GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 30

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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CONSTANT GARDENING

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”   Matthew 3:8

D.L. MOODY

A friend had come to Christ and wished to consecrate himself and his wealth to God. He formerly had transactions with the government and had taken advantage of them. This thing came up when he was converted, and his conscience troubled him. He said, “I want to consecrate my wealth, but it seems as if God will not take it.”

He had a terrible struggle; his conscience kept rising up and smiting him. At last, he drew a check for fifteen hundred dollars and sent it to the United States Treasury. He told me he received such a blessing when he had done it!

That was bringing forth “fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). I believe a great many men are crying to God for light, and they are not getting it because they are not honest with themselves.

ERWIN LUTZER

I’ve emphasized this before, but one of the great roadblocks to spiritual progress is a troubled conscience due to past wrongs that have not been made right. Restoration is a component of revival. Sometimes we cannot rectify the past because circumstances have changed, but then we should ask the Lord for wisdom as to what steps we should take to set matters aright. That is a fruit of repentance.

And, there is only one way we can bear the fruit of repentance, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4). We cannot fully experience the fruit of the Spirit—the qualities of the inner life that bring glory to God, unless we have done all we can to make the past right. When that is accomplished, we repeatedly affirm our dependence on Christ each and every day!

PRAYER

Father, enable me to rest in your provision and love so that I might bear much fruit for your glory.

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“Justification (salvation) is God’s work, by faith in Christ.   Sanctification (drawing closer to Christ) is our work, by the aid of the Holy Spirit.”   Andrew Murray

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“Never expect justice from others, but never fail to give it”  Oswald Chambers

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Isaiah 1:17

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

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Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

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Proverbs 28:13

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

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Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

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Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

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Acts 26:20

“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”

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2 Corinthians 7:10

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

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Psalms 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

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