Today’s Scripture: Amos 1-2

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. – Matthew 9:36

How do we get a burden for the lost? We must be in contact with people who need Christ; we must feel their anguish and spiritual need. But we must also pray that God will burden our hearts for these people.

A few years ago, we were living in a condominium where the walls were so thin I could hear the alarm clock of the people next to us. And sadly, those people were in constant conflict. I think their dog was the only thing holding them together.

And it made me mad. I told Virginia I was about ready to go over there and tell them to shut up. Virginia said, “Well, it’s sure evident that they need the Lord.” You see, we were both exposed to people who needed Christ. But I got mad at them while Virginia prayed for them.

One of the most important elements in being an effective witness for Christ is to have a burden for people who don’t know Him. We see it in Amos 1-2, and even in the prophet’s name, which in Hebrew is related to a verb meaning “to bear a load, to be burdened.”

It takes exposure plus the compassion of Christ to produce a burden for the lost. Christian, where are you in this process today? Are you getting mad at the lost or getting burdened for them? May God give each of us a burden, like Amos, to share His word with the people around us who so desperately need Him.

Prayer

Lord, give me eyes of compassion to see the lost as You see them. Amen.

To Ponder

A burdened heart is the beginning of a burning witness.

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Today’s Scripture: John 15:9-17

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Why do you think Jesus told us to abide in Him? In the first verse of John 15, called the “abiding chapter,” Jesus begins His message to us by reminding us that He is the true vine…the real vine…the genuine vine. He goes on to say, “You are the branches.”

Now, what does the vine do for the branches? First of all, the vine gives the branches life. Second, the vine gives the branches stability. The vine provides an anchor for the branch. Now, those two things–life and stability–tell us why we must abide in Christ. You see, if Jesus is the true vine, it naturally follows that there must be some counterfeits furnished by the Devil. And there are many.

I’m sure you know people who believe they can find life and stability in their profession, in economic security, in some form of religion, through the right political party being in control, through drugs and alcohol, through education, by having a new home or a second home in Florida. You name it, I’ve heard it all, and so have you.

The Bible says there is one genuine source of life and stability, and that is Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus says in contradiction to anyone or anything else, “I am the true vine.” He and He alone can give us life. And He and He alone is the one who can produce the life of the vine in the branches. When the wind and floods come, it will not be shaken as we abide in Him.

Prayer

Lord, You provide the only life I want to live. Thank You for giving me life to the full. Amen.

To Ponder

If you cut yourself off from the Source of nourishment, you will soon wither away.

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