Author Archives: lrbartel

Sep 29 2017
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Devos

God’s assurance regarding the arrogant…

When the Bible speaks directly and forcibly on an issue it is a mistake to say much. In fact, our words can detract from the forcefulness of His message… So this is what I read in Proverbs this morning during “Coffee with the Lord” …

“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord. Be assured that person will not go unpunished!” (Proverbs 16:5 ESV)

Just let me say, I NEVER want to be guilty!

Sep 28 2017
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Devos

Gotta be “coachable” if I’m going to achieve my potential!

Coaching an athleteTalk to any coach and they’ll tell you about incredibly gifted athletes they’ve coached who never reached their potential because they were not coachable. They had plenty of natural talent and physical gifts but depended too much on their natural ability and failed to hone those gifts to a fine edge and turn them into disciplined skill. A bit arrogant about what they could do without coaching, they ignored the advice and direction of their coaches and simply “did their own thing!” They practiced wrong, developed bad habits, and in team settings failed to see the value, skills and ability of other players. They thought of themselves as “a one person show.” As a result they never achieved their full potential and developed “blind spots” and weak performance tendencies that opposing players and teams could exploit. Their coaches? If you ask them they simply shake their heads in dismay and regret… If only they were “coachable!”

Thought about that kind of person as I read this in the Bible this morning…

“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor!” (Proverbs 15:31–33 ESV)

So I jotted this in the margin of my Bible this morning… “Am I coachable?” I want to be! I want to heed the loving “reproof” and “instruction” of seasoned, fruitful, godly servants of the Lord! They’ll help me see and remedy my “blind spots” – they’ll help me maximize the full potential of God given gifts. Oh, and the greatest “coach” of all – the Holy Spirit will “nudge,” prompt, and correct me until the “fruit of the Spirit” (“Christlikeness”) is produced in my life! You want another Scripture for it in the New Testament? Check out Hebrews 11:5-11! I want to be “coachable!”

Sep 27 2017
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Devos

“Abiding” is really big in successful discipleship? So what does it mean to “abide?”

Abiding in the vine
“Abiding” is a big word – an important word – in following Jesus as His disciple!
 
Here it is right out of the mouth of Jesus, according to Apostle John (notice how the word “abide” is emphasized)…
 
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit… ABIDE in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it ABIDES in the vine, neither can you, unless you ABIDE in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever ABIDES in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING! If anyone does not ABIDE in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you ABIDE in me, and my words ABIDE in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. ABIDE in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will ABIDE in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and ABIDE in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (From John 15:1–11 ESV)
 
So what does it mean to “abide?”
 
It’s not being connected artificially – as with “Scotch tape” or a paper clip! It’s not simply a periodic connection – like having a street address you call “home” but going here and there but eventually returning “home!” It’s not even being fastened more permanently, but attached like a foreign object – as you would fasten something with a bolt or screw.
 
The passage makes it clear, “abiding” is an organic connection! As a “branch” to life-giving, life-sustaining “vine!” The connection is not intermittent – it is intimate! It is not casual – it is continual and critical! It is not simply voluntary – it is vital! Jesus declared, “apart from me you can do NOTHING!” It’s not simply a matter of convenience – the purpose is bearing fruit (the result of His life at work in and through us)! Our personal satisfaction is not the goal – that is why there is “pruning” so that we bear “more fruit” – “much fruit!” Ultimately “our joy is FULL” in this relationship and our prayers are answered (check out verses 7, 16-17), but it is all the outgrowth of “abiding” in Him!
 
Gotta tell you… It’s my life goal! When I was “born again” my spiritual DNA was changed! I became a child of God – I became part of “the vine!” And even if I was “grafted into” the vine (check out Romans 11:17-24) – His life is my hope, His Spirit is my life-energy, and bearing His “fruit” is my purpose! “Abiding” is where it’s at! … Listen, I am completely committed to “abiding in the vine – in Him!”
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