I have had a huge blessing this week. My youngest son came to see me after not seeing him for over two years. We are having a nice visit and time together.... I believe this happened in part because so many of you have been praying so faithfully for me and my family. What an encouragement this has been for me and hopefully for you all as well. I just had to share this miracle with those of you who care so much....
Now for the next message from Gentle Shepherd....
Many blessings and prayers for you all....
In Christ Jesus,
Judy
Reading: Matthew 3:9-10
THE AXE TO THE ROOT
We have been considering what it means to be pruned. We have considered the type of seed and field along with the means in which real fruit is able to come forth.
When John the Baptist came, he warned the religious people that an axe was being taken to the root of the tree. In other words, it was not a pruning job, but one of total destruction. The old was not working, the roots of the religious system had been defiled by the many burdens of men. Granted, the roots were many, but they could not bear the type of fruit that would honor God. They only entangled people into an insidious web of demands that lacked any eternal mark, inheritance or identification.
Although some of these roots pointed to God’s Law, the Law could not save. It was holy, but it could not make men righteous. It was just, but it could not offer pardon. The Law could only condemn, never justify. Although it was part of the entanglement of the root system, it had been defiled, used and abused by the religious leaders to serve their own purpose.
John the Baptist made it quite clear that this root system had to be destroyed. Obviously, such a root system did not cause men to grow in their life in God; rather, it entangled them into useless religious activities that would end in death.
Clearly, we must ensure the integrity of our life in God to maintain a healthy root system that is rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the only way we can be assured that we are pruned and not rooted out in utter judgment.
Prayer: Lord, I do want to be rooted in You, pruned by the Father, and established by Your Spirit. I want to produce fruit that will bring You glory. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
1 comment:
that is wonderfull that you have reunited with your son!!!
PRAISE THE LORD!
love you sis!
:)
Post a Comment