful & Difficult

But be sure of this that pruning process isn't a walk in the part or a picnic in a beautiful meadow! This pruning process will be and is a painful process.  In looking at Job as our example the pruning process can include a loss of wealth; Property; health; and even life.  Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain are all involved in this process. 

#4: The Pruning Process Will Come & Go.

Just like Ecclesiastes says, "There is a season for everything under heaven." and be sure of this there are season(s) of pruning!  Yes, I did use the plural form which means there are more than one season of pruning that we will go through during our Christian growth.  Times of pruning come and times of pruning go.  But just remember the pruning process will come back around again.  

#5:  God Already Knows In Advance How You'll Respond To The Pruning Process.

In looking at Peter time of pruning found in Matthew 26:31-35 we learn that Jesus and God the Father already knows in advance what our response and outcome will be to the pruning process. Jesus told Peter straight up that before the rooster crows you will have denied me three times.  Jesus knew the end result before it ever happened!  

Here's what we can learn from this - there's never going to be a time when we do something during the pruning process that will catch God by surprise!  You will never do something and then God smacks himself on the forehead and says, "Now I didn't see that one coming!".  That will never happen.  God already knows what you are going to do during the pruning process and he has provided for it. 

#6:  Jesus Is Interceding For Us During The Pruning Process.

In Luke's account of Jesus telling Peter he will deny him three times Jesus also says that He has prayed for Peter that his faith would be strengthened and that he could encourage others. Jesus said that he had prayed that Peter's faith would not fail him!

Most assuredly you faith is going to tested, stretched and feel like it is going to fail but understand this:

Jesus Is Praying For God The Father To Strengthen & Empower You.

Jesus, who is now our High Priest, is always before the thrown of God our Father interceding on your behalf and asking for the Father's added measure of Grace and Mercy to be bestowed upon you.  NOW HOW COOL IS THAT!

#7:  The End Result Of The Pruning Is More Fruit Of The Spirit & A Greater Blessing From God.

FOR JOB:

• He was a blessing to his friends because he prayed for them and God forgave them because of Job and his prayer.

• God blessed Job by doubling what had been taken from him.

FOR PETER:

The blessing that Peter was to receive was a greater influence among the apostles as he would be an encouragement and strength to them. 

And this is not to mention all the virtuous characteristics, Fruit of the Spirit, that both Job and Peter developed as a result of their pruning process.  So, let us consider it all joy when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. And let us allow endurance to have its full effect so we will be complete and lacking in nothing.  Amen!

While the pruning process may not be an enjoyable season of life to go through the fruit and benefits that come as a result of it are amazing.  It's like anything, no pain - no gain! No pruning - no fruit.  

5 Steps Jesus Used To Restore A Backslidden Christian

John 21:1-23

This story starts off after Jesus has been arrested, after he has been killed, after he has been resurrected but before He has ascended into Heaven.  It is the story of how Jesus restored the Apostle Peter back to the ministry after he had failed Jesus at His crucifixion by denying Him three times.  Peter is discouraged and beating himself up for his failure.  In this post we are going to look at the 5 steps Jesus took to restore him, so he could become that powerful servant of God we all love and respect.  

You will need to get your Bible out and read what it says to see how it applies to the points I am making.  I pray that God will bless you as you read this and encourage you. Maybe you are one who who needs to be restored.  Here's some good news for you! Jesus is ready, willing and able to restore you just like He did for Peter and countless others.  So, read and be encouraged!

This story starts off with Peter telling some of other apostles that he was going to go back to fishing.  This is important because Peter had left this profession to follow Christ just about 3 years earlier. For him to make this declaration "I'm going fishing" he was in essence saying, "I am going back to my old life before we met Christ."  

That is the attitude of a backslidden Christian!  They've given up on follow Christ and going back to live the way the used to live before knowing Christ.  But also, in this story we see that Jesus has other plans. He doesn't allow Peter to just goes back to his old life but Jesus shows up to restore him to full service and commitment.  

STEP 1:  Jesus Pursued Peter!

In verses 4-7 we see Jesus showing up on the shore where Peter and the others were fishing that night. He calls out to them and tells them to throw the net on the other side. When they did their nets were filled fish. This caused them to remember another time when Jesus said to do the same thing with the same kinds of results. And because of this they recognized that it was Jesus was on the shore.

Why did Jesus come to where Peter was at?  Because Peter was floundering and felt unworthy to continue to be a servant of Christ.  Jesus showed up to restore him and give him the confidence he need.  NOTICE IT WAS JESUS WHO PURSUED PETER - NOT PETER PURSUING JESUS!

STEP 2: Jesus Fellowships With Peter

In verses 10-14, after Peter responding favorably with Jesus' pursuit we see Jesus inviting Peter and the others with him, to sit down and have a meal with him.  How many times had Peter sat around the fire eating a meal with Jesus over the past three years?  A ton for sure! Because of his failure he probably thought those opportunities would never happen again but now Jesus is inviting Peter to sit and eat with Him.  How precious and encouraging that must have been for Peter.

I think one of the important things to realize in being restored to Christ is that Jesus isn't wanting to beat you up first! No, Jesus is wanting the wonderful relationship that had be originally established to be restored.  Jesus wants to sit and eat a meal with us as much, if not more, than we do with him.

STEP 3:  Jesus Questions Peter Love

As they finish their meal together, in verses 15-17, we see Jesus ask Peter three times if he love him or not and each time Jesus follows Peter answer with a command to take care of His sheep.  Jesus already knew Peter loved him. It wasn't for his benefit that Jesus asked that question but it was for Peter's benefit. Peter needed to be reminded of his love for the Lord and to be reassure that Christ still wanted him to be part of his band of apostles.  The questions of love and the commands to take care of the sheep was Christ's powerful way of letting Peter know that his service and ministry was wanted and needed. The only requirement Jesus asked from Peter was for Peter's love and devotion.

STEP 4:  Jesus Gives Peter A Glimpse Of The Cost For Following Christ.

In verses 18-19 Jesus shares with Peter what it will cost him for continuing to be a devoted follower of Christ.  He lets him know that his commitment and service would lead him to his own death and a death by crucifixion. 

Isn't interesting how open and clear Jesus is with his followers of what it means and cost to be his disciple. IT WILL COST YOU YOUR LIFE!   Even though, out of fear, Peter denied Christ, Jesus was letting him know that there would be other times to come where Peter would need to gird up his fear and place his faith and trust in Him. Jesus was preparing Peter for what would evidentially come around again.  

STEP 5: Jesus Warned Peter Against Comparing Himself To Others. 

In verses 20-23 Peter begins to ask what would happen to a different disciple.  Jesus' response is classic. "What's that to you?"  In other words Jesus was telling Peter what happens to other disciples is none of His business. The only thing that should be important for Peter was to faithfully live out what God has determined to be his role.  

To often, faithfully serving Christ, gets all muddled up because our focus is on other people and not on Christ and his will for our lives.  We complain to God about this person having this blessing, or that person getting to serve Christ in that way.  That kind of focus will never honor God.  Instead, we should be saying to Christ as he reveals his mission for us to be these words,

"Yes Lord, yes to you will and to your way. Yes, Lord, yes I will trust you and obey. When your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree. And my answer will be, 'yes Lord, yes."

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John The Baptist: The Prototype For Missional Living

When it comes to missional living there is one of the Biblical figure that pop up as a great example for how to do it is John the Baptist! Today, I want us to look at John the Baptist and how he went out to "Make the path straight for the coming of the Lord."  What did he do? And how did he do it?

Take a few moments and watch this devotional, think about it and then share your thoughts as comments below.

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