John 15:1-5:  I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

If you have worked in retail or a restaurant, then you know that these businesses have one thing in common:  inventory.  Every place that sells or uses products must have a system that will track what items they have in stock and what items are more popular and sell the most.

Businesses buy, restock, and advertise to attract new customers.  Our society is driven by products and services that a particular retail store provides.  Restaurants must have great foods that make people keep visiting their location.  Both establishments need friendly people and a clean atmosphere to keep people coming back for more.  Good management makes inventory a priority day after day to be successful.

It is the same way in the kingdom of God. We must apply the same principles to our life that we see in a retail store or a restaurant.  We are the store in the kingdom of God.  Our main focus is to attract unbelievers to come to Jesus.

He offers the best goods and services around for everyone.  We as believers already have:

• a new life
• a new you
• a healthy mind and thoughts
• a clean spirit
• pardon of our sins
• unlimited wisdom and knowledge
• peace in our being and home
• a heart full of gratitude
• hope and joy
• a plan full of grace, mercy, and salvation

We also must do inventory to check that we have everything we need to start our day and to represent the kingdom of God as we should:

1. Where are you getting your information?  Our thoughts must be in order.  Our being must be in line with God’s word and His perfect information.
2. Who is dominating our thought process?  For our lives to have the best results, we must feed into God’s word, presence, and spirit for the product to be desirable for all to see.
3. What is coming out of your mouth that will attract others to the kingdom?  Is it words that brings life, hope, encouragement and direction for the moments or empty words, dead words that harm others? What is it in the shelves of our heart that are feeding a dying world?  Do we reflect an attractive life?
4. What kind of establishment are we? What habits have developed in our life? Are they habits that bring clarity, direction, and health to ourselves? Are we a reflection of God’s image for others to see what life in Jesus looks like or are we just a religion versus a relationship with Christ?

Tomorrow we will look at the reputation of our “store” and what we are offering to the world.

Is it possible?  Absolutely.  And remember, take inventory of yourself to make sure you are a good representation of who God wants you to be.

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