Friday, December 31, 2010

Full Throttle for God

FULL THROTTLE FOR GOD
John 15:1-8
v. 8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to by My disciples.”

At the end of another year, how would you complete your report card for following Jesus, being His disciple? It is true that life is hard—especially when living as the Lord desires—but Jesus promises to walk by our side, supplying all our needs (Philippians 4:19). Marty, in the previous devotion Remain in the Light, figured out pretty fast about apologizing for a little white lie he told his Mom. Immediately, he was fast-tracked on target for bearing fruit for His Father, once more. Can you remember a time during this year when it took you longer to get back on the track of following Jesus?

Jesus was right on, when He said, “apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Can you think of a time this year when you tried doing something without Him? How long did it take for you to figure out why you failed so miserably? Do you remember being tired, worn out, feeling weak? At some point, His juice leaked out of the wiring at the connection between Him and you.
A leak drained His power when you focused on something besides Him. The remedy (REM-e-dee means a fix) is quick, and easy: refocusing on Jesus recharges and restores. Reading His Word, praying, spending time with godly friends are all good ideas that refresh the believer’s walk.

Things seem to flow very well when we’re on the Jesus track. Victory and power are in our grasp as long as we remain connected to the vine. But, separated by distractions that divert our attitude and activities toward worldly goals can veer us way off course in a split second. Many wise believers learn how to discipline themselves before losing their power, by recharging with a daily dose of His Word and devotions.

Hebrews 12:1 urges God’s kids to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” What is preventing you from living passionately for Christ?
As a New Year’s resolution, won’t you ask Jesus for His help and commitment for action following Him? His plan, with His strength, guarantees His kids’ lives filled with peace, joy, and contentment.

There’s nothing like living at “full throttle for God!”

Take Home Nugget
Persist no matter what.
Endure discomfort.
Request help.
Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
Envision triumph.
Very consistently keep at it.
Embrace adversity as your teacher.
Refuse to give up.
Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!
anon.
P-E-S-E-V-E-R-E through 2011!

Happy New Year, World!
J.D. Griffith
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)