Shutdown_Slim Down
Wow, today is the first blog for Protect the Brand. The news is bombarded with talks about the United States’ government shutdown or slim down which has resulted in many organizations that cannot operate at all or not at their full potential. I’m RW and let’s have a fireside chat about “Are you a Christian who has shutdown or slim down your Heavenly Father?”
Jesus said those that know His name trust in Him and for those that seek Him He will never forsake them (Psalm 9:10). So why do we at times forsake Jesus? Many of us go through the daily grind of our earthly lives trying to make it through another day. We are consumed by the world with work, finding work, children and other things. We start the day with good intention but may spend only a few minutes a day seeking the Lord or the only time you are in God’s word is at Church once a week. I would like to call that slim down Jesus. We will go through the day operating but due to the minimal time you spend with the Lord you are not operating at the optimal level for the Lord. Then we have the shutdown of the Lord. This is when there is no time spent with the Lord. This is very dangerous for a Christian. You plan to spend time with the Lord but you are so consumed with worldly activities you forget to take the time to be with the Lord. Other times we may knowingly neglect spending time with the Lord. Your desires are to do what you want (watching TV, talking on the phone, using the computer…etc) and this feels right in your own eyes. But the Bible says “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Proverbs 3:7). There is nothing wrong with doing those activities but when they take priority over the LORD they have become a problem.
Jesus does not want you to shut Him down or slim Him down. He wants you to spend time with Him. Jesus is the source of our strength and we do not want our source of strength limited. When I think of Jesus as the source I think of John 15: 1-8 (NIV).
The Vine and the Branches
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Jesus is the answer and apart from Him we can do nothing. We think we have all the answers or our way is the best way. You must remain in Jesus. When you remain in Jesus; I firmly believe you can do all things through Christ who strengths you (Philippians 4:13).
Remember there shouldn’t be a shutdown or slim down when it comes to Christ.
