To bear fruit, you must die to yourself

Morning: Psalm 119:137-160; Job 23:1-12; John 1:43-51

Evening: Psalm 139; Proverbs 4:7-18; John 12:20-26

The compelling way, truth and life of Jesus led Philip and James (whose Day it is today) to serve his Good News of renewal for humankind. Tradition says both died persecuted for their faith. Philip was crucified. James, for 30 years Bishop of Jerusalem, was, at 96, thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple. James prayed forgiveness for the culprits: “They know not what they do.” You do not need to die as Philip and James did; but to bear fruit, you must die to yourself. “If a grain dies, it bears much fruit.” What might this mean for you?