Daily Bread 5-16-17
Romans 11:21-23
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbeleif, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graff them in again.
ref.- 1 Cor 15:2 - By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached to you, unless ye have believed in vain.
John 15:2 - Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
We must continue in his goodness if we want to have a chance at eternal life. We are not a special people who came into this world and lit it up and deserve all of these things. No, we were of lost tribes and destitute, starving for direction and truth. And one day he had mercy on us and showed us the way to get all that we were looking for. Jesus Christ was all that we needed. In him we found goodness, mercy, salvation, forbearance, patience, long-suffering, unconditional love, etc. We were given a chance where there had been no chance and we were given something that didn't belong to us. A family and a Lord that cared for us and loved us as their own even though we came from a people who were not even considered to be good slaves. When God had to take away everything from his people it was not easy. He was having to turn his back on his own flesh and blood. But he stood firm on his purpose for this world and saw in it a people who were willing to carry out his plan. This is where he sent Jesus Christ down here to show us what love really was. But let's not for one moment think that it can not be taken away. Also, let's not for one moment think that it will not be given back to those who lost it. But they, just as we, have to come to God through the fruit that Christ brings. There has to be a surrender and a transformation. Just as with anyone who has fallen from grace or not even been there before. It is not too late to come back home. We must remember that the fruit that God is looking for is not fundraising and people farming, singing and shouting, it is fruit that comes from within us. Peace, love, and all that comes from Christ. If we not only receive these fruits but exemplify them in our day to day lives then we will receive correction and instruction in how to get better and be more fruitful. You see, a branch that will accept the nutrients given will always flourish over one that rejects them. And when the tree sees the branch accepting the nutrients and producing fruit it will send more nutrients towards where the fruit is being produced. Not that the nutrients are not available to all branches, but the ones who will absorb the good nutrients will be fed more. So, in reading this lesson today we must realize that our fruit is what will determine our Spiritual health. Listen to what we are being preached if it comes from the Word of God, seek for Spiritual gifts rather than carnal, and live a life that Christ has shown us is pleasing to God. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Strive to keep what you have and you will be given more. Mistreat what you have been given and be prepared to live without. Have a great day!!!