C.S. Lewis wrote, “A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else.”

 One thing I know about gasoline, I cannot make it.  There are so many chemicals that make up gasoline and the amount of each chemical is vital to it working properly.  If gasoline is not made with the right consistency (watered down), your car will not work properly.  If you put gasoline in your car that is supercharged (jet fuel), your engine will get too hot and break down… or explode.

 In Matthew 28, Jesus tells us to “Go,” to “make disciples”, to “teach them his Word.”  These three things are all byproducts of the relationship (gasoline) that we have with Jesus.  Without a relationship with Jesus, we cannot “Go.”  Without a growing relationship with Jesus, we cannot “make disciples.”

John 15:5 – “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.” 

 I love this verse because Jesus promises that if we remain in him, we will produce fruit.  I have heard people in the past tell me that I should plant tons of spiritual seeds, but I might not ever see the fruit of that labor.  But this is not what I understand Jesus saying here in this text.  He says that if we remain in him, we WILL produce fruit.  That means we will see the results of our efforts in His name, for His glory, and His purposes. 

 Do you see fruit happening in your life right now?  If not, what are the reasons?  Maybe the reason is that you are not looking for results and so they go unnoticed.  Maybe you are not planting seeds.  Maybe you are not asking and expecting God to do something extraordinary in your life right now. 

 This week, ask something BIG of God.  Don’t ask with selfish motives, but rather ask for something ultimately impossible that will bring Him glory and is in line with His will.

Jesus says in John 14:12 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” 

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit for a purpose.  May this encourage you to step out on faith this week.