How you doin? Now
Stacey's sick. She asked, "how can I withstand all 3 of you being sick
for weeks and now you guys are better and I'm sick?" It's hard to
believe she's sick. It happens so infrequently. Luke 3 this morning.
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:8-9)
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:8-9)
It's no wonder John didn't have many friends. This scripture is palatable, because fruit comes from the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If I was left on my own, I couldn't stomach it.
16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. (Luke 3:16-18)
16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. (Luke 3:16-18)
Jesus' task here on earth is clear in these verses. I love His power, authority, and specific direction and plan.
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
I
like Luke's account, because of this part about praying. To think that
heaven can open as a result of praying. DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I so
long for an open heaven. I've experienced it a few times, but would love
to have it regularly. Prayer is huge. Pray for God to rend the heavens
today. COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
After thought:
How you doin? While in my prayer closet (the shower), I had a thought given to me. Luke 3:8, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance". "Keeping with", infers paying attention. God is really trying to get the concept of continuing, continuous (prayer), process, and perseverance, across to me. Keeping my mind, eyes, and ears attuned to the Holy Ghost is imperative. DIG IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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