I have a few things to share with you all today so I guess I better get too it.
First off if you have not taken the time to read my last post with Ronnie's article please do so...
Next I am posting some info on keeping you all healthy in an unhealthy world.... and then I will continue the posts from Gentle Shepherd....
I will probably be writing a blog article soon..I can feel the urge starting up in my fingers...HA!
Have a blessed rest of the week....
Judy
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know:
The only portals of entry for the H1N1 virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Reading: Proverbs 11:28
BECOMING A PRODUCTIVE BRANCH
We have considered the Vine, now we must consider what it means to be a branch. The branch is simply an extension of the vine. It will not produce like branches, but fruit that represents the vine. The branches do not speak of themselves; they remain silent as the fruit speaks of the vine.
The reason branches do not speak of themselves is because they are not the source of life. They are simply the connection between the life of the vine as it produces the fruit, while its very life flows through the branches.
In religious zeal we can forget this reality. We think that, as branches, we are something special, but without the Vine we are nothing. It is vital that we keep this in mind. The life comes from the Vine. As branches, we are as dependent on the Vine, while the type of fruit that comes from our lives depends on our heart condition. In fact, the Vine not only gives life to the branches but purpose. The very life of Jesus is what buds out from the branches to produce the fruit. Therefore, we must allow all of our strength to be channeled and spent out to ensure fruit is produced to honor Him.
Solomon in his wisdom referred to people as branches. He gave us insight into what it would take for us to become a branch. It takes righteousness. We must become upright in our lives towards God to flourish like a branch in God’s vineyard.
This brings us to a walk of faith. We must walk by faith to flourish like a branch that is prepared and capable of producing fruit.
What about you? Are you flourishing in your life in Christ because of Your faith?
Prayer: Lord, You are the Vine, but it is in Your righteousness that I will flourish like a branch. I do desire Your righteousness. Amen.
Reading: Zechariah 3:8
MY SERVANT
The amazing part about the revelation of Jesus becoming a branch was a mystery that was veiled to the eyes of those who failed to walk by the simple faith of a child. Such people will never see the revelation of this mystery because of unbelief. They are blinded by the darkness that is in this present world. They will never come to the realization of who God is nor will they discover how to love Him. The reality is they prefer to choose another god and follow their particular concept of their idol, but they will never have that living witness of the true God.
As we follow Jesus as the branch, we will see the part He played in our redemption. We will follow the Branch as He progresses from being a stem of Jessie to becoming the Branch that will be used up for the glory of God.
In this prophecy concerning Jesus, we see into His disposition. He will become a Branch in the Father’s hand. In order to do this He had to take on the disposition of a servant. Keep in mind the branch has no significance outside of the vine. In His humanity, Jesus had no significance outside of fulfilling the plan of the Father. The winds of the world would blow against His resolve to finish the course as the Lamb of God. Satan would use the platform of the barren wilderness to tempt Him to veer away from the plan. The noisome sounds of men mocking Him to step outside of His mission would also follow Him to the cross. However, He was firmly grounded into the very plan of the Father. Nothing would deter Him from becoming the Lamb of God.
The Word tells us that the Father would bring forth Jesus as His Branch, and as His servant. His very roots would reach into the corridors of heaven. His purpose would be ordained from the very throne of the Almighty. This Branch would be used by the Father to bring forth our redemption.
Prayer: Lord, we have much to be thankful for. You are the Branch that brought forth the eternal plan of redemption. Praise Your Holy name. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What is truth?
This is an article my brother and friend in Christ, Ronnie McMullen wrote. I thought it was very thought provoking and you all know how I love that !! I copied this from his site. http://thepropheticwatch.com/ .
Enjoy....
What is Truth?
By Ronnie McMullen
I shall start this article out with: What is truth? I mean, really! What is truth? Is it your truth? Is it my truth? Is it the truth? Here is the problem with Christianity, religion, our make-up (inner-soul), and how we live. Does anybody really have a definition for the truth? As it is written, Jesus says, "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life, and no one comes to My Father, except through me." So, we know that the Christ is the truth. Yeshua, or is it Jesus? Or is it . . .?? You see, people have different perspectives and different perspectives ignite different truths. But, what really makes a truth? A truth should be absolute, but I believe there is something else that defines truth. It is how we perceive. There are those that believe in Buddha, there are those that believe in Mohammad, there are those that believe in Jesus, there are those that believe in New Age, there are those that don't believe, and it is all based on how they see. . . the truth. Truth involves belief. Those that don't believe in a Savior, will believe to be agnostic. Maybe those in another country believe in Zen. There are those that believe that there is no Christ, but only Lucifer. (our New World Order believes this, and this is the weakest of all beliefs) But if we find out what absolute truth really defines as, do we really believe in it? In other words, you believe in Jesus, but do you really? Do you believe in just a piece of Jesus? You may say, "no". But, the truth is, from my perspective, we all believe in a piece of the teachings of Jesus Christ. How can I say that? Just look at how many denominations rule this world. All denominations have a piece, belief systems have a piece and even satanism has a belief system within its walls. Not a positive belief system, but a belief system. If we understand this, then we understand there is power, even in a negative belief system. There is positive energy, ie: Jesus Christ, and there is negative energy. As I sent out my newsletter, my newsletter was surrounded by the subject "addiction to fear". What is fear? Is fear negative energy or positive energy? Who presides over fear? Why do we have fear? Is it possible that those that have fear, have not enough truth or belief? Is it possible that fear and its negative energy has overtaken the positive energy? It seems to me, and I am not a scientist, that it takes positive energy and negative energy to move objects; ie: a car. Is our faith system powered by fear or is our faith system powered by love? Do we give and love based on fear and negative energy? Or do we give and love based on positive energy? When we give or love, do we do it to receive? Or, do we do it, just because? And, if we love or give to receive, does this now turn to negative energy? It seems to me, in my humble opinion, when the subject is all about our self, when we do to receive, then, our number one thoughts would be, "What do we get?" Is this selfishness? Is selfishness negative energy? Let's just grab another perspective. Did Yeshua use His power from the Father for himself? Did He walk on this earth for thirty plus years under negative power or under positive power? Jesus entered into this world, and was a part of this world, but He was not of this world. Did the power of this worlds laws and physics apply to Christ and the task His Father gave to Him? Did He bow to the power that this world had to offer? Or did He rise above that power? Did He rule over that power? Obviously in the days of Jesus, there was a negative force, and that negative force was commanding man to rule by its power. (The Luciferian agenda) There has been a New World Order since way before the Bible era. A New World Order is not a new series of words. The law of God was given to this world, and man was to rule by its law. But, a New World Order implies that the law of God is not sufficient for man and that the world must exist away from the law of God and unto the law of man. . . or another god. Man believing (faith) his truth that he is god. This is their truth. This has crept its way into our churches as becoming "the truth". Ministries revolve around money and finances, which they call manna from heaven. But if you look up the truth of what manna really is, it is a white substance, like coriander, that has nothing to do with the financial state. We are told by Mega ministries to give all that you have, just as the widow's mite. The story of the widow's mite had nothing to do with giving all that you had, but had everything to do with the heart-mode. And this leads me to the core of this article. HEART MODE What is the intent of your heart? I use the word giving because when one gives, it takes that person away from oneself. When you give, you release yourself from the bondage of this world. When you give, unknowingly, (in other words, not just to friends and family) but you give to a place where you have no control, you are releasing yourself from the matrix of this world. Few can do this. In fact, few can give period, even to friends and family. Giving comes directly from the soul. Giving was based in the power of Yeshua. Giving is truly based in the power of the Father. In fact, and I truly mean fact, we would not live, breathe, see, smell, taste and so on, without the Father's gifts. You would not have your measly, pitiful job, you would not have a roof over your head, you would not have anything, including your speech. You would not have a brain, you would not have breath of life. Everything we are and have is because of the Creator. The Creator gave us our gifts, but the gifts have outweighed the Creator in today's worldly show. Few follow the Father and know that He is the Creator. We would rather hold on to our books, to the memories of what we were told by another man, than to hold on to the truth that is deep within our soul. We do know what is wrong and what is right, but you become what you practice. Practice selfishness and become selfish. Practice greed and you become greedy. Practice anger, you become hateful. Practice lies, and you become a liar. And when you do not give, you have opened the door to darkness. What is truth? I believe truth is absolute and directly from the Father. But, my truth says that that is my perception. Your truth might say something different. It's too bad "the truth" could not be a standard practice for all, with only one perception. Instead, there is "our truth" based on perception, confusion and knowledge or lack of knowledge. This is why there is such a great division among people and among people that are in the faith. I challenge you to start with the absolute truth and use writings to confirm that absolute truth within your soul. Most of our knowledge comes from memory from books. Very little of our knowledge that we have learned, have we truly learned from the Spirit of God. Take away our books, you take away everything. My question to you is, What about when we learn something that does not conform to a book? Do we call it a lie? Do we call it the devil? Do we call it. . .? Our mind, as I've said in my radio shows, run on an average of 8%. Is God a moron that He will not enlighten us to the other 92% sitting upon our shoulders? And, what is that 92% called? Truth? Lie? Perception? Do we know? I want to challenge you to search your heart for the Spirit of God. If you are in the box that the religious leaders have labeled "truth" , you are in bondage. I believe the Lord would say to you, There is no box. And that is His perception. That is His truth. That is "THE TRUTH".
Enjoy....
What is Truth?
By Ronnie McMullen
I shall start this article out with: What is truth? I mean, really! What is truth? Is it your truth? Is it my truth? Is it the truth? Here is the problem with Christianity, religion, our make-up (inner-soul), and how we live. Does anybody really have a definition for the truth? As it is written, Jesus says, "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life, and no one comes to My Father, except through me." So, we know that the Christ is the truth. Yeshua, or is it Jesus? Or is it . . .?? You see, people have different perspectives and different perspectives ignite different truths. But, what really makes a truth? A truth should be absolute, but I believe there is something else that defines truth. It is how we perceive. There are those that believe in Buddha, there are those that believe in Mohammad, there are those that believe in Jesus, there are those that believe in New Age, there are those that don't believe, and it is all based on how they see. . . the truth. Truth involves belief. Those that don't believe in a Savior, will believe to be agnostic. Maybe those in another country believe in Zen. There are those that believe that there is no Christ, but only Lucifer. (our New World Order believes this, and this is the weakest of all beliefs) But if we find out what absolute truth really defines as, do we really believe in it? In other words, you believe in Jesus, but do you really? Do you believe in just a piece of Jesus? You may say, "no". But, the truth is, from my perspective, we all believe in a piece of the teachings of Jesus Christ. How can I say that? Just look at how many denominations rule this world. All denominations have a piece, belief systems have a piece and even satanism has a belief system within its walls. Not a positive belief system, but a belief system. If we understand this, then we understand there is power, even in a negative belief system. There is positive energy, ie: Jesus Christ, and there is negative energy. As I sent out my newsletter, my newsletter was surrounded by the subject "addiction to fear". What is fear? Is fear negative energy or positive energy? Who presides over fear? Why do we have fear? Is it possible that those that have fear, have not enough truth or belief? Is it possible that fear and its negative energy has overtaken the positive energy? It seems to me, and I am not a scientist, that it takes positive energy and negative energy to move objects; ie: a car. Is our faith system powered by fear or is our faith system powered by love? Do we give and love based on fear and negative energy? Or do we give and love based on positive energy? When we give or love, do we do it to receive? Or, do we do it, just because? And, if we love or give to receive, does this now turn to negative energy? It seems to me, in my humble opinion, when the subject is all about our self, when we do to receive, then, our number one thoughts would be, "What do we get?" Is this selfishness? Is selfishness negative energy? Let's just grab another perspective. Did Yeshua use His power from the Father for himself? Did He walk on this earth for thirty plus years under negative power or under positive power? Jesus entered into this world, and was a part of this world, but He was not of this world. Did the power of this worlds laws and physics apply to Christ and the task His Father gave to Him? Did He bow to the power that this world had to offer? Or did He rise above that power? Did He rule over that power? Obviously in the days of Jesus, there was a negative force, and that negative force was commanding man to rule by its power. (The Luciferian agenda) There has been a New World Order since way before the Bible era. A New World Order is not a new series of words. The law of God was given to this world, and man was to rule by its law. But, a New World Order implies that the law of God is not sufficient for man and that the world must exist away from the law of God and unto the law of man. . . or another god. Man believing (faith) his truth that he is god. This is their truth. This has crept its way into our churches as becoming "the truth". Ministries revolve around money and finances, which they call manna from heaven. But if you look up the truth of what manna really is, it is a white substance, like coriander, that has nothing to do with the financial state. We are told by Mega ministries to give all that you have, just as the widow's mite. The story of the widow's mite had nothing to do with giving all that you had, but had everything to do with the heart-mode. And this leads me to the core of this article. HEART MODE What is the intent of your heart? I use the word giving because when one gives, it takes that person away from oneself. When you give, you release yourself from the bondage of this world. When you give, unknowingly, (in other words, not just to friends and family) but you give to a place where you have no control, you are releasing yourself from the matrix of this world. Few can do this. In fact, few can give period, even to friends and family. Giving comes directly from the soul. Giving was based in the power of Yeshua. Giving is truly based in the power of the Father. In fact, and I truly mean fact, we would not live, breathe, see, smell, taste and so on, without the Father's gifts. You would not have your measly, pitiful job, you would not have a roof over your head, you would not have anything, including your speech. You would not have a brain, you would not have breath of life. Everything we are and have is because of the Creator. The Creator gave us our gifts, but the gifts have outweighed the Creator in today's worldly show. Few follow the Father and know that He is the Creator. We would rather hold on to our books, to the memories of what we were told by another man, than to hold on to the truth that is deep within our soul. We do know what is wrong and what is right, but you become what you practice. Practice selfishness and become selfish. Practice greed and you become greedy. Practice anger, you become hateful. Practice lies, and you become a liar. And when you do not give, you have opened the door to darkness. What is truth? I believe truth is absolute and directly from the Father. But, my truth says that that is my perception. Your truth might say something different. It's too bad "the truth" could not be a standard practice for all, with only one perception. Instead, there is "our truth" based on perception, confusion and knowledge or lack of knowledge. This is why there is such a great division among people and among people that are in the faith. I challenge you to start with the absolute truth and use writings to confirm that absolute truth within your soul. Most of our knowledge comes from memory from books. Very little of our knowledge that we have learned, have we truly learned from the Spirit of God. Take away our books, you take away everything. My question to you is, What about when we learn something that does not conform to a book? Do we call it a lie? Do we call it the devil? Do we call it. . .? Our mind, as I've said in my radio shows, run on an average of 8%. Is God a moron that He will not enlighten us to the other 92% sitting upon our shoulders? And, what is that 92% called? Truth? Lie? Perception? Do we know? I want to challenge you to search your heart for the Spirit of God. If you are in the box that the religious leaders have labeled "truth" , you are in bondage. I believe the Lord would say to you, There is no box. And that is His perception. That is His truth. That is "THE TRUTH".
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Beginning of Discipline
We got a new member of our family...a puppie!! We are so excited because we lost out two beloved dogs several weeks ago. Anyway thought I would share the news.... : )
The sun is finally coming out this morning..yeah!!!! A pretty cool breeze however, letting us know winter is at the door. The leaves are changing ..so beautiful!
Today's entries are very good..as usual... so please take the time to study them...
Reading: Leviticus 25:3
THE BEGINNING OF DISCIPLINE
God must channel our strength. He does this through pruning off that which is wild and untamed. As you follow the progression of growth, there is the seed that must be planted in the ground. It must be nurtured or overseen by those who have been entrusted with it. Once the seed takes root and grows, eventually the plant or vine must be pruned.
Pruning means to cut away branches that are wild and to cut back the branches that are good. This is the only way to ensure healthy fruit. Otherwise, you may end up with fruit, but it will lack the quality that is beneficial to God and others.
It is important to point out that all fruit reveals something about the seed, the ground, and the one who is overseeing it. Pruning is a vital discipline that keeps the wild aspect of the plant at bay to ensure the quality of fruit.
The Lord was telling the people to plant their fields. For Christians, this means we must fulfill our commission to preach the Gospel. It is our way of planting the field. But, we also must oversee the establishment and growth of the seed. This involves discipling believers. Without fulfilling the second part of our commission, people define the Christian walk according to their old way of thinking, instead of according to the Word of God.
The result is that there are many wild bushes growing in God’s kingdom, and sadly the fruit is not the reproduction of Christ’s life. When people partake of it, it proves to be of an inferior quality that has a mixture in it. The key is discipleship. We cannot properly disciple others if we have not been discipled.
Prayer: Lord, I need to be discipled by Your Spirit in accordance to Your word. Bring forth the proper spiritual discipline in my life. Amen.
Reading: Luke 14:26-27
Reading: Isaiah 5:5-7
I WILL TAKE AWAY THE HEDGE
The vineyard that ends up producing wild grapes after it has been prepared to produce acceptable fruits will have to face the judgment of God. Of course, we are talking about our personal lives. As Christians, we are the fields or the vineyards of God. We have had the necessary investment. After all, the vineyard of our life was bought and paid for by Jesus. The Word has ploughed up the fallow ground of our hearts. The Holy Spirit has brought the necessary nutrients to our lives to ensure fruit. Therefore, there is no reason why God’s vineyard should not produce fruit. There are no reasons but one, and that is unbelief.
The biggest problem among God’s people is that they do not believe. This is why there is such a mixture. If people do not believe Him, they will become thorny towards truth, and lack justice in all matters. They will oppress others, rather than maintain and uphold righteousness. Consider what God is going to do with such a vineyard.
Take away the hedge: A hedge serves as a boundary of protection. God will simply remove His protection and grace from those who refuse to become a fruitful vineyard to Him.
Be broken up: Others will eat what is left of the vineyard after the hedge is taken away. Since there will be no further investment such as pruning in the vineyard, it will be broken up as it is trampled under and allowed to go to waste through neglect.
Hold back the rain: Without rain, there is no hope for recovery of such a vineyard. It will be left to utter desolation. This is the harsh reality of the life of those who do not regard God as their ruler. Wisely take heed to such warnings.
Prayer: Lord, we must have wisdom in all matters. We need to heed Your warnings to avoid utter desolation in our lives. Amen.
DISCIPLESHIP
The Lord Jesus is calling us to a disciplined life. This is what discipleship is all about. Without it, the untamed side of who we are will never be brought into proper order in God’s kingdom.
Discipleship is taken from the concept of living a disciplined life according to the example and teaching of the master. In the case of the Christian, Jesus is the master and Lord of the Christian life. It is the Apostle John who instructs us to walk as Jesus walked if we are going to abide in Him.
Discipleship is what connects us to the very life of Jesus. Granted, we must become identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. But, we must connect to the very life of Christ if we are going to be connected to Him as our Vine.
Today, discipleship is greatly missing. People are being made converts to a certain way of thinking, while they are being made followers of other teachers or schools of thought. As a result, Christianity has ceased to be a way of living. Such a life can only come out of love for the master, devotion to His ways, obedience to His instruction, and wisdom in applying His examples to our walk.
Clearly, Christianity is a disciplined walk where the Spirit is in agreement with God, the soul is lining up to the ways of righteousness, and the body is occupying according to the direction of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to His Word.
What is Christianity to You?
Prayer: Lord, we forget Christianity is not a matter of religion, but it is a way of living and walking through this present world. Give me Your wisdom to walk in Your ways. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
http://www.gentleshepherd.com/
Questions or comments welcome. Email: http://us.mc800.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ministry@gentleshepherd.com
The sun is finally coming out this morning..yeah!!!! A pretty cool breeze however, letting us know winter is at the door. The leaves are changing ..so beautiful!
Today's entries are very good..as usual... so please take the time to study them...
Reading: Leviticus 25:3
THE BEGINNING OF DISCIPLINE
God must channel our strength. He does this through pruning off that which is wild and untamed. As you follow the progression of growth, there is the seed that must be planted in the ground. It must be nurtured or overseen by those who have been entrusted with it. Once the seed takes root and grows, eventually the plant or vine must be pruned.
Pruning means to cut away branches that are wild and to cut back the branches that are good. This is the only way to ensure healthy fruit. Otherwise, you may end up with fruit, but it will lack the quality that is beneficial to God and others.
It is important to point out that all fruit reveals something about the seed, the ground, and the one who is overseeing it. Pruning is a vital discipline that keeps the wild aspect of the plant at bay to ensure the quality of fruit.
The Lord was telling the people to plant their fields. For Christians, this means we must fulfill our commission to preach the Gospel. It is our way of planting the field. But, we also must oversee the establishment and growth of the seed. This involves discipling believers. Without fulfilling the second part of our commission, people define the Christian walk according to their old way of thinking, instead of according to the Word of God.
The result is that there are many wild bushes growing in God’s kingdom, and sadly the fruit is not the reproduction of Christ’s life. When people partake of it, it proves to be of an inferior quality that has a mixture in it. The key is discipleship. We cannot properly disciple others if we have not been discipled.
Prayer: Lord, I need to be discipled by Your Spirit in accordance to Your word. Bring forth the proper spiritual discipline in my life. Amen.
Reading: Luke 14:26-27
Reading: Isaiah 5:5-7
I WILL TAKE AWAY THE HEDGE
The vineyard that ends up producing wild grapes after it has been prepared to produce acceptable fruits will have to face the judgment of God. Of course, we are talking about our personal lives. As Christians, we are the fields or the vineyards of God. We have had the necessary investment. After all, the vineyard of our life was bought and paid for by Jesus. The Word has ploughed up the fallow ground of our hearts. The Holy Spirit has brought the necessary nutrients to our lives to ensure fruit. Therefore, there is no reason why God’s vineyard should not produce fruit. There are no reasons but one, and that is unbelief.
The biggest problem among God’s people is that they do not believe. This is why there is such a mixture. If people do not believe Him, they will become thorny towards truth, and lack justice in all matters. They will oppress others, rather than maintain and uphold righteousness. Consider what God is going to do with such a vineyard.
Take away the hedge: A hedge serves as a boundary of protection. God will simply remove His protection and grace from those who refuse to become a fruitful vineyard to Him.
Be broken up: Others will eat what is left of the vineyard after the hedge is taken away. Since there will be no further investment such as pruning in the vineyard, it will be broken up as it is trampled under and allowed to go to waste through neglect.
Hold back the rain: Without rain, there is no hope for recovery of such a vineyard. It will be left to utter desolation. This is the harsh reality of the life of those who do not regard God as their ruler. Wisely take heed to such warnings.
Prayer: Lord, we must have wisdom in all matters. We need to heed Your warnings to avoid utter desolation in our lives. Amen.
DISCIPLESHIP
The Lord Jesus is calling us to a disciplined life. This is what discipleship is all about. Without it, the untamed side of who we are will never be brought into proper order in God’s kingdom.
Discipleship is taken from the concept of living a disciplined life according to the example and teaching of the master. In the case of the Christian, Jesus is the master and Lord of the Christian life. It is the Apostle John who instructs us to walk as Jesus walked if we are going to abide in Him.
Discipleship is what connects us to the very life of Jesus. Granted, we must become identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. But, we must connect to the very life of Christ if we are going to be connected to Him as our Vine.
Today, discipleship is greatly missing. People are being made converts to a certain way of thinking, while they are being made followers of other teachers or schools of thought. As a result, Christianity has ceased to be a way of living. Such a life can only come out of love for the master, devotion to His ways, obedience to His instruction, and wisdom in applying His examples to our walk.
Clearly, Christianity is a disciplined walk where the Spirit is in agreement with God, the soul is lining up to the ways of righteousness, and the body is occupying according to the direction of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to His Word.
What is Christianity to You?
Prayer: Lord, we forget Christianity is not a matter of religion, but it is a way of living and walking through this present world. Give me Your wisdom to walk in Your ways. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
http://www.gentleshepherd.com/
Questions or comments welcome. Email: http://us.mc800.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ministry@gentleshepherd.com
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