Basic Reminders

Slow down right now and imagine this…

an explosion in your heart of epic proportions filling your heart with Christ’s light and love. Shaking lose and purging any sin, foothold or stronghold Satan may have had. You are left with nothing but his light and love filling your heart to overflowing. Meditate on this reality right now for Christ has done it for you just be still . (Part 2 is coming tomorrow)

Part 2 - Guard Your Heart “Above all else, guard your heart for from it flows the springs of life.” Prov 4:23 It is done! And Christ will fill our heart with His love and light daily upon our request so be filled and guard it to maintain the outflowing of His love, light & grace to others. Biologically the heart keeps the mind alive and our bodies full of energy to run the race. Spiritually our hearts keep the body of Christ alive. Our hearts are the source from which we can consistently love and encourage others. Christ said, “I have come that you might have LIFE abundantly.” Let us guard our hearts so that we stay ALIVE and give LIFE to the body of Christ. To God be the thanks, praise & glory. Amen.

Part 3 - Your Mind Kept alive by your heart, the mind is central command. It is subject to everything we see and hear . It is where we take in and process this information, react with emotions and form beliefs. Let God transform your mind so that it is built on the rock of Jesus/Truth and can withstand any attack. Satan attacks directly and covertly. The mind is the gateway to your heart and you must be on guard so that Satan never gets a foothold in your heart. Be MINDFUL (thoughtful and intentional) and alert to the Devil’s schemes putting on your spiritual armor so that you do not fall.

Part 4 - Your Body Our temporary earthly vessel by His design for His purpose and glory. Think of your body as your uniform in the Lord’s service. Issued by Him and for Him. Unlike a shirt, we cannot take off this vessel so do not get entangled with earthly things (2 Tim 2:1) and chase pleasures of this life (Jam 4:4). Take care of your body and use it as an instrument of His peace (John 14:27). You are His and the power in you is stronger than any powers in this world (1 John 4:4). Yee haw!

Part 5 - Others

Our hearts are full and guarded. Christ’s stronghold is secure and deeply rooted in our heart & mind. Our bodies are disciplined and obedient to God (our commanding officer). Now, operating from here we can freely love one another, period, no exceptions. Fruits of the Spirit running rampant showing the love of Christ in every encounter God set up in advance for us to love one another, love one another & love one another.

Let's talk about fruit...

Imagine a well pruned orange tree full of fruit. 

Now imagine a poorly cared for tree that is scraggly, out of control and yielding sparse and inconsistent fruit. 

Who doesn't want to be fruitful?

This morning I was reading John 15 and am reminded that GOD WANTS US TO BE FRUITFUL probably for two reasons: 1) it glorifies Him, builds His Kingdom, draws others to Him and 2) we will be happier and more fulfilled if we are fruitful. 

(vs 1-2) I am the vine, my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so that they will produce even more. 

(vs 4-8) Jesus encourages us to REMAIN JOINED TO HIM AND HIS WORDS so that we will be more fruitful. 

(vs 9-17) Jesus reminds us of his great love for us and that He wants us to remain in that love which will bring us joy. He goes on to remind us to love each other and that we can be his friend if we obey and remain in his love. 

PART 2 - Let's look for fruit...

Gal 5:22 "...when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will product this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control."

These fruits are the result of remaining joined to Him, in His love, knowing His word and obeying His call on our lives to remain in Him and love one another. Let us do that more and more today.