Thursday, May 1, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 9
Many think the life of a Christian is a list of “dos and don’ts.” Even Christians today continue to evaluate their own behaviors when determining whether or not they are good enough. But is this the life of freedom that Christ promised his followers?
Is life with Jesus about what we do or what he does?
In reality, it’s about both. We cannot earn our salvation; it is a gift of grace. However, obedience is the result of our remaining in Christ. We say “no” to sin and “yes” to spiritual practices because we love Jesus. That love makes us want to know him and become like him. We don’t do it under compulsion or guilt, but because we are in him.
John 15:5 NIV
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain (abide) in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (emphasis added).
When you choose to follow Christ, you are grafted into his life source. Though a branch removed from the vine is dead, a branch attached takes part in the life of the vine. It is nourished and grows to produce fruit. A branch cut away may look alive for a short time, but it is dead inside.
This is the reality Jesus invites his followers to live out. We engage in spiritual practices not because we have to but because we want to, for our own growth. We want to know God and look more like Jesus. Our growth is directly connected to how close we are connected with him.
Abiding in Christ will come with some pain and discomfort. Jesus says the Father prunes the branches (John 15:1-2). Initially, Bible reading will be challenging. Prayer might seem like talking to the wall, and who thinks fasting sounds fun? Sometimes it feels like turning away from our sin will kill us. But once he strips aside all of the death we took false comfort in, we are free to grow.
Breakthrough happens when we allow our Master Gardener to prune us. Consistent study in Scripture leads to understanding, and prayer brings comfort in trials. Fasting becomes an opportunity to deny our flesh and freedom from being a slave to our desires. These practices are the cross we gladly bear on our adventure with Jesus.
Questions:
Do you see the Christian life as a list of items to check off or an opportunity to become like Jesus?
What sins are keeping you from bearing the fruit?
What spiritual practices are you participating in that will help you be fruitful?
Next Steps:
If you have never read the entire Bible, make that a goal. (Research says reading 4+ days a week is the magic number for optimal growth.) The Bible Recap is an excellent resource to help you work through Scripture with brief commentary to help you understand what you are reading.
Join a Group this summer to help you develop relationships with other Christians who will challenge you to grow in your faith.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are our Good Shepherd, our Master Gardener. You prune and lead us into a life that is not always comfortable but always good. Thank you for not leaving me where I am comfortable. Thank you for stretching me to make me grow and become more like you. Grow in me the desire to become more like you, no matter what the cost. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.