Bearing Fruit

September 22nd – Colossians 1:10

Colossians 1:10

When I read about walking worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit in every good work, it reminds me that following Jesus is not just about believing, it’s about living. Fruit in our lives isn’t measured by what we know, but by how His Spirit shows through us in the everyday. It’s the gentle patience we extend when frustration sets in. Or the kindness we give to a stranger who may never return it. It’s the forgiveness we choose, when holding a grudge would be easier. And the love we offer when the world says to protect ourselves instead. Sometimes we think fruit means doing something big for God. But often it’s the small, quiet, hidden choices that please Him most. We don’t force this fruit. It grows when we stay connected to Jesus, the Vine. The Spirit transforms our impatience into gentleness, our fear into peace. The closer we walk with Him, the more natural this fruit becomes. And every act of faithfulness points people to the goodness of our God. This is what it means to live a life that truly honors the Lord.

Reflection Question: Where is God calling you to bear fruit in your daily life right now

Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me stay rooted in You so that my life naturally overflows with fruit that brings You glory in every good work.”

September 22nd – Colossians 1:10 Read More »

April 26th – Psalm 1:3

Psalm 1:3

As we behold the beauty of spring in all its splendor, let us also reflect on the beauty and splendor of rooting ourselves in God’s Word. For like the trees which draw nourishment from the flowing streams, so too are our souls nourished by the living water of scripture. We all want to be blessed by God. God wants that too. But that won’t happen if we’re rooted in the wickedness of the world, being fed by the sins of the flesh, and producing worthless, worldly, fruit. The way we live our lives, not the words we speak, are the true testimonies of our hearts. And every eye is watching; especially God’s. So to receive His very best, we need to be people after God’s own heart. This means uprooting ourselves from the sinful soil of this earth, being replanted on the riverbank of God’s living water. There we can be nourished day and night with His goodness and love. Our leaves will forever be lush and beautiful. And never will our tree be barren, but always produce sweet, bountiful fruit pleasing to the Lord.

April 26th – Psalm 1:3 Read More »

January 25th – Psalm 1

Psalm 1

We all want to be blessed by God. God wants that too. But that can’t happen if we’re rooted in the wickedness of the world, being fed by the sins of the flesh, and producing worthless, worldly fruit. The way we live our lives, not the words we speak, are the true testimonies of our hearts. And every eye is watching; especially God’s. So to receive His very best, we need to be after God’s own heart. This means uprooting ourselves from the sinful soil of this earth, being replanted on the riverbank of God’s living water. There we can be nourished day and night with His goodness and love. Our leaves will forever be lush and beautiful. And never will our tree be barren, but always produce sweet, bountiful fruit pleasing to the Lord. God warns us that walking beside the wrong crowd leads to standing with them, sitting with them, and finally taking on their lifestyle. So who is influencing you?

January 25th – Psalm 1 Read More »

September 27th – Luke 6:44

Luke 6:44

My childhood home had a small crab apple tree that grew in the backyard. It had thick, bushy leaves which provided perfect shade from the summer heat. And at the end of each branch dangled the most inviting apples. I’ll never forget the first time I twisted one of those apples from its stem and took a bite. Far from sweet juiciness, the taste was so sour and bitter, I spit the apple out and threw the remainder on the ground to rot. That day I learned not all trees bear good fruit. Jesus says that each of us is a fruit bearing tree. And the way in which we live our lives, meaning the decisions we make, the words we speak, and our actions towards others, determine the goodness of our fruit. A tree that produces the sweetest and most choicest of fruit, is the one whose roots run deep in God’s Word. And whose branches bravely follow the example of Jesus, reaching out in love to a starving world.

September 27th – Luke 6:44 Read More »

July 4th – Galatians 5:22

Galatians 5:22

The moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit enters into our hearts and gets to work. And the result of His labors is evidenced by the spiritual fruit we produce. Described by Paul, this fruit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Throughout the Bible we are told of the importance of love. So no wonder Paul lists it first. But a very close second is joy. Because no matter our circumstances, God wants us to experience the fullness of His joy. An everlasting joy that can never be taken away. The Greek word for joy is chara, and is described as the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. There’s nothing that will humble us quicker than when we truly realize the favor and grace God shows us daily. So with thankful heats, how could the fruit of joy not be in spilled over into all we do!

July 4th – Galatians 5:22 Read More »

February 24th – Colossians 1:10

Colossians 1:10

We are almost at the end of the winter season and most of us are getting ready for the spring! Some are excited to begin working in their gardens. Because although it involves lots of work and dedication, in due time they get to see the results. They enjoy the beauty, and can’t help but smile and sigh knowing the work was worth it! Those who are pros know they need to have good soil so whatever they plant will grow and bloom. And the plants have to be protected from weeds and pests so they will grow and bear fruit. So almost on a daily basis the gardener must bend down and look for those weeds and pests in order to get rid of them ASAP!!

In today’s scripture Paul has written God’s heartfelt desire for His people to walk in spiritual wisdom and understanding. He wants us to, “please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God.” In our Christian walk we as “the gardeners of our soul”, must also protect our hearts and minds from those “weeds and pests” that will prevent us from growing and bearing fruit. James 1:21-22 tells us how. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

I would like to ask you to take some time and prayerfully, in wholly surrender, ask our Abba Father to show you, what you are to get rid of to fully please Him and be able to bear fruit? He will show you and will also help you. You only need to ask. Because God loves you and He is Faithful!!

Blessings,

Mari

February 24th – Colossians 1:10 Read More »

February 22nd – Luke 8:15

Luke 8:15

What exactly is good soil in Jesus’ parable found in Luke? It is a heart that is open, honest, and humble. A heart that is genuinely and sincerely  searching for the truth and longing to abide in Christ. Would this describe your heart? This type of heart is the first prerequisite to growing and producing fruit in our faith. Because fruitfulness is the natural result of a heart that is surrendered to God. One that not only studies God’s Word, but is careful to obey it. (Ezra 7:10)

So what is the key to bearing godly fruit? Jesus explained it in John 15:4-5, “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.” Bearing fruit in the Christian life requires abiding in Jesus. He not only promises that those who abide will “bear fruit” (John. 15:2), but “bear much fruit” (v. 8), and “bear fruit…that will last.” (v.16). And don’t we all want that?

Each minute of each day we should walk a surrendered life. Inviting Jesus to come in and live His life through us in order for Him to love and serve others through you. And ultimately when that happens, not only will you be amazed at all HE can do through you, but Jesus will be glorified and you will be blessed!

Blessings!

Sue

February 22nd – Luke 8:15 Read More »