Group Content
Individual Content
Books
Journals
Hats
Shirts
Sweatshirts
Retreats
Give
Video Access
DVD’s
Sample PackNo products in the cart.
Chosen For Impact
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. — John 15:16-17
I think most people, when they read this text, really get hung up on the words "choose" and "chose." So let's start by clarifying what Jesus means when he uses these words.
In the first instance, he means he "selected" them, which he did. He selected all twelve of them, including Judas. In the second instance, he "chose" them for something, which was for a mission. And the mission is to go and "bear lasting fruit" so that their "prayers would be effectual." Because when Jesus selected them, and they live on his mission when they ask something in his name, they're connected to Jesus's desires and will. This means they wouldn't think to ask for things that don't align with his desires and will. Thus, prayers are answered because of something he has done and is doing through you. Your desires aligned with his desires produce his results, for which you can take no credit.
What we can conclude is that the outputs of our lives are more fruitful the more aligned we are with Jesus's will. And I don't think anyone would contest that.
And I think every believing man out there today wants to have this kind of impact on this life. But there is only one way this is possible. We invest time in knowing Jesus. We invest daily time in his Word. And then we let his words shape our minds, heart, and will. And there isn't a fast track to doing this. It's one day, one verse, one thought, one choice, and one prayer at a time. Then, over time, we produce fruit. And this fruit has an effect on us and others, and our disciplines, like prayer, become effectual.
But I think most men never get to this point because they quit or let their fleshly desires win. So don't give up today. Keep listening and keep praying.
ASK THIS:
1. Reflect on your current level of commitment to spending daily time in God's word and aligning your desires with Christ's. What steps can you take starting today to dive deeper, strive harder, and surrender more to Jesus in order to bear lasting fruit?
2. How have your prayers and actions demonstrated a connection to Jesus's desires and will? In what areas of your life do you need to move from mere intention to relentless action to ensure that you are fully aligned with His mission for you?
DO THIS: Produce life-changing fruit and effectual prayer.
PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, guide me to deepen my commitment to You so that I may bear lasting fruit and align my desires with Yours. Strengthen me to move from intention to action, that I may impact the world around me in Your name and for Your glory. Amen.
PLAY THIS: Chosen.
SIGN UP — THE DAILY DEVO
short + biblical + practical
Read through the Bible daily with Vince Miller.
Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Thanks for subscribing. Check your email!
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
Vince, You are being used by our Lord Jesus to get thru my thick skull! … right to my heart brother to help me follow Jesus closer and not just know His Word but to get out there and do His Word! but in His Will, not mine. His ways are not are ways, He works in mysterious ways we can’t comprehend so we have to trust Him in everything, ever trial every trouble we face and count it all Joy.
No more pity parties for us!
For He gives us strength in times of trouble! He uses our weaknesses to show us He is in control and Will Work every thing out for those who love Him and are called to His purposes. In His timing!
Don’t give up the Good Fight! Jesus has already won! Jesus has The Keys of Death!
– We shall have no more Fear! Isaiah 41:10
Fear not; for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am the LORD your GOD. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will lift you up with my righteous right hand.
Tell someone today what Jesus has done for you….that’s Your Truth that others can not argue against The Truth will set you free but when you tell someone about Christ ( The Great Commission) you will be set free , and will be free indeed! Because you are being doing what He tells us to do.
Let your light shine brothers!
Amen brother! Great words and great bible verse! Thanks for sharing!
Good stuff, it’s an intentional choice to do spiritual disciplines to bear fruit!
Don’t Quit!
Wonderful Word today brother Vince.
Abide with Jesus = Fruit (from the Spirit of Truth), overflowing goodness to those around us.
Jesus, help us to get closer to you each and every day that our thoughts, desires, and actions become like those of You and we can bear fruit to the hungry. Amen
Intention to action….. the great mystery and hardship we gave daily. I heard a cool message last night referencing scripture pertaining to our ears. It was about our HEARTS needing ears. Like you just said…..a few versus at a time, and then LISTEN, with our hearts. Do you ever wonder how many people Jesus invited to follow that said no? Was it 200 and then these were the 12 that said yes? Or because he’s God it was these 12 and that’s that. Chosen……a topic for another day☺️
“And THIS is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, AND Jesus Christ who You have sent.” – John 17:3
“But let him who glories, glory in THIS, that he understands and KNOWS Me, that I AM THE Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says THE Lord. – Jeremiah 9:24
Knowing Jesus and God takes time! For the true follower of Christ, what has greater significance????
Yes is does and I love that this captured your attention today. I love my wife more today than yesterday. And God even more!