Monday Memo 364: Big Fruit

This past week I went to our local farmer's market and the vegetables were the biggest I've seen this year because it's the end of the summer. That gave me an idea for this week's Memo.  Two weeks ago I wrote about Nice Fruit, where I mentioned that the Lord isn't simply interested in you being holy, but both holy and productive.  This week I want to write about what I call Big Fruit. 

HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH

In John 14:12, Jesus made this astounding statement: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."  Did you ever notice how often Jesus said, "I tell you the truth"?  It's because what He was about to say would sound so preposterous to the small thinking of His audience that He had to assure them He was not exaggerating. 

Now think for a minute.  In your opinion, what was the greatest thing that Jesus did?  Most people respond that it was when He raised the dead.  If that’s true, then what could be a greater work than raising a dead person?  Raising more dead people?  Clearing out a cemetery or hospital?

Most people don’t think much about this verse because they don’t really believe that they can top what Jesus did, regardless of what they consider His greatest works.  When you think like that, however, you miss a dynamic that could greatly help you be more productive and bear big fruit.

Jesus did fabulous things but there were some things He didn’t do.  Jesus never opened an orphanage.  He never wrote a book.  As far as we know, He never opened a hospital or organized a group to go on a mission of mercy to a foreign land.  He never started a business and never gave a large sum of money to a worthy cause.   Why didn’t He do those things?  He left them for you and me to do.

I promise that I am telling you the truth about the truth that Jesus told you He was telling you about. 

YOUR BIG FRUIT

So if you believe in Jesus, and I hope you do, why aren’t you doing greater things than He did?  Perhaps you have underestimated just how important and possible it would be to actually achieve the things that are in your heart today.   You may ask, “Who am I to think about doing those things?”  If you believe in Jesus, the answer is, “Who are you not to think like that?”  

The question you have to settle is whether or not John 14:12 only applies to a select few or to every believer.  If it’s for you, then you have some work to do.  The good news is that you’re not alone if your work is coupled with faith.  With faith, you are guaranteed that your results will be great, greater than you could ever imagine because God is with you.  You can produce big fruit. 

What have you said someone ought to do?  Could that someone be you?  Write in your journal what about your big fruit.  You don’t have to know how you will do it right now; you just have to know what it is. Once you write it out, study and embellish it.  Let it become a part of your thinking every day.

If there's something you can do to make it a reality, what would it be?  Do you need to go back to school?   Do you need to have money to do produce your big fruit?  You may meet someone this week who can help you develop a plan or even give you the money for your big fruit  First and foremost, however, is that you must believe that big fruit is within your grasp.  Once you decide that it is, you are well on your way to producing it.  Have a great week.

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ASSESSMENT: Have you taken the purpose assessment on my updated website?   If not, why not do so now and then follow up with some of the online resources that can improve your score?  

CD SERIES:  I have a three-CD series entitled Getting Your Life Back on Track: A Study of Purpose and Goals that I taught earlier this year in Texas.  I would like to make it available to you this week for any contribution to my ministry.  This series, designed to help you clarify your purpose and set some high goals, comes with a fill-in-the-blanks outline along with a copy of my book, I Wrote This Book on Purpose.  This special will run through the month of September.  You can contribute on my website using PayPal or send a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA  15221. 

Comments

[Cleophas Wanyonyi]

Thanks Dr. Stanko,
You have continued to provide inspiration and challenge to my life especially when I feel less productive. Today it is great to know that I can actually do much more than Jesus himself did. I took my Purpose Quotient today and feel motivated to work on my areas that need growth. Yes it I am challenged that you back in class and yet continue to do much more. Yes I too can. And I am going for it

[Jacqueline L. Roland]

Thanks Dr. J,
This is very encouraging, at times I think I am not doing anything for His Kingdom, this is a sweet reminder that the greatest thing we can do is lead someone to Jesus and then teach them His ways, be a living book before the people, and love as Jesus loves. For I tell you the truth, true love is felt, sensed, known, but all other love is frowned on. So in all we do, and where ever we are give out Agape love, and what ever you start, or accomplish, let it be done for Him and By Him through you.

[Ted Miller]

Thanks John,

I love the Monday Memo this week. I have been thinking a lot lately about the works of Jesus and the verse found in Acts 10:38. I try to use 10:38 a.m. & 10:38 p.m. as a reminder of this verse.
Have a great week.