I. BE-ING FRUITFUL
Everything that God requires
us to do, leads us to function from a place of rest and peace. So often we try
to be Human DO-ings. We are so caught
up in living life that we forget to just BE alive. Our goal as Human Be-ings is
to be fully pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). How do we
accomplish this goal? By "being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians
1:10). The Holy Spirit, the third aspect
of God as the Trinity, comes to dwell in us at Salvation, bringing with Him all
the fullness of God. His fruit are part of the benefit we receive as Christians
(Galatians 5:22-23).
II. BE-ING STRENGTHENED
Before
we can walk in this fruitfulness that pleases God, we need to be strengthened by
God’s Spirit (Colossians 1:11).
God works in us, giving us both the desire and the power to work out our own
salvation according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13). I can guarantee that if you are not in a trial right
now, or if you are not just coming out of one, then you will be going into one
in the very near future!!! We cannot reach the mountaintop without first going
through the valley. But God promises to strengthen us with peace, patience, and
joy no matter what circumstance currently occupies our time.
III. BE-ING THANKFUL
The Bible instructs us to
give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 1:12). It exhorts us "not to be anxious about any
trial we experience, but in everything, through prayer and with thanksgiving,
to present our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). The Bible calls it a cheerful heart.
But have you ever tried to be cheerful without first being grateful? An
attitude of GRATITUDE is the key to the Christian walk. God calls us to give
thanks in every circumstance regardless of how bad it is.
The next time you are in the
pit of despair: count your blessings. Start with the letter "A" of
the alphabet. Think of a word that
starts with "A" for which you can be thankful. Then go to
"B" and thank God for bananas, or boats, or balloons. Be thankful
right through the alphabet until you either fall asleep (a trick which Satan
often uses when he thinks we are giving God too much of our attention), or until
you reach the letter "Z." (To Be Continued)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach us to rest
in you and to wait on Your Spirit’s direction for each new day. Help us to
realize that our human effort is just that…effort; yet, when we live the unique
plan You prepared for us we succeed in every way. Help us to be grateful to You
for what you give us each day and to trust that You will fill our tomorrows
with every good and perfect gift as well.
Thought for the Day:
Be
the person God created you to be, rather than a copy of someone else.
