Seed for Oct 13

"He must increase and I must decrease". These words were spoken by John the Baptist, talking of his ministry and the ministry of Jesus. Yet these words hold a deeper spiritual meaning and truth about the Jesus that lives within us. When we first come to God, by faith a Seed is planted in us, with the expressed hope of growing up into Him and producing the fruit of the Spirit. Problem is that many do not decrease themselves in order to allow the Lord to increase and grow in them. If there is no desire to worship Him and no hunger for His Word, it is a definite sign that He is not increasing in you. The Christian life was never about just "going to church" but about allowing the living God to live out His being in and thru you. He must increase. That planted Seed must grow and mature and fruit, while at the same time, I must decrease my hold on self and self will and independent actions. Most people think just being a Christian is in "name only" (something we call ourselves) and going to church ever so often, and just doing the best they can, and that will be sufficient. That is the lie of "religion." Christian living is about me dying (decreasing) and Him living in me (increasing). Death and resurrection, me dying and Him rising in me. Paul said, "Reckon yourself dead unto sin and alive to Christ." "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, which is your reasonable service." What is "reasonable" to God? Total surrender of yourself upon the altar of sacrifice (total decrease). Examine yourself Paul said. Every one of us has the ability to see...Is He increasing in me? Am I just a Christian in name only, or is He really alive in me? Be blessed.

Billy and Jan Wells