AUTHENTICITY

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST PLEASE FOLLOW US, SHARE WITH OTHERS AND PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND GIVE US A LIKE.

Translate this site into your preferred language, look for our Google translator in our home page: diningwithjesus.net

Traduce este sitio en tu idioma preferido, busca nuestro traductor de Google en nuestra página de inicio ve a: diningwithjesus.net

In today’s devotional we are going to hear one of the many messages from Jesus Christ to those who would seek to misuse the name of the Lord. In this message, we hear Jesus challenge those whose label does not match their lifestyle. Listen as the Lord calls all who are willing into a place of real authenticity. 

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

(Matthew 7:15-19 NIV11)

All of us

The false prophet is not the only one being warned to exercise authenticity by Jesus Christ. This message is for all of us. We all need to listen to the what the Lord is telling us in this message. 

I have known quite a few people that I believe to be living under a false label. These people professed to be walking with the Lord, some even sacrificed a great deal in their lives to reach a place of service that was recognized by the wider faith community. 

In each of these situations, I am almost certain that these falsely labeled people are living in complete denial about the fact that the fruit of their lives does not resemble the name with which they publicly wrap themselves. 

Fruit

Jesus is calling all of us to examine the fruit of our faith. What are we doing with our words, actions, and attitudes that is honoring to the Lord and that beings glory to God?

If we see evidence of hypocrisy and misplaced motives and priorities, then we need to heed the call of Christ and hit our knees in repentance. We do not want to be like the thistle, winding our way around the name of the Lord but never tapping into the gift of life that he offers. 

Pray the Psalm

As you get into your day, take a moment to pray through the following Psalm and allow the Lord to help you be sure that your life matches your label:

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 

4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

(Psalms 139:1-14 NIV11)

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox. Please Enter your email address in the box below.

• ShareCopied to clipboard

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.