Tag: #bearmuchfruit

Why Is the Bible So Different From Any Other Book?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 119:130 King James Version (KJV)

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

I remember hearing the testimony of a Chinese man’s response to being exposed to the Bible; he asked, “Why is this book so different from any book I have ever read?”

Have you found that to be true in your life? The Bible is not like the textbooks we read in school. We learn by reading books, we gain information, insight and we grow intellectually. 

However, the Bible is different; when we read the Bible, it changes our lives. I remember many years ago listening to the testimony of a pastor at The Gideons International Convention who gave his statement of how the Bible transformed his life.

He read our focal passage for today, and that single verse changed his life. Some of his fellow soldiers who were Navigators invited him to join them in studying and memorizing the Word of God.

What a testimony of the power of the Word of God, and the God of the Word that resulted in the transformation in the life of this soldier; from a simple man to a preacher of the Gospel of Christ.

That my friends do not happen when you read science, mathematics, physics, literature, accounting, engineering or any other textbook. The book that changes lives is the Word of God; the Bible.

Isaiah 55:11 King James Version (KJV)

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Proverbs 3:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we are so grateful that we have the Bible in a language we can read and understand.

Father, we pray that everyone would have the privilege of having the Bible in their native language. Father, we know that nothing is too difficult for You to perform.

Father, we pray that we would be used to share the Word of God so that others will have their eyes opened, and lives changed by the reading of the Bible. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

A Call to Action – Bear Much Fruit

Text:

Matthew 5:15-16 (HCSB)

15  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

16  In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Observation:

This call to be a light is to everyone. If you are someone, it applies to you. However, you must be connected to The Light if you desire that your light will produce the fruit of life that last forever.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSB)

8  For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—

9  not from works, so that no one can boast.

10  For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

This world with all of its evil is not our home. Yes, we are citizens in our homeland, but those who believe in Jesus are citizens of heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)

20  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Let this word from God’s Word inspire you to let your light shine to dispel the darkness in this world. This is God’s gift to His children who have been born from above.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)

10  For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

My dear brothers and sisters, allow me to encourage you to let your light so shine so that others may see Jesus in you.

John 15:5 (HCSB)

5  “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your work of love, grace, and mercy in the lives of your people.

Father, help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, to walk in the light, and to let our light shine in this dark and evil world, and with Your help, produce much fruit. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

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