” ARE YOU KNOWN BY YOUR FRUITS”?

 

 

“Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” (2Corinthians 9:10)

 

PRE-AMBLE by Robert

I published the following expose on January 11th, 2018, the intent was to show discerning businessmen how to succeed using the following template. What I have come to realize is this template is applicable for today’s “Modern Day Disciples” doing God’s work.

We wonder, where some garner success in business and as well in their spiritual walk. I believe many who walk in the light and hold to spiritual discernment see the advantages of this template to success both physically and especially Spiritually. It becomes a personal choice. However, I see it as an excellent guide to succeeding in all aspects of our spiritual life, a blueprint to achieve, “yes!”

“Have you ever approached a responsibility with this kind of single-mindedness and careful planning, while ultimately depending on God?”

• 1). Accepted the challenge?
• 2). Examine alternatives?
• 3)Promise to follow instructions?
• 4). Made a plan?
• 5). Submitted the plan to God?
• 6). Prayed for guidance?
• 7). Devised a strategy with room for God to operate?
• 8). Waited?
• 9). Watched closely?
• 10). Accepted the answer thankfully?
• 11). Explained the situation to concerned parties?
• 12). Refused unnecessary delay?
• 13). Followed through with the entire plan?
• “It’s your move,” but keep in mind follow all the steps no shortcuts, they won’t work here.

If you recall, we were shown by the Holy Spirit in ‘THERE CAN BE NO TRUE PEACE WITHOUT GRACE.” where he revealed, “For our Salvation to have any value in God’s eyes, it must be shared.  

OPENING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father we have found in our walk your fruits of the Spirit which nourish and strengthen us. We thank you “Oh Lord” for all which has been shared through the Holy Spirit your wisdom, understanding, discernment, courage, and patience.

We continue to ask Father for your knowledge to be with us so we would substantiate your Love and compassion. We pray, Father, that which we sow through our examples of your work will mature and bear fruit in your name. Gather us into your fold so we will walk in your shadow Father reflecting your light into the world and sharing the living water you have placed in us, Lord. We pray this in your name Yeshua Amen and Amen

OPENING COMMENTS by Robert  

The Lord has filled us His “Modern Day Disciples” with Love and Compassion, but he has also provided us with a strong, caring character filled with courage. As I see and hear the cries from God’s children about being destitute, vexed, wearied, confused and searching. It becomes apparent they recognize the lack of essential scriptural teachings and are looking for a shepherd for leadership and guidance but have not found many which are suitable for shepherding or as leaders to follow. 

We find Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) in his commentary on Matthew 9:35 explaining as “Modern Day Disciples what should be happening and to whom. “Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not only toward God but toward men; not only toward those of our party and persuasion but toward men in general, all with whom we have to do. We must do that to our neighbour which we acknowledge being fit and reasonable. We must, in our dealings with men, suppose ourselves in the same case and circumstances with those we have to do with and act accordingly. There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the road to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking: there is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now“. 

We will find as we go forward it is common with people not to apply to Yeshua till they have tried in vain all other helpers, and see them, as undoubtedly they will, physicians of no value. Some run to diversions; others plunge into business, or even into intemperance; others go about to establish their own righteousness or torment themselves by vain superstitions. Many perish in these ways; but none will ever find rest to the soul by such devices; while those whom Yeshua heals of the disease of sin, find in themselves an entire change for the better. As secret acts of sin, so secret acts of faith, are known to Yeshua. 

We again hear from Matthew Henry (1662 -1774) “Christian liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God, and the good of others. We must please our neighbour, for the good of his soul; not by serving his wicked will, and sinfully humoring him; if we thus seek to please men, we are not the servants of Yeshua. Yeshua’s whole life was a self-denying, self-displeasing life. And he is the most advanced Believer, who is the most conformed to Yeshua“. 

“Modern Day Disciples,” should look upon themselves as God’s servants, and act in everything suitably to that character. The apostle did so, by much patience in afflictions, by acting on sound principles, and by due temper and behaviour. Believers, in this world, need the grace of God, to arm them against temptations, to bear the excellent report of men without pride; and to take their reproaches with patience. 

 

In Luke 8:15 Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) shows how we flourish. Happy are we, and forever indebted to free grace, if the same thing that is a parable to others, with which they are only amused, is a plain truth to us, by which we are taught and governed. We ought to take heed of the things that will hinder our profiting by the word. We hear; to take heed lest we understand carelessly and slightly, lest we entertain prejudices against the word we hear; and to take heed to our spirits after we have listened to the word, lest we lose what we have gained. The gifts we have will be continued to us or not, as we use them for the glory of God, and the good of our brethren. Nor is it enough not to hold the truth in unrighteousness; we should desire to hold forth the word of life, and to shine, giving light to all around.  

We see from the words “purifying their hearts by faith,” and the address of  Peter, that justification by faith, and sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some try to lay upon the disciples of Christ.

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert 

We have found it is our responsibility to understand how important it is to sow good seeds to produce fruit worthy to be presented before our Lords throne. As “FISHER’S OF MEN,” or as “MODERN DAY DISCIPLES” which we find ourselves being both in different situations. We must have the discernment to fully understand what Yeshua’s meaning was in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  Do we realize only God could speak these words as it is a testimony of His omnipresence? And it is essential to note Yeshua is not there to spy out their sins, or to mark down the imperfections of their worship. But to enlighten, strengthen, comfort, and most importantly to save them.

I desire to close this article by quoting Matthew Henry’s (1662 – 1774) comments on Matthew 18:20 as they have given me and I hope those who have read this article a fresh perspective and approach to casting your nets into the darkness. I believe in his words we have found Apostle Paul’s answer to how he dealt with the abuses he suffered.

“If a professed Believer is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a True Believer, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practiced everywhere, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all. But how few try the method which Yeshua has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Yeshua, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.”

Now having this example before us, you would think to go forward should be a whole lot less complicated and with fewer distractions. How better to diffuse the enemy then by confronting him directly and actually demonstrating God’s strength, love, compassion and desire to save all especially having Yeshua present to make it happen.  

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert

Father in heaven we thank you for all your precious teachings, guidance, and patience as we learn to walk as your “Modern Day Disciples.” We relish your presence at all times when we are demonstrating and sharing your words with those who need to see them in action and eventually hear them. We find your blessings as food for our spirits strengthening us and lifting our words and actions. Our reservoir of living water is always full for the sharing to those who are thirsting for your eternal quenching of their thirst. Father, we thank you for our health and strengths, this we pray in the name of Yeshua Amen and Amen.

Please remember these articles are shared by a humble, obedient servant doing our Lord’s bidding to share His words and warnings as shown. May our Father continue to bless all as they go forward in doing his bidding. Matthew 18:16 “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

God’s blessings.

 

Robert