Appointed

Suppose you apply for your dream job. After your application, they call you in for an interview. You wait a little while, but eventually the company agrees to hire you for this dream job. They hire you, expecting that you will benefit the company by being productive. If you were to accept the job, but then not use your knowledge and skills to benefit the company, you would not be fulfilling the purpose for which you were appointed.

In John 15:16 Jesus is quoted as saying, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” God calls us not only to be forgiven and to have eternal life, but He also calls us to be fruitful and productive. He will answer every prayer that is offered with these intentions. He gives us gifts to use and bear fruit in His name.

Remembrance

Only God teaches us the words of righteousness. Only God teaches us words of truth. Only God teaches us words of life. Only God teaches us words of hope. Only God teaches us words of salvation. God has given us His Word, the Bible, for these instructions. Those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have also been given the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our on-site 24-7 teacher. He not only teaches, but also brings to our remembrance what He has taught us when we need these teachings.

John 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The teaching that we must listen to is the instruction of the Holy Spirit according to God’s Word. When we are reading God’s Word, we must ask, “What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?” And, “What should I do now according to God’s Word?”

Looking Ahead

No matter how much we dislike it, problems will find us. The bigger issue comes when we look ahead. Do we imagine frightening effects of the problems, letting fear and worry reign in our hearts? Or do we trust in God, who reigns over all circumstances and powers?

In John 14:1-3, Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” We have many reasons to have peace in troubled times. We can trust that our God is faithful and good. And, we know that in the end, His children will spend eternity with Him.

Lighting Up a Room

I have often heard someone describe a person as “one who lights up a room when they enter.” The phrase is used to describe a person who everyone enjoys being around and with. The one who lights up a room brings a positive energy to those around him or her.

Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let you speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” We should make the best use of each encounter with another person. This requires that we display a powerful and attractive walk with Jesus as our visual testimony. It also requires that we speak in an interesting, stimulating, and wise way.

Pass It On

So many of the good things that we receive are meant to be passed onto others. When we receive good news, we immediately want to tell others about it. When we are cured from a disease and come across someone else who is similarly suffering, we want to tell them of our experience. When someone gives us good advice, we want to share it with others. God’s blessings to us are meant to be similarly shared.

James 2:13 says, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” The one who has received great mercy from God, will be full of mercy and compassion for others. Those who are forgiven, forgive others for the offenses made against them.