Fully Engrafted Living™

I heard many times the discussion on the reader take away at the writer's conference. When I spoke to editors about an article or book idea, the question that came up most often was, “What’s the take away?”

One can write a really funny, compelling, or sad story, but if the reader does not benefit, it’s useless.

I’ve been pondering on this much over the past ten days. What’s the take away as it relates to the ministry entrusted to me by the Lord? What is the take away of the blog? How does it benefit the reader?

Well as I prayed about this, I’ve come to the conclusion I desire to share, encourage and teach the reader how to live fully engrafted lives. Thus, I present to you

Fully Engrafted Living™

The purpose of Fully Engrafted Living™ is to teach readers what I learn about living fully committed lives to the Lord—another words fully engrafted. I have lived my life grafted into the Root just enough to escape the fire and have a little bit of life. I am ready to move beyond partially grafted living. Are you ready too? Jesus Christ came for us to live life to the fullest, not partially. That’s what I want to share on this blog.

The day after the presidential election is a great day to launch the Fully Engrafted Living™ series. Though Obama won by a landslide in electoral votes, the margin was much closer in popular vote leaving almost half of the American voters disappointed.

Therefore, here’s my encouragement for all Christians regardless of which candidate has been supported. Using the Bible as a plumb line, here are a few instructions that helped me today that I want to pass on to you.

Trust in the Lord and commit our ways to HIM.

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

~~Psalm 37:3-6 NIV

Submit to the authorities God established. McCain set a great example in his concession speech last night.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. ~~Romans 13:1-7 NIV

Pray and intercede for all those in authority.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ~~ 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

By following the written instruction for believers from the Word of God, we’re on our way to Fully Engrafted Living™. Now let’s live Fully Engrafted™!!

Engrafted by His Grace--