This week on In The Moment we talked about how alien Christians are against the worldview. They are so “shocked” you could say when they discover what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
A lot of it begins and ends with their lack of belief that anyone would die to save them. But Jesus Christ did just that. The shocking truth about us is nothing more than understanding that for all who come to relationship with Jesus Christ, you realize you’re a sinner saved by His grace. From that point, you can help share the good news by doing the following things:
Be a beacon of hope: Share your own story of faith and how it has brought you hope and joy. Be open to discussing your beliefs in a respectful and non-judgmental way, offering a positive perspective amidst negativity.
Live a life of compassion: Show kindness and understanding to everyone you meet, regardless of their background or beliefs. Offer a helping hand, listen with empathy, and be a source of support for those in need. Remember, actions speak louder than words, and your genuine care can leave a lasting impact.
Embrace forgiveness: Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christianity. Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness, not only for others but also for yourself. This creates a space for healing and demonstrates the transformative power of Christ’s love.
As we embrace the gentle transition from summer to autumn, we find ourselves entering a season of harvest, both literally and metaphorically. From a Christian theological perspective, the Fall Harvest not only represents the physical abundance bestowed upon us by God but also holds spiritual significance. It’s a reminder God will not be mocked and that we will inevitably reap what we sow.
The Fall Harvest is an opportunity for believers to give God the praise for all things received. It is a time to acknowledge that all good gifts come from above and that our lives are intricately intertwined with God’s divine plan and provision.
Living in Harmony with God’s Divine Order
Just as a farmer must tend to their crops, pulling out weeds and nurturing the soil, so too must we diligently tend to our hearts and minds. We are called to uproot the weeds of selfishness, pride, and greed, making space for the virtuous fruits of the Spirit to flourish. Through prayer, self-reflection, and reliance on God’s guidance, we can sow seeds of love, kindness, and compassion, fostering a spiritual harvest that brings glory to God.
May the Fall Harvest remind us of God’s unchanging truth, that He will not be mocked and that what we sow, we will indeed reap. May we honor Him by sowing seeds of righteousness, love, and obedience, trusting in His gracious provision and guidance.Let us also keep in mind in all things, God will not be mocked.
When we’re seeing through the eyes of Jesus we are able to see through fog with Divine light. This week we talk about that.
One of the most remarkable aspects of seeing through the eyes of Jesus is the way it transforms our perception of others. Christ’s message of love and compassion encourages us to view our fellow human beings not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters in faith. When we see through His eyes, our judgments and prejudices are replaced with empathy and understanding. We recognize the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Seeing through Jesus’ eyes empowers us to navigate the challenges of life with faith and resilience. His teachings remind us that even in the darkest moments, God’s grace is present. Just as He calmed the stormy seas, His divine light can dispel the fog of doubt and fear that sometimes envelopes our hearts. This perspective enables us to walk through life’s trials with courage, knowing that we are not alone.
As we see through the eyes of Jesus, our priorities shift. Material possessions and worldly success become secondary to the pursuit of righteousness and the Kingdom of God. We begin to understand the value of selflessness, generosity, and forgiveness. Through His example, we learn that the greatest treasures are found in acts of kindness and in sharing His message of hope.
In conclusion, when we embrace the perspective of Jesus, our lives are enriched with purpose and meaning. We see through fog not as a hindrance, but as an opportunity to grow in faith because we know he’s going to lead us out of the fog back on the path of His Word. Through His eyes, we gain clarity, compassion, and a profound connection to the source of all light and truth. May this week be a time of reflection and renewal as we strive to see the world through the eyes of our Savior.
In a world filled with violence and chaos, finding peace may seem like an impossible task. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have access to a peace that surpasses all human understanding. It is a peace that can anchor our souls and bring calm to even the most tumultuous storms.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that God’s peace goes beyond what we can comprehend. It is a peace that can guard our hearts and minds, shielding us from anxiety and fear. When we cling to Jesus Christ, we can experience a sense of tranquility that is not dependent on our circumstances.
One practical way to deepen our understanding of living in perfect peace with Jesus Christ is by listening to the attached podcast episode titled “Perfect Peace in a Violent World”. In this episode, listen and explore how faith in Jesus can anchor you in the midst of a turbulent world. To listen to the podcast, click here.
Remember, true peace is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. As we surrender our worries and fears to Him, He can fill our hearts and minds with His perfect peace. So, let us turn to Him, listen to His voice, and embrace the peace that only He can provide.
Note: The podcast episode linked above is hosted on Spotify. If you do not have a Spotify account, you can create one for free to access the episode.
May you find comfort and strength in the perfect peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
We started our conversation earlier this month talking about being rooted in Jesus Christ, allowing God to prune our lives where needed, fruitful living, and finally we come to the Eternal, yet fruitful legacy we want to leave in our wake.
Reflecting on John 15:16: Abiding in The Vine Series Finale
John 15:16 states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” This verse highlights the relational aspect of our faith and the purpose that comes with being chosen by Christ.
Jesus reminds His disciples that they did not initiate the relationship with Him; rather, He chose and appointed them. He calls them to bear fruit that will remain, indicating the lasting impact of a life lived in Him. Additionally, Jesus assures His followers that whatever they ask the Father in His name will be granted to them.
The Importance of Abiding in The Vine
Abiding in the vine for a vibrant and fruitful Christian life means when we abide in Christ, we demonstrate our trust and dependency on Him. It means surrendering our own plans and desires to align with His will, allowing His life and power to flow through us. As we abide, we experience the following benefits:
Spiritual nourishment: Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine, abiding in Christ allows us to receive spiritual sustenance. It deepens our understanding of God’s Word and increases our intimacy with Him.
Fruitful living: Abiding in the vine enables us to bear the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits not only bless our own lives but also impact those around us.
Answered prayers: John 15:16 reminds us that when we abide in Christ, our requests to the Father will be granted. This does not mean that we can ask for anything self-serving, but rather, our prayers aligned with God’s purposes will be answered. Remember: James 4:3, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” We don’t want to do that!
Divine guidance: In our journey of abiding in the vine, we receive guidance and direction from God. As we stay connected to Him, He leads us on the right path, helping us make wise decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
How Can We Abide in The Vine and Bear this Eternal Fruit?
While the concept of abiding in the vine may seem abstract, there are practical steps we can take to cultivate our relationship with Christ. Here are some valuable practices:
Regular prayer and meditation: Set aside dedicated time each day to engage in prayer and meditation. This allows us to connect with God, listen to His voice, and seek His guidance.
Studying God’s Word: Consistently studying and meditating on Scripture deepens our understanding of God’s character and His will for our lives. It helps to build a strong foundation for our faith.
Fellowship with other believers: Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability. Sharing our faith journey with others strengthens our relationship with Christ.
Serving others: Engaging in acts of service and selflessness reflects the heart of Christ. By serving others, we demonstrate love and bring glory to God.
Even though it seems like we emphasize this all the time, these are important steps to put to action in our lives to live practical, current, relevant without compromise, and give God the glory.
This month we’re focusing on Jesus, the True Vine. For the month of August, In The Moment will focus on the topic, “Abiding In The Vine”.
This past episode focuses on John 15:4-5 which says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Here are some points covered in this week’s show/podcast. When you think about Jesus, the True Vine you think:
The Source of Spiritual Life: Exploring the analogy of the vine and branches to understand our dependency on Christ for spiritual sustenance.
Nurturing Spiritual Roots: Discussing the importance of prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship in nurturing our connection with Christ.
Bearing Fruit: Emphasizing how a close relationship with Christ leads to a transformed life and the production of spiritual fruit.
From these points we also gather a few calls to action:
Spend at least 15 minutes daily in prayer and meditation on Scripture.
Engage in a weekly small group or church fellowship to nurture spiritual growth.
Identify one area in your life where you can bear fruit for God’s kingdom, and take a practical step towards it.
Looking at Proverbs 3:5-6 helps us understand what it truly means to surrender to Jesus completely. Are you in a place in life where you think you’ve actually done this, but have not? Many of us are, thus being the reason we must stay close to God’s Word in prayer and in study. From those two areas we work to apply His Word to our lives every day.
This week on In The Moment: A Conversation about Trust. If we’re going to claim to be heirs of Jesus Christ then we should trust in Him and His Word. That means removing our wisdom and taking in His. A lot of times that’s easier said than done because as humans we feel before we think. This week we’re diving deep into what Proverbs 3:5-6 has to tell us about what it means to wholeheartedly surrender to God’s Will through Christ Jesus.
As you go about your day, think about the amount of control you’re trying to keep and ask yourself why, why am I not just turning this over to Christ and following his Will for my circumstances? You’d be surprised just how different your day can, and will be. Be blessed.
Submit to God, Resist the Devil, repeat. Every decision is based off these two actions. This is how you shake Satan off your trail and live victoriously through Jesus Christ.
I get it. This is easier said than done. What does it mean to submit to God, resist the devil? To submit means to surrender or yield oneself to the authority or will of another. In this case, we are called to submit to God’s authority and will. This means acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives and trusting Him to lead us on the right path. When we submit to God, we put our faith in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us.
Submit to God, Resist the Devil: 3 Actions to do This Week
Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life: Prayer is an essential tool for submitting to God and resisting the devil. Take time each day to communicate with God, offering your praises, thanksgiving, and requests. Prayer invites God’s presence into your life and strengthens your relationship with Him. Ask Him for the strength and wisdom to resist the temptations of the devil.
Study and Apply God’s Word: The Bible is a powerful weapon against the devil’s schemes. Regularly study and meditate on God’s Word, internalizing its teachings and applying them to your life. Memorize key verses that address areas of vulnerability. To submit to God, resist the devil and be victorious through Jesus Christ, start by knowing and obeying God’s commands and equipping yourself with the necessary spiritual armor to resist the devil’s temptations.
Seek Fellowship and Accountability: Surround yourself with like-minded Christians who can encourage and support you in your journey of faith. Engage in a local church community, join Bible study groups, or seek out a mentor who can guide you spiritually. Accountability partners can help you stay faithful and offer guidance when facing spiritual battles. Together, you can resist the devil’s tactics and grow stronger in your submission to God.
Remember, this is a continual process that requires daily effort and reliance on God’s strength. Stay grounded in your faith and trust in the power of God to help you in your spiritual journey.
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