“A New Day"

READ: 1 Ki 20,21; 2 Chr 17; Col 3

Topic: Fruit in my life

SCRIPTURE:
1 Ki 20:28 The prophet went to Ahab and said, "The Syrians think the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys. So he has promised to help you defeat their powerful army. Then you will know that the LORD is in control.

Col 3: 8-16 You must no longer say insulting or cruel things about others. And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits. Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. It doesn't matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

OBSERVATION:
God is a god who honors His Word. He sees all I do. He desires for me to be like Him, act like Him and reflect Him. What does my fruit show? Is it a stench to others and God – worthless – or can God’s nature be seen in it - priceless? Am I an embarrassment to His Kingdom? Am I an embarrassment to Him?

Patients, gentleness, kindness, humbleness, meekness and a controlled, peace filled mind honors Him and represents Him well. Otherwise I am nothing but a clinging cymbal, destructive to His Kingdom!

APPLICATION:
Change my priorities to honor Him! Rather to get self-satisfaction in what I do and say, I seek God’s satisfaction. “Stop, listen and think what honors You!”

PRAYER:
“Lord, I’m far away – looking like You! Lord, I’m far away – acting like You! But I truly desire to love You in everything I do! I ask forgiveness for letting the world mold me, rather than You! I pray that You would come and scrub my heart and tongue Lord! I pray for Your love, heart and Spirit to control the “I” in me! Thank You for Your forgiveness Lord and thank You for a New Day! In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”