Fruitful Living under God's Authority

New Guest: Most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that label.

Monday, January 5, 2009
Devotions: Ps 2, 110; Josh 1:1-9; Heb 11:32-12:3; Jn 15:1-16

Why do the Gentiles conspire against God and His Anointed One? God holds them in derision; He has placed His Son over all the earth—so honor the Son and stay on God’s good side! Happy are they who take refuge in Him. Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand until all creation is put under His authority; He is King of Kings, and High Priest forever, and Judge over every sentient being.

After Moses’ death, YHWH put Joshua son of Nun in authority, to lead Israel into Canaan. ‘Be strong and courageous; by My authority, you will cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers I would give them. Don’t let the Book of Moses out of your sight—meditate on it day and night, and I will use it to provide you prosperity and success. Don’t be afraid, for YHWH your God is with you wherever you go!’

Past people of faith endured great trials and hardships, though the world was not worthy of them—yet none received what had been promised; God’s Messiah was withheld until time was full—so that all believers of every generation should be blessed at once. And we, surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, have these promises fulfilled in Jesus. So let us set aside every hindrance and every besetting sin, and run with perseverance the race God has marked for us, fixing our gaze on Jesus, the Author and Completer of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat at God’s right hand in victory. Let us ponder Jesus, Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that we will not become weary and lose heart.

Jesus taught: ‘I Am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vindresser. Everyone who believes in Me is a branch, but every fruitless branch, He will take away; and every fruitful branch, He prunes to make that one more fruitful. You are clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Now, abide in Me, and I abide in You—that’s the only way you can bear fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing worthwhile. Fruitless branches will be gathered and burned. But if you abide in Me and I in you, you may ask anything in My name, and it will be done for you. This glorifies my Father, when you bear much good fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples. Keep the commands I have given you, so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be full! My command is, “Love one another!” The greatest act of love is self-sacrifice—laying down your life for your friends, as I have done. Such obedience makes you My friend—not merely servants but friends, since I have shared My mind with you—all the Father has made known to Me, I have shared with you. You didn’t choose Me, I chose you and appointed you to fruitbearing that lasts. Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.’