When One of the most powerful forces known to man is a hurricane. With winds of up to 155 miles per hour, and the ability to create waves ten stories high and surges up to twenty-five feet can level whole cities. Two components of a hurricane are especially interesting. One is the eye of a hurricane-the relatively calm center of circulation in which sinking air inhibits cloud and thunderstorm development. Immediately surrounding the eye is the eye wall, which features rising air and powerful rain clouds. In sharp contrast to the calm eye, the eye wall houses the most powerful element of the hurricane, including the strongest winds and the heaviest rains.
 
If you could hover above this incredibly powerful force of nature, you would see the strongest part of a hurricane is occurring near its center, while at its center would be relative calm, with no thunderstorms and little or no cloud cover. Oceanographers tell us that the worst storm never goes more than twenty-five feet deep beneath the surface. In other words, just twenty-five feet below the surface, the water is calm. The only place you will find peace in the midst of the storm is with God. The fruit of the Spirit called “peace” is only found in God. Storms may rage around us, but at the center of our being, deep inside of us, there can be a peace (Philippians 4:6-7).  

Clark Tatum

Christian virtue and character grow simultaneously in the life of the person who is cooperating with God’s Spirit and thus growing in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). We do not produce fruit by our own effort, nor is it a reward for doing good deeds, rather fruit comes by walking according to God’s teaching. There is a phrase in Ephesians that tells us to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). This is a command. In the original text the phrase be filled with the Spirit is in passive voice. What does this mean? We are to let the Spirit of God work in our lives through the Word of God.
 
As maturing Christians, we are filled only to be refilled. For example, we are filled with God’s love to share it with others and as we do we are to be filled again. We obey the command to be filled with the Spirit by making our lives accessible to the Spirit’s guidance found in the God’s Word. When we cooperate with the Spirit’s teaching we are keeping in step with the Spirit or living by the Spirit. The idea is likened unto a fruit tree, if we fertilize it and water it (with ongoing care) God brings the increase—fruit.

Clark Tatum

The Apostle Paul tells us “Do everything without complaining and arguing so that you may become blameless and pure…” (Philippians 2:14).  Paul is talking about our attitude.  You can approach a task with enthusiasm or dread.  It doesn't change the task, but it can change you and the result.
 
There is really very little difference in people as a whole, but that little difference makes a big difference.  The little difference is attitude.  The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.  I have seen this in my own family and I have also seen it in the family of God.  Those individuals who approach their work with a positive attitude without complaining or arguing, accomplish much more, and are happier in the process.
 
Everything that we try to accomplish as a Christian should be defined by a good attitude.  This can happen when you understand the power of a proper perspective.  The power of a proper perspective has everything to do with my attitude toward God.  If I really believe “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”; it will have a positive impact on my life.  There is a story about David and Goliath in 1 Samuel Chapter 17 that reminds me the difference a right attitude can make.  I would encourage you to review the story this week as you seek the right attitude.

Clark Tatum

     When Jesus taught about counting the cost his real concern was not about architecture or construction.  He was concerned about our relationship with God and encouraged us to think things through.  Jesus knew that most of us refuse to think about the things that really matter.  Luke 14:27 reads …anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. {28} "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
     Jesus challenges us to think about what it means to be a faithful disciple. The word “disciple” in the original text is the word MATHETES.  The word literally means a follower or learner.  Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines this word as “to learn (from the root math-, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor.”  The first part of the definition is widely known, but the second part is also important.  Disciples, pleasing to God, are those who do not simply follow, but learns the will of God and puts it into action. Christ wants us to count the cost of being a disciple. What then does it cost TO be a Christian? EVERYTHING!  What does it cost NOT to be a Christian? EVERYTHING! God gives us a choice, but there is only one right choice.

Clark Tatum

Jesus wanted us to know He was the source of life when He said “I am the True Vine.” Cut off a branch and the vine lives. Cut off the vine and the branch dies. It is a basic law of agriculture. What is our duty our responsibility to maintaining a healthy relationship with the True Vine that assures spiritual fruit? Jesus gives us the answer. Our duty is to remain in Him. John 15:4-5 reads, Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. These words are Jesus’ version of, “Don’t let go of my hand.” Like a kindergarten teacher who makes her students stay close as they walk to the cafeteria, Jesus wanted His people to stay close so none will be missing when the heavenly roll is called.
 
The True Vine is our lifeblood. Life originates in the vine, not the branch. Jesus gives us life and the nutrients to sustain continued life. Jesus is the life that flows through the branches that generates good fruit. Put your hand in the hand of the True Vine and really live. 

Clark Tatum