What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? Isaiah 5:4 The prophet Isaiah told the story of a man with a vineyard on a fertile hill. The man cultivated the ground and removed the stones so that nothing would hinder the vines’ growth. He planted only the best quality vines. He built a tower in the middle of the vineyard so he could watch for wild animals and intruders. He constructed a wine vat so that he would be ready for the ripe grapes. Then he waited. Rather than producing good grapes, however, the vineyard produced worthless ones. The story illustrates the relationship between God and His people. God has done everything necessary for us to produce an abundance of spiritual fruit in our lives. He saved us when we were without hope. He gave us His Holy Spirit to produce fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22–23). He removed our sin so that we are free to serve Him. We have the Bible in numerous translations. We have access to more Christian books, music, videos, conferences, schools, radio and television stations, magazines, and seminars than ever before. There are churches of every kind and size. We have teachers and pastors to instruct us and encourage us. Most of all, we have direct access to God through prayer. Jesus said that to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48). One day God will hold us accountable for all that He has done for us. He will ask us to show Him the fruit of all of His bountiful provision for our lives. What will He find? Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
Consider this devotional well. Add to its passages Hebrews 4:13 "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
What will you do or say when you are the one before Christ giving the account of your life?
Romans 14:12 "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
1 Peter 4:5-6 "but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as people, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God."
What will your life say about you?
What will be revealed about what was really important to you, not what you SAID was important to you?
Will it be a display of laziness?
Will it be a display of selfishness? Self-centeredness?
Will it show a heart like King David? Will it show compassion? Will it show a life of wasted opportunity that God richly provided that was squandered?
Will it show a heart that was sensitive to the spiritual needs of people?
Will it show...this can go on and on.
My Friend, Dear Reader, from this moment on you can change the direction of your life.
You may not have had a great start to your walk with Jesus, but starting today, you can strive to finish well.
Your life...hidden in Christ...should reflect being with Jesus.
Your desire shouldn't be to live for the one who saved you.
The distractions in this world are intentional on the part of the enemy of God.
He does not play fair because he's willing to sacrifice anything or anyone to have the Throne of God.
He wants the runner mentioned by Paul to be distracted by things of this world.
He wants the runner to not finish.
He wants the runner to not hear "Well done." from Jesus.
Are you at all going to have what is precious to Christ left to be seen on that day the works of your life are revealed? Or is your life going to be revealed as being full of waste? Wasted time not investing in your relationship with Christ. Wasted time on sports, movies, celebrities, causes, politics, hobbies, jobs, even family and friends, that have consumed all the minutes of your life and kept you from walking with Jesus as you should have?
What will be revealed when it's your turn to see just what your life amounted to?
Will it show obedience or disobedience? Will it show compassion, peace, love, the fruits of the Spirit? The most dangerous of views in this world have selfishness at their core. We don't need much coaxing to start thinking only of ourselves. Look in your house, apartment, your driveway, storage unit, etc. What you see is a definition of what you were coaxed into believing and doing. You deserve this or that. You earned this or that. Treat yourself to this or that. You like this don't you? Start collecting all there is to do with it.
What WILL your life reveal?
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