Give Us Understanding

 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

The Lord will never use a man operating in his own strength or sense of righteousness, and no man makes a difference in the world until he stops trying to make a difference. A man can expect to receive nothing from the Lord, until he realizes the only thing he has to offer God is emptiness. It is doubtful the Lord will fill any man who is not empty, or that he will help any man who is not helpless. The Lord does not come alongside us to make our dreams come true or give us victory or breakthrough. He is after something much more profound – emptiness and brokenness. He laid down the prerogatives of His deity, became broken bread and poured-out wine for us, and we must do the same for Him.

All our efforts to save our cities and communities, to "give back," and to do good to others are a waste of God’s time and energy. We can do all those things without Jesus -- and many do just that. As long as we are trying to be successful, to be known, to be good, or be seen, all our works amount to nothing in God's eyes, because the Kingdom of God comes without observation. Our Lord tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him to a place where only the meek and lowly can go. Remember, God cannot have His way in us until we are no longer determined to have our way. May the Lord give us understanding and ears to hear His Word anew.

Let's Pray - Forgive us, Lord, for going our own way and walking according to our own righteousness. We humbly ask for the knowledge of Your will, wisdom, and spiritual understanding today. In Jesus alone, Amen.