The Counterfeit by Joan Cook
"You will know them by their fruits...every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. So then, you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16,17,20
As I finished writing this devotion, my son called with a great example of how our light shines! Read on and I'll tell the story at the end!
As I was growing up, my Mom would take us to my Grandmother's house almost every week to visit. My Grandma loved jewelry and as soon as we would walk into her home, she would check out all the jewelry everyone had on and inspect it. If it was not 24 karat gold with a real stone on it somewhere, she would immediately discard it and go on to someone else. She could usually tell if the jewelry was real, but occasionally she was fooled. She loved diamonds and shiny jewels.
When Keith and I were engaged and he had given me my engagement ring, every time we would visit Grandma Rogers, she would scope my hand up close to her eye and check out my diamond. She would always say, "That's a beautiful ring, honey. I know it's real because of the way it shines."
When I think of my Grandma's analogy of my ring, I realize this is so true of our Christian life. We might claim to be a Christian and even go to church on Sunday, but are we the real thing? Have we really asked Jesus into our heart to be our Lord and Savior? Some people may not be able to tell if you are a counterfeit or not. You may think you have everyone fooled, but there is One who knows the real you.
Maybe we are Christians and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are children of the King. Ask yourself a question, are you shining so brilliantly to those around you that there is no mistake you are a Christian? Could someone say of you, "I know they are real because of the way they shine?"
The Bible tells us clearly that we will be known by our fruits. Are you barren or blooming? I pray today that you are a blooming Christian with fruits so evident that everyone around cannot help but know you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Continued from above: As I finished writing this devotion, my son called from his cell phone and said, "You won't believe what just happened!" He went on to tell me that Megan and he had just finished eating at a local restaurant in Nashville when their bill came with a note attached that said, "No charge, compliments of the lady sitting next to you."
He turned to the lady and asked, "Is this you?" She told him it was and that she had watched them as they ate and had seen them hold hands and pray before their meal. This impressed her so much she wanted to bless them! Wow! What perfect timing to illustrate this devotion.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that others will know you by your fruit! Pray that your life and your testimony will draw others to Jesus Christ.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook Crusades, Celebrations, and Festivals. God has given Keith the opportunity and privilege of sharing the message of Christ both stateside and internationally. During each opportunity, Keith presents a joyful and enthusiastic, yet powerful and clear presentation of the Gospel and a call to commitment to Christ.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion For February 1, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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