“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Mathew 7:16).
Once Christianity arrived in Uganda on many occasions people would be asked to prove they were converts. Usually a baptism certificate could suffice to identify one’s denomination. This piece of paper along with a “Christian name” were all that was needed to prove one being a Christian.
However, while one may have a piece of paper with his Christian names legibly printed, there is something else more. Our leading verse shares with us one of the identities of a Christian, other than mere carrying a baptism certificate or boasting of having a Christian name. Any person may trumpet and proclaim himself as a believer in Christ but a litmus test is clearly the fruits, which come from the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout history there has been countless cases of the Disciples of Christ involved in beneficial work with lasting impact on humanity, moved because they were followers of Christ. Christians have built schools that have accessed education opportunities to all, set up hospitals to offer care to all, built orphanages to give chance to the less fortunate, fought for social justice to ensure all have equal opportunity, often putting their lives at risk. All because the Holy Spirit working in them would inspire them to show the love of Christ to a hurting world beyond mere words. Good deeds do often leave many wondering and asking where Christians draw the power to love others, regardless, giving them a chance to lead more to Christ.
Today, how about reflecting on the power of deeds and getting involved in some activity where without saying as much, the fruits point to the Christ you believe in! Of course you cannot do it alone- first ask the Holy Spirit to guide you!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for that power of the Holy Spirit to empower and enable me engage in Good deeds that show your love and lead mankind to salvation, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
Related upcoming events
-
18/05/2024 - 19/05/2024 All day“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)
Perhaps one of the most inspiring passages in the Bible with enduring lessons is where Moses pleads to Pharaoh to let the Jews go. Instead Pharaoh dared Moses if he had the power as that of a king. Challenged to “perform a miracle” Moses turned to Aaron who threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs (Exodus 7: 9-12).
What we see here is the presence of occult powers in high places, as is true even today. A common mistake by some is to deny the existence of the occult behind certain thrones or power centers, especially in instances where we find those putting on a genteel manner of social respectability. There are also those who through their education and confined exposure to the spirit realm of things, doubt the existence of occult powers. The reality is that in the world we live in the enemy is much at work. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In this passage we see that while Pharaoh did release his snakes the staff God had placed in the hands of his messenger, Moses, was far greater and swallowed all. Here is the point. As believers we do have a far greater and mighty power to protect us from any attacks of the enemy. It is the blood of the lamb. As it is written, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...” (Revelation 12:11).
Today whatever snakes you may encounter from anywhere be assured that you have a far greater power than of the enemy. It is the blood of Jesus. As His word says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for protection from the attacks of the enemy by the blood of the lamb, this I pray in Jesus’name.
