Pondering Point

Oh, how I hate to see the fruit of sin and evil desires in my life! If you are a disciple of Jesus, I expect you feel the same way whenever your behavior produces bad fruit.

But don’t you just love to see the fruit of righteousness show up as you live for God? I know this is true for me! It makes me feel like I am “tapped in” to Jesus the Vine with the spiritual sap flowing freely! And oh how I love to see this same fruit of righteousness evident in your lives as you live for God!

Let's celebrate the fruit of righteousness in the lives of those whom Jesus calls His own.

Micro-Group Moment:
Consider the Bible as a Prayer Source

You just had a conversation with God by praying a few verses of scripture above. What follows is a similar prayer written by pastor Paul using Philippians 1:1-11 titled a conversation with Jesus.

Have a bible open and follow the parallels between the prayer and the original verses. Notice that Jesus “starts” the conversation and that pastor’s replies are italicized. The intent is not to alter Scripture or claim inspiration, but to spark a prayer time with God using His word. It can develop a rich, bible-centered prayer life.

Paul, My servant, My friend, (John 15:15) holy one of Mine: Let Our grace and peace fill you. Let Our grace and peace flow from you as you live and serve in Our name.

Picture those people you’re serving. Can you see them in your mind’s eye? Good, now thank Us for them. Make it a practice, a habit in your prayer times. Rejoice in your gospel-driven partnership with them from day one. Know confidently that We are behind it. View it as an “Ebenezer” experience (1 Samuel 7:12) – Us having brought you to this point. My Father who began this good work in you will carry it on to completion until that day I show up in all of My glory.

Pastor Paul responds:

Thank You Jesus for the people of Hope – and thank You for the
reminder to do so. I do rejoice in our gospel-driven partnership as
a discipleship-oriented church. May we grow even more confident
knowing this is Your work in us.

Jesus continues: 

Give these people a place in your heart – for My sake. They are fellow recipients of Our grace – and your partners in sharing the gospel. Let My affection for them become your affection for them. Pray that their love abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. I want them to be able to discern what is best – and be pure and blameless for My return, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Me. This will bring glory and praise to Father God.

Pastor Paul responds:

Deepen my affection for these people of Hope – Your people. I pray that their love abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight – and that You use me to this end. May they discern what is best – and be pure and blameless at Your return, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through You – to the praise and glory of God our Father.