May 18, 2018 - - John 15:16 Fruitful living

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. John 15:16 ESV

How do we know if we're driving too hard in a way that God never sanctioned? ... Take a look at these life-draining motivations and see if any resonate with you:
~External pressure without internal conviction
~The need to impress
~The need to save face
~The need to gain acceptance
~The fear of rejection
~The need to fill a gap God didn't ask you to fill
~The need to postpone conflict
~The need to compensate for shortcomings in another
area of life
So, how do we discern the difference between un-appointed busyness and God-ordained fruitfulness? Jesus taught us to look at the fruit. Pause here for a moment and look over your shoulder at the busyness of this past year. Has all of you output left you with an increased sense of expectancy and wonder?
From: "Your Sacred Yes" Susie Larson, pages 35 - 37

Father in heaven, thank You for choosing us in Jesus' Name. Thank You for giving us life in Jesus so that we can bear fruit that brings you glory. Forgive us for the times we do things, tasks and activities which You have not called us to do. By Your Holy Spirit give us the ability to wait on You before answering with a gracious "no" or a "sacred yes". Thank You for the promise that though the righteous falls seven times they will rise again in the strength of Your forgiving grace and love. Renew the strength of Your weary servants so that we will live fruitful lives wherein You establish the work of our hands for us to the praise of Your great Name! Amen.