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.

Please make sure to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

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You Should Subscribe To The Ordinary Christian's Newsletter If:

• You want or need encouragement to live a life that reflects and shares the love of Christ to others who need to see it and experience it.
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Missional Living Is Having A Faith In God That Encourages Others!

Through an event in the life of Paul we are going to learn that part of a powerful Missional Life is having the kind of faith in God that can encourage others! When people look at us, hear us speak and listen to what we say about Jesus Christ do they find encouragement?

Remember your faith in Christ might be the only source of faith for someone else!

Please take a few moments and share this video blog with your Christian family and friends on Facebook & Twitter.  

Also, take a few moments and share a time when someone else's faith was the encouragement you needed.  Share as a comment below!

How A Stop At The Waffle House Turned Into A Missional Living Experience!

Here's a true story from my friend Clint Harrill about an experience he had while in Nashville visiting some friends and intentionally living a missional life that shares Jesus with others. Clint is just an ordinary Christian like you and me but God is using him powerfully to share the Gospel and make more disciples for Christ.  Clint is a wonderful example of what God can and will do through anyone who is willing to join Him on his mission.  This is a story of what God can do through you if you would allow him to!  READ HIS STORY AND BE ENCOURAGED!

"Got back home to good ole small town friendly today and haven't stopped!!! A day in the life...lol....so thankful for my time in Nashville with some dear bros in Christ!! God blessed in so many ways and even in the spiritual warfare we faced, I felt excitement and learned so much. My #1 takeaway was that, the great commission is the Holy Spirit's work, and He's just asking us to join Him where He's already working. If we do that, it will bear much fruit. Secondly, when God is up to something big, spiritual warfare will raise it's ugly head, but praise God because God is bigger....we win....Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world.....we can claim that and have faith and just persevere through the trials. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
So rejoice and just lift up the name of Jesus when these trials come, and He will see you through.

So my last night in Nashville, we just had a bro night around a fire pit with some stogies and just rejoicing in the Lord....my bros, David Kaufmann, James Harvey, Samuel, Paul Kirk, Josh and Tracie Lansford, Alvin Jackson and Todd Greer, prayed blessings over me and it was just a great time in the Lord. Afterwards james, samuel, paul and myself headed to the waffle house. Our waitress was Hannah....we asked if she knew what her name meant, she said no, so we explained that it meant God's favor.....she thought that was really cool and said I hope so. We ordered, and Hannah was super friendly. She brought our food and I told her....Hannah, we're gonna bless our food so I'd love to ask u, if God could do a miracle in ur life today, something only God could do, what would that be and we'd just love to pray that for u as we bless our food. She said, I don't know....I said, anything. ....she began to get teary eyed and said I want to get my son back....I said ok, can I pray that now....and she said sure.....we prayed and she was super thankful. We continued chatting with her during our time there and she told us her story and how it was her first night back working at the waffle house and she didn't really want to but she has said, ok if this is what I have to do, there must be some reason....how she'd been struggling, her story was very sad....she's been hurt by "Christians", but was really trying to get her life on track....she was so amazed that we prayed for her, and said, yall don't even know me....but we just told her we cared about her because we love Jesus and that's what we do....we promised to pray for her and her son Camden....told her the story of Hannah from the bible, which she was familiar with...she told us what a blessing we were to her, told us when she worked and said, yall please come back every week.....WOW.....divine appointment? Uh, yea, I think so....James asked me to pray as he plans to ask the manager of the waffle house, if he can start a waffle "house church".....want u join us in prayer....a lot of hurting people at the waffle house and elsewhere....it's our God given purpose just to show them Jesus...."

So what do you say? Are you ready to join Christ on His mission? Are you willing to allow God to use you to bring salvation to others?  Are you ready to start getting training that will equip you to do so?  If the answer is "YES" then leave a comment that says:

I'M READY!

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How A Solicitor Phone Call Turns Into A Missional Living Opportunity

A good friend of mine, Eric Therrien, who is a plumber, shared with us on Facebook how two telephone calls, a phone solicitor and a phone sales person, provided him an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Listen to the story in his own words.

FACEBOOK POST:

"A telephone solicitor called while I was eating dinner, I decided to share the Gospel with him. I explained to him the origin of sin the the solution that God has provided. This then led to a conversation about about his spiritual state. It ended in prayer. Please pray for Dorell's salvation."

ERIC'S COMMENT TO HIS OWN POST:

"Just got off the phone with another phone solicitor, pray for Flora."

MY COMMENT:

"This is so awesome!  Eric share with us all how you initiate that conversation after they call. How do you begin to share the Gospel?"

ERIC'S RESPONSE:

"Jay, Dorell was calling to speak with my wife he was from verison customer service. When I told him that she was not here I just asked him if I could share the Gospel with, obviously God's been working with him because he was so open. Flora was with some charity that has a truck that goes through the neighborhood and wondered If I could leave clothes or other good at the curb. This was to easy I told her I didn't have anything to leave out but what I did have I would share with her. This lead to a Gospel presentation. Every call is different I started doing this over a year ago because living waters ministry recommended practicing giving the good person test this way. People were open to taking the test but I found I could rarely get to the Gospel, so I have refined it to the Gospel first."

ISN'T THIS POWERFUL?  ISN'T THIS SO SIMPLE? ISN'T THIS SOMETHING WE ALL COULD BE DOING? 

Of course it is! If we would become intentional and look for the opportunities for where God is already at work.  

Can you imagine what would happen if you made a commitment to share the Gospel with every wrong number or telephone solicitor that called you?  You might find that God starts sending you lots of wrong numbers!

 LET'S DO IT!

WHAT DOES MISSIONAL LIVING NEED TO OVERCOME IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES?

When we begin to live an intentional life on mission with Christ we will begin to experience some circumstances that will literally blow our minds!  As we encounter those circumstances, impossible circumstances, questions will begin to fill our minds! Questions like:

• How will Christ ever be glorified through this?
• What is God trying to do? This doesn't make sense?
• What am I suppose to do in this situation?

We are going to look at just one little statement Jesus made to a woman while he was out on mission. In that statement holds the key to answer this important question!  Take a few moments and watch it NOW!

WILL YOU JOIN CHRIST ON HIS MISSION?

Today, I was reading, LIFE ON MISSION: A Simple Way To Share The Gospel, by Dustin Willis & Aaron Coe and came across an activity that I thought would be really good for my readers to do. So, I share it with you now!

PRAY FOR GOD TO OPEN YOU HEART AND MIND TO HEAR HIS VOICE!

"Father God and Lord Jesus. I pray that you would open the hearts and minds of all your people who read this post. Stir their hearts to long for and grave for the things that are most important to you. Help them to understand their part in the mission you have given us. Convict our hearts, enlighten our minds, provide and steadfastness of will that follow you wherever you lead us.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen!"

READ THESE 3 BIBLE VERSES:

"All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, therefor, go and make disciple of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey all that I have given to you and low I am with you always even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:18-20

"And when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you." John 20:21

ANSWER THESE FOUR QUESTIONS:

From the verses you just read:

1.  Which of Jesus' words most convict, challenge or encourage you to live life on mission? Why?

2.  How can you use your influence in your community to be involved in God's redemptive mission?

3. Whom did God use to share the Gospel with you? Share in a few short sentences the way you came to faith in Christ.

4.  When has God used you to share the Gospel? Have you shared the Gospel? 

Take A Few Moments & Share Your Answers As A Comment Below!  Let's Get A Good Conversation Going & Encourage Each Other To Shine The Light Of Christ!

How Will You Shine The Light Of Christ This Easter Week?

In today's video blog I want to ask you an important question about missional living during this years Easter Week. Watch the video and then answer the question is poses as a comment below.

Now take a few moments and share your idea of an activity that we can do to shine the Light of Christ Brightly in our part of this dark world. Share your answer as a comment below. Then come back and see what others have shared and comment on their ideas!  Let's stimulate each other to do good deeds this Easter!

GIVE ME YOU NAME & EMAIL AND I WILL SEND YOU SOME REALLY GREAT STUFF ON LIVING A POWERFUL MISSIONAL LIFE!

3 Daily Activities For Powerful Missional Living

Here are three things you can do every single day to help you join God on His mission and live a powerful missional life.  

If you have found this blog to be of benefit please share it on Facebook & Twitter!  Also, leave a comment and let's get a discussion going!  

Do We Have The Right Attitude For Living A Missional Life?

Proper Missional Living always starts with having a proper missional attitude! Does our attitude reflect that of God the Father and Jesus Christ? Do we have the a Christ-like attitude towards sinners coming to faith in Christ like we should?  What does that missional attitude look like? What does a bad attitude look like when it comes to missional living?

These are some of the questions that we will be answering as we take a look at a true story from the Word of God.

If you found this to be helpful in living a life on mission with Christ and would like to be notified when new material is being presented then sign up for my free newsletter and devotional that I send out 2 to 3 times per week.  You can sign up on the righthand side of this post.

Also, leave a comment about your thoughts on this subject. Let's get a good conversation started and encourage one another.  

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Powerful Missional Living Requires A Powerful Missional Prayer Life

If it is your desire to live a powerful missional life that shines the Light of Christ brightly in your part of this dark world you will need to develop a powerful prayer life.  Watch this video and learn what I mean!

If you haven't already take a few moment and sign up to receive my free missional living devotional/newsletter and in addition get a free training report on transitioning any conversation into one that talks about Jesus.  From this you will receive some powerful content that will help you live a powerful missional life. YOU CAN SIGN UP TO THE RIGHT OF THIS POST. 

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4 EFFECTS OF DISOBEYING GOD: What Happens When You Choose Not To Join God On His Mission

From the life of a reluctant and disobedient prophet, Jonah, we will learn about 4 affects that can result from disobeying God.  Like Christian’s today, not every prophet of God was a willing participant in God’s work and mission. 

Do we really think that disobedience to God can happen without there being consequences? 

This is not an exhaustive list of all the effects for disobeying God but rather just four that we can be pretty sure will come about if we choose not to join God on His mission!

Jonah Chapter 1

I. Disobedience To God Will Not Only Affect You But Others As Well.

"All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship."  (v. 5a NIV)

When we intentionally disobey God and refuse to join Him on His mission our decision will not only affects us but also those around us! 

There were others on the ship with Jonah and they all were affected by the storm. They all were afraid of drowning in the raging sea.  One man’s disobedience had a peril affect on the lives of all the people associated with him.

When we decide to disobey Christ it will affect our family, our friends and ultimately the people we are to share the Gospel with.  

Check out this powerful book on living a powerful missional life and to help you be obedient to Christ and His mission: 

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE: A Journey Into Missional Living

II.  Disobedience To God Will Appear As Though You're Not Concerned About Others.

“But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.  The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” (v. 5b-6NIV)

Where was Jonah as the storm developed?  He was asleep in the bottom of the ship.  When the captain of the ship found him he could hardly believe what he saw and in disbelief asked, “How can you sleep?”

The captain was shocked!  It appeared to him that Jonah could care less about the situation they were “all” in.  It looked as though Jonah wasn’t concerned that everyone was about to die!

The issue wasn’t that Jonah didn’t care.  The issue was that Jonah knew exactly what was happening and why.  When we disobey God we develop a “HARDEN HEART” to God and His will that it comes across to others as an uncaring and heartless.

III.  Your Disobedience To God Will Be Found Out By Others!

“Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. (v. 7)

 This part of the story proves once again that old saying,

“Your sins will find you out.” 

Through the throwing of dice, God was able to show everyone on the ship that Jonah was the cause of their perilous situation. 

This story of Jonah not only shows that though you can run from God you can’t hide from God but also that you will be exposed by God. 

We would love to hide our disobedience and sin to God deep in a closet so no one will know about them but God has a way of exposing them so that we will have to deal with them and is usually done in plain view of others. 

IV.  Disobedience To God Won't Stop God From Pursuing You.

“So, they asked him, 'Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?' He answered, 'I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.'  This terrified them and they asked, 'What have you done?' (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)  The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So, they asked him, 'What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?'  'Pick me up and throw me into the sea,' he replied, 'and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.'  Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before.” (Vs. 8-13 NIV)

Even after the sailors discovered that Jonah was the cause of the storm and what they needed to do to stop the storm (throwing Jonah overboard) they tried as hard as they could to get the ship to shore but to no avail.  They did want to see Jonah die on account of them but even their best efforts wasn’t going to be able to stop God from calling Jonah to account for His disobedience.

 Here’s a spiritual truth that you can count on! 

If God has a mission for you to accomplish, He will not stop pursuing you and nothing will prevent him from getting your attention if you choose to disobey Him. 

Don’t think that just because you have told God that you refuse to obey him that He will leave you alone!  He won’t!

Our God is a tenacious God and He never gives up on His pursuit of us. 

Instead, Of Disobedience Let’s Choose Obedience To God!

Instead, Of Suffering The Effects Of Disobedience Let’s Enjoy The Blessings Of Obedience.

I’d like to close with some of the lyrics of and old gospel hymn,

“Trust and obey for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

10 Thoughts Church Members Have About Their Church Doing Evangelism"

As a pastor I have often wondered what my church members were thinking when I mentioned that we were going to go out into the community and share Jesus with people!  Here's a short list of 10 possible thoughts that might be going through their minds.  Read and see which ones best describe your thoughts! 

#1:  Is He Serious Or Just Kidding Around?

Some church members are so shocked by the idea of going out to share their faith with others that when the topic is brought can’t believe the Pastor is being serious.

#2:  I Don't Know How To Do That!

Many church members have never been trained to share their faith and the thought of doing so makes them very nervous.  

#3:  I Don't Feel Comfortable Doing That!

Even if church members have been trained to share Jesus they still may feel uncomfortable doing so because they have done it long enough or practiced it long enough to become confident in doing it.

#4:  I'll Be Busy That Day!

That doesn’t mean they’re already busy on that day but now that they’ve heard what the church is going to be doing they are going to make sure they are busy.  It’s an excuse.

#5:  I'll Go But I Won't Like It!

There are lots of church members who show up for everything that that church does but don’t like it and will make sure the pastor and everyone else know they don’t like it.

#6:  What Kind Of People Will We Encounter?

Meeting strangers or people who are different from us is very scary for lots of church members.  

#7:  God Hasn't Gifted Me As An Evangelist!

This is a great spiritual excuse for not sharing your faith that’s just doesn’t hold water.  While it’s true that God hasn’t called all Christians to be an evangelist, it is equally true that He has called all Christians to be a witness for him.

#8:  This Isn't Why I Come To Church!

For many Christians being a witness to the community of Christ is not why they go to church. They like the fellowship, the music, the preaching or whatever but the thought of sharing Jesus is the farthest thing from their mind.

#9:  I Guess It's Time For Me To Find A New Church!

For many church members the first thought of mobilizing the church to go out and share witness is the sign it’s time to go find a new church.

#10:  YES, Finally We're Getting Serious!

However, they’re those church members excited and anxiously waiting for their pastors to raise them up, train them up and unleash them to go share Jesus and shine the Light of Christ.  They will be excited about this church direction.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

What To Do With People Who Hear The Gospel But Won't Follow Christ

Missional Living is all about sharing Jesus and the Good News of how Jesus' death, burial and resurrection can bring a person forgiveness of sin if they'd only leave everything to follow Jesus.  In other words to make Jesus the most important thing in their life.  

But what if that person isn't willing to follow Christ after hearing the Gospel and unwilling to follow Christ? What do you then? How do you respond to them?

In this weeks Missional Living Devotional we are going to address that issue and answer those questions by looking at how Jesus responded to a person who was unwilling to meet the conditions of being Christ disciple. 

Take a few minutes and see how Jesus responded that situation!

If living a powerful missional life that shines the Light of Christ brightly in your part of this dark world is an all encompassing desire and passion in your life then I want to invite you to get a FREE subscription to my newsletter and video devotional.  When you sign up I will keep you updated on new devotionals and trainings that will help make you a better trained for Christ's mission.  These are powerful training that you will have access to.  As an added bonus, when you subscribe I will also send you a FREE training report entitled HOW TO TRANSITION ANY CONVERSATION TO TALK ABOUT JESUS. Sign up to the in the form to the right.  

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The Portrait Of A Person With Great Faith

"Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.'  Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, 'Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.'  He answered,  'I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.' The woman came and knelt before him. 'Lord, help me!' she said.  He replied, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes it is, Lord,' she said. 'Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.' Then Jesus said to her, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed at that moment."  Matthew 15: 21-28 (NIV)

Everyday Christian living requires Followers of Christ to have faith but to living a powerful missional life that brightly shines the Light of Christ in your part of this dark world will require GREAT FAITH! We all know this but what does great faith look like in the lives of real ordinary Christians.  Is it even possible to be a average - ordinary Christian and have GREAT FAITH?  

Today, we are going to look at the life of one woman - an average woman - whom Jesus described as a woman of great faith.  We are going to examine her, look at what she did and how she did it that would lead Jesus to ascribe to her as a woman of great faith.  This woman is the portrait of what a person of great faith looks like.

I.  3 Obstacles This Woman's Faith Had To Overcome

#1:  Jesus Wouldn't Respond Back To Her

Did you notice in that story as the woman is crying out and begging Jesus to heal her daughter that Jesus literally ignored her?  Jesus was unwilling to stop and even have a conversation with the woman. He just kept on walking.

#2:  The Disciples Rejected Her

Then the disciples are getting annoyed by the woman's persistence asked Jesus to send her away because she was unwilling to leave them alone and kept on asking for Jesus to heal her daughter. There's no hint of compassion or care from any of the disciples! They just wanted Jesus to send her away.

#3:  She Wasn't Part Of The Targeted Group

Finally when Jesus was willing to start talking to her he told her that he wouldn't help her because she belonged to the wrong group of people.  He basically told her that He wouldn't help her because she didn't belong to the right "Target Group".  She had 3 strikes against her: She wasn't Jewish, he was a Gentile and she was a woman. 

II.  5 Characteristics Of Great Faith

So, what was it that stood out about this woman to Jesus that allowed him to ascribe to her as being a woman of great faith?  What did Jesus see or what stood out to him?

1.  Her Concern About Another

This woman wasn't crying out for help for herself! She was begging Jesus to help her daughter.  This woman had so much concern and care about her daughter that she was willing to risk the ridicule and rejection that she knew would probably come because of her being a Gentile woman asking help from a Jewish man.  But she was willing to endure the ridicule and shame because of the concern for her daughter.

Does our faith propel us to risk being made fun of or being endangered all because we care and are concerned about another?  Does your faith push you to take risks in order to help another?

2. Her Persistence

Did you notice that even though Jesus ignored her and his disciples rejected her she didn't give up and she stayed persistent in crying out over and over again to Jesus for help.  Can you picture the scene?  Envision Jesus walking down the road with his disciples and here is this woman following you, not going away or giving up, but keeps on crying out for Jesus to help her daughter. It probably wasn't a quite crying out but a loud one that was gaining the attention of everyone around.

3.  Her Respectfulness

Did you notice in verse 25 that the woman even knelt before Jesus in complete submission to him and his authority.  The woman in all her crying out wasn't rude at all.  This woman showed tremendous about of respect and submission to Jesus in her request for help.

4.  Her Passion

And then after she knelt down before Jesus she begs him once again passionately, "Lord, help me."  You could probably see her heart full of passion to get help for her daughter written all over her face and in her eyes.  Her face was probably drenched with tears and her eyes bloodshot from all the crying. 

5.  Her Humility

And then after Jesus basically calls this woman a "dog" when he explained to her that the reason why he could not help her was because it was not proper for the food that belongs to the children to be given to the dogs that this woman, through her faith, demonstrated true humility as she once again made her plea of faith.  Listen to the words of this woman,

"Yes it is, Lord,' she said. 'Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table."

This woman's response back to Jesus was simple this: "I am not asking you to give me anything that belongs to the children; I'm just asking for the scraps that fall onto the floor from the masters table".  In other words she was saying, "I maybe a dog but I'm at least entitled to eat the food that hits the floor."

This woman had so much faith in Christ that she knew that even the scraps that fall from his table is enough to heal her daughter. 

III.  Jesus' Evaluation Of The Woman

When Jesus say those things that expressed her faith He was absolutely blown away! He stopped, he looked her straight into her face and say, "You have great faith and your request is granted."  

This was an ordinary woman with nothing going in her favor except that she knew Jesus could heal her daughter if he just gave the word for it to happen and her faith wouldn't allow her to stop asking, crying out and begging Jesus with all humility.  

This could be you and me! You don't have to be born in a family with great wealth - you don't keep to graduate from some fancy school - you may have even been born on the wrong side of the tracks. None of that matters.  The only thing that matters is you FAITH IN CHRIST. 

5 Ways To Replace Worry With Peace!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9

How To Replace Your Worry With God's Peace

#1: By Rejoicing More

This verse starts off my telling us who are worried to start rejoicing or praising God.  To ignore this is to ignore a command from God.

Instead of worry about the stressful situations of life we should look at the more humorous side of things.  My mom was great at doing this.  I can remember sharing with my mom some very frustrating things only to see my mom start chuckling about them.  When I'd ask why she was laughing at my worries she would just say,

"I know this situation is very sad and hard on you and if I'd let it I could easily start crying. But I don't want to cry so I choose to smile and giggle instead."

What my mom had learned was that worrying about something or being at peace about something was a choice we make.  So, instead of worry let's decide to:

• Laugh more
• Sing more
• Dance more
• Celebrate more

In other words let's decide to REJOICE more!

#2: By Relaxing More

Did you notice what the verse in Philippians said?,

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

That word "Gentleness" can mean "Easy" or we could say "Taking it easy"!

The instruction of scripture is instead of stressing out about a situation take it easy and relax. Why? Because you know that God is in control.

#3: By Praying More

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

• It Says Not To Worry About Anything: What God is saying is that there is nothing in this world that should cause us to be worried, so stop it!

• Instead, Pray About Every Situation That Might Cause Worry.  Pray about everything. Share with God about your every need.  And thank Him for how he has and will continue to meet your needs and look out after you.

#4:  By Feeding More

" ... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (v.8)

You get rid of worry when you are constantly feeding your mind positive, uplifting and God thoughts!  

When you are going through a tough time force yourself to take your attention away from the troubles you are experiencing and place it on all the blessings that God has given to you.  There are always positive things going on around us but many times we have to force ourselves to look for them.

#5:  By Following More

" ... Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."

Paul was telling the Christians in Philippi to follow his example of how to live a life of peace that was free from worry.  How could Paul say that?  Because he also shared with them that he had discovered the secret of being content in any and every situation.  To be content means you are no longer worrying and Paul had learned how to experience that state of mind on a moment-by-moment and day-by-day basis.

We too should follow the example of others Christians who also have learned how to live that life of freedom from fear.  These kinds of saints have a lot they can teach us and we listen and follow their example.

I hope this blog post has encouraged you, empowered you and equipped you for a more faithful life on mission for Christ!

3 Ways To Keep The Fear Of Failure From Living A Powerful Missional Life

The fear of failure is one of the biggest hinderances to living a powerful missional life!  Often, people will never attempt to share their faith with someone else because of fear that they might say something wrong and as a result the person will reject Christ. 

Such fear is paralyzing! It actually keeps people from even trying to shine the Light of Christ. People will be sitting at a coffee shop, having a conversation when all of sudden they hear something that would perfect segue into sharing their personal testimony but will become deadly quite because fear has gripped their heart. 

So, how does one over come the fear of failure and be able to share Jesus or do a good deed in such a way that God can get the glory?

3 Ways To Stop The Fear Of Failure

#1:  Remember Everyone Fails

That's right! Everyone fails!  No one is perfect! We all mess up! I really don't care how you say it but the truth always there and that truth is that you are not perfect, you've never been perfect and you never will be perfect.  The only perfect life in this world is reserved from one person and His name is Jesus Christ.  And if you haven't looked in the mirror for awhile - you're not Jesus!

"We all stumble in many ways ..."  James 3:2 (NIV)

"There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake." Eccl. 7:20 (GN)

These two verses make perfectly clear what I've already stated - Everyone Fails!

So, the question we all need to ask ourselves is simply this: If everyone fails, including me, why do I think I should be the exception? Don't allow failure keep you from trying! If you fail, learn from it and try again.  Use failure to better yourself, to motivate yourself and to make you an expert!

#2: Realize Failure Is Not Fatal

"No matter how often and honest man falls, he always gets up again." Proverbs 24:16 (GN)

I like that verse because it reminds that failure isn't the end and it doesn't get the final word unless I allow it to.  The only way failure wins is if I give up.

Here Are Some Successful Failures:

George Washington: President Washington lost 2/3 of all the battles he fought but won the War for Independence against England.

Neapolian: Graduated 42nd in his class of 43.  That's not much to brag about. 

Babe Ruth: This great baseball player hit 714 home runs but he had a whole lot more strikeouts.  

The point that I am trying to make is that just because you've messed up or failed once doesn't mean you won't succeed the next time or the next time or the time after that. 

#3: Recognize The Benefits Of Failing

In this point we are going to look at how God uses failures to benefits us!  God uses failures to:

A.  Educate Us!

"A man who refuses to admit his mistake can never be successful .." Proverbs 28:13

God uses failure to show us areas where we need growth.

B.  Motivate Us!

"Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30 (GN)

There's an old saying that more is accomplished from desperation than inspiration.  What that means is that when we fail, that failure can become the fuel that will rocket us with new enthusiasm and determination to succeed the next time. It becomes the motivation that pushes us forward.

We are called to live a powerful missional life where the Light of Christ shines brightly through us into our part of this dark world.

DON'T ALLOW THE FEAR OF FAILURE KEEP YOU FROM ATTEMPTING THE GREAT THINGS GOD WANTS TO DO THROUGH YOU.!

4 Question To Ask That Will Lead To A Church Planting/Disciple Making Movement

Question #1:  What Does A Ripe Spiritual Harvest Field Look Like?

"When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. The He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is abundant but the workers are few."  Matthew 9:36-37 (HCSB)

A ripe spiritual harvest field are people who are wear and worn out!  They look like sheep wandering aimlessly without the guidance of a shepherd.  Do you ever see or know of people who are tired, weary, worn out or just exhausted with what this life has thrown out to them?  Do you know of people who are disappointed, frustrated or even hurt by the reality of what life is on this earth? Do you know of people who have no direction in life?  Have you seen people who have no purpose in life?  Do you have family members who seem to be living in a rut of meaningless routine with no hope of getting out?

THOSE ARE THE SPIRITUAL RIPE HARVEST FIELDS!

Question #2:  What's The Problem That Hinders The Harvesting?

According to the verse we just read and according to Luke 10:2 there's only one problem that hinders the bringing in the harvest.  Look at what Luke 10:2 says,

"He (Jesus) told them: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." (HCSB)

The only problem there is to bringing in this great harvest is that there's not enough workers to do the job.  There needs to be more laborers! We need more harvesters!  Committed Followers of Christ who are willing to set aside their agenda's, their goals, their dreams to follow Christ out into the mission field (i.e. harvest field) and bring in the harvest!  

The Problem In A Nutshell Is This:

THERE'S TO MANY SELF-CENTERED PEOPLE UNWILLING TO FOLLOW CHRIST AND WORK HARD TO BRING IN THE HARVEST!

Question #3:  What's The Solution To The Harvest Field Problem?

"Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Luke 10: 2b (HCSB)

Here's What The Solution Is Not:

• It's not for us to guilt people for not doing more in the harvest field!

• It's not to trick or manipulate people to go and help

Christ's Solution Is Simple This:

PRAY FOR GOD TO SEND MORE WORKERS INTO THE FIELD!

God is the owner of the field and it is God's job to employ and deploy His laborer force to bring in the harvest.  Since we need more workers Jesus said we need to ask God the Father to bring more help.  PRAYER IS THE ANSWER! 

Question #4:  What's The Correct Response To Christ's Solution?

"Now go; I'm sending you out like lambs among wolves ..." Luke 10:3

This is the same command that Christ gave His disciples right before He ascended into heaven. Listen to the command and mission He gave all who claim to be His disciples.

"All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go make disciples of all nations ..." Matthew 28:18

Here's our correct response:  

"GO"

Get out there and start working - The harvest is ripe - Pray as your reap - Look for the additional laborers that will come out of the harvest.