Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 15, 2018
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23
Productive living comes from confidence in Christ, not from faith in the fleeting things of this world like health and wealth. Akin to a persistent farmer, I remain faithful to cultivate my heart in prayer and plant the seeds of Scripture deep down in my soul. Then the robust roots of righteousness cause my life to bear the fruit of Christ’s character.
Indeed, many forces compete with our faith and cause us to flounder in fruitlessness. The deceitfulness of riches promises peace, only to deliver problems. The cares of this world, if left dormant in a hopeless condition, corrode our confidence in Christ. The enemy proactively seeks to snatch or distort truth so our thinking becomes unclear.
However, Jesus gives you a path for productive living. It begins with a teachable heart ever willing to receive His Word. You recognize the need to know more about what your Master requires of you, His servant. Regardless of His gracious past blessings, you look fresh in the face of Jesus for a new infusion of intimacy and understanding. His past favor is affirmation and encouragement, not for lazy living in the present. Grace taken for granted becomes license for loose living, but gratitude for grace gains favor from God.
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:15–16).
So stay productive on the path of faithful living. Thank Christ for the fruit-bearing capacity He has given you, and be content. Celebrate; do not compare with accomplishments of other saints in service for our Lord. Over time watch your capacity expand its productivity. Faithfulness compounds results like interest with money. So daily deposit God’s Word in your life, and you will reap a huge harvest for Him. Productive living is peaceful living as it quietly grows your influence for God’s glory.
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me patience to wait on your timing and favor and not be driven to get results through my scheming, in Jesus’ name, amen.Application
Is my life productive in the ways of God? Have I allowed Christ to fill me to capacity?Related Reading
Genesis 26:12; John 15:8; Galatians 5:22–23; James 3:17Post/Tweet today
The Holy Spirit gives us the capacity to grow the fruit of our faith and contentment in Christ. #WisdomHunters #productivelivingWorship Resource
9 minutes – Sarah Reeves:
9 minutes – Sarah Reeves: Fall Afresh If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android appDonate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
