preparing our hearts for more fruit (January Monthly Message)

Welcome to the January Monthly Message! I'm super excited to start off the year right with you guys. For the month of January we will be diving deep into God's word and what He says about "bearing fruit," and what that can look like for our daily lives. In this video I go over what to read during this first month, and I also give some insight into the concept of pruning some things out of our lives that do not produce fruit, and welcoming in the things that do. I am so hopeful for this Bible study, and I can't wait to get started with you all. Comment below if you're joining! And feel free to drop some encouragement or commentary below, as well. Let's do this!
JANUARY'S BOOK PICK:
Galatians
John 15:1-8
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

[@thechloesalazar]

Some Chapter 1 thoughts: Paul was really trying to emphasize that his words and his message come from God alone. The region of Galatia was believing false teachings, and Paul wanted to instruct them in knowing that there is only one true gospel. I feel like Paul is able to humble himself before the Lord and really prove that he is God’s messenger. I also think it’s beneficial to read Acts 9:1-19, as it explains Paul’s conversion and a little of his journey in his walk with God 🙌🏼

[@TonyPlayzOfficial]

Yes amen! Many people just play secular music and songs, or even watch movies, AND ASWELL AS PLAY GAMES that dont glorify the Lord like GTA, and then these people say, "Oh, it's okay. I mean, everyone is doing it." But that's a very big lie from the devil that people listen to. Plus its important that what we do, we are glorifying God and not making anything in our lives as an idol. I'm 15 but God has spoken and convicted me of this at such a young age. I claimed to be a christian, I went to church, served in ministry, was in worship team, etc but not even our good works can produce salvation yet when we are at home we still practice the same sin. And our relationship with the LORD is not limited to conferences or events, it's personal. Amen ❤

[@TonyPlayzOfficial]

There's some music that I find catchy aswell. But its important to know what we are doing and if this cultivates a personal relationship with the Lord.

[@lydjoy3385]

this really blessed me! i’m looking forward to this month :)

[@simonewright6372]

I like the simplicity of your idea for starting this study. Watching a short video once a month, getting some guidance on where to begin, reading on our own, learning on our own in the quiet, and then being able to discuss it here later...It’s so doable.
I’ve read Galatians Chapter 1, and I’m reminded that when I live to please God more than I live to please the world - or even myself - I no longer need anyone else’s opinion. Only God’s. Because of reading this, today I will pay attention and try to balance what other people say (including good advice from good friends) with the conviction God has placed on me. I will also be careful about how often I give others my opinion. Sometimes my opinion just really doesn’t matter. Only God’s does.

[@naomitaylor6484]

Cute! I love it

[@thechloesalazar]

🫶🏼🤗

[@starlasell5698]

❤📓💒

[@thechloesalazar]

Chapter 3 thoughts: Paul emphasizes the Holy Spirit here. He proclaims that you do not receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law, but by believing in the message about Christ. He talks about how Abraham was righteous because of his faith.
The law was designed for a certain time, but Christ came to abolish it. Paul talks about baptism is like putting on the new clothes of Christ.

[@simonewright6372]

Galatians, Chapter 5, Verses 14 through 17 helped me see how focusing on this world can pull me so far away from what God wants for me. Literally it speaks about how “biting” and “devouring” one another (like we see people doing to each other today!) can turn me into someone who starts to “crave” the flesh! How often do we see people feeding off of hatred and meanness, then it becomes a habit we crave. Scary thought, but so appropriate for the times we live in. I will seek to have eyes for eternity, not for this world!

[@hannahmenefee1896]

I think it would be really neat and beneficial to have a Facebook group or some sort of group chat large enough for everyone to talk and discuss these monthly messages! Just a thought! Thank you for following God’s calling to make these videos! They are really helping me so much already! 😊

[@thechloesalazar]

That’s a great idea! I’ll look into that 🤗 and I really appreciate your kind words. They mean so much to me 🫶🏼