Life Journal 11 June 2007

A LIFE THAN REFLECTS JESUS
Topic: Living a Christian Life


May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Philippians 1.11 (New Living Translation)

Observation
That if we truly are living a saved life then it will show—and God will be glorified in it and through it.

Application (or, How will I be different today because of what I just read?)
I have to ask myself some hard questions—am I producing good fruit that is God honoring? Can folks see that I am different because of my relationship with Jesus? Or am I like everyone else? Do I show more love and mercy? Am I more compassionate?
I would like to think I could answer these questions with a resounding “YES!”, but if I am honest—I have lots and lots of room for growth. And, some days I do better than others.
So, what makes the difference—why are some days more “fruitful” than others?? It’s certainly not because I don’t have what I need to make better God-honoring choices—it’s because I choose not to make them, for whatever reason.
One critical piece to the choices I make is my walk with God at the time—am I spending time in His Word, am I spending time in prayer (not just doing all the talking—but listening too), am I looking for opportunities to live out my faith, to love others, to serve others?? And even when I do those things—I don’t always make all the right choices. So, do I give up and quit trying?? By no means, I press on, always striving to make the right choices, accepting God’s gift of grace every day so I can live a grace-filled life, so that I can have a life filled with “the fruit of my salvation” and live a life that “will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Prayer
Father God, thank You for creating me and loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus to save me. Lord, I want to always be filled with the fruit of my salvation. I want my life to overflow with good things that are produced by my life in Jesus. And, I want to bring You much glory and praise. Help me, Lord. I know that I cannot live this way on my own—only with Your help is it possible. Give me a heart after Your heart. Help me reflect You—and only You. Guide me in making the choices You would have me make. Strengthen me and give me wisdom. Again, thank You for Your great love and Your patience with me. I love You. In Jesus name I pray this, Amen.