“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!
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
