Producing Fruit and the Results

It is in families. It is in the workplace. It exists now and it existed from the beginning with the fall. We read about it in books, in newspapers, and even in the scriptures. We watch it in movies. It is betrayal, favoritism, abandonment, broken promises, deceit, and more; however, there is also love, faith, kept promises, trust, sacrifice, friendship, and close family ties. 

     When comparing the results that come from one or the other listed above which do you want to be a part of? Which brings peace, comfort, and well-being? Which is desired in life? Which is pleasing to be seen? 

     This takes me back to scripture where we either indulge in the fruit of the flesh or the fruit of the spirit.

     Which is preferred: (the fruit of the flesh) sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like or (fruit of the Spirit) love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

     The choice is obvious! We need to take heed for the Fruit of the Spirit belongs to God- the fruit of the flesh is contrary to God’s law.

      

A Helper

There is a reason Christians need the Church. There is a reason everyone needs a support team. There is a reason a person needs a friend who is there for them. We all need trustworthy helpers.

     Consider Exodus 17:11-12, “So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put in under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus, his hands were steady until the sun set.”

    What would have happened if Moses had no one there to help him hold his hands up? They would have been defeated. A helper and a support team were needed. 

     Jesus sought helpers. He asked 12 disciples to help. 

     Paul had a team of helpers in his ministry.

     Also consider Exodus 18 when Jethro was at Moses’ side. Jethro told Moses that what he was doing was too much for him. Jethro advised Moses to select capable and trustworthy men to help him. And Moses listened!

     For helpers, look to the Church family or look to a lifelong friend. A helpmate is always needed. And never forget, Jesus always walks by your side and is there to ask for help. He is good at sending someone just at the right time. Reach out for Jesus' hand.

Tumbling Out of Bed

Which side of the bed do you tumble out of? 

 

I tumbled out of bed -

A cup of coffee was in my head.

It was getting old- this waking 6 to 10.

Waking with no purpose in sight-

Just waiting for the night.

 Then once again to bed to bodily mend.

Just what did God intend-this waking 6 to 10?

 

It was to tumble out of bed-

  with Jesus in my head. 

‘Tis for giving within the living.

Waking 6 to 10- praying again and again;

Being bold for Christ, and it never gets old.

‘Tis so sweet to rise for the day,

‘Cause Jesus is here to stay.

What's in your mindset? 

A Day to Accomplish Something

I have nothing especially in mind to accomplish today, but today matters. It is God’s Day. He bestowed it on me. It is now up to me to turn my today into something special. 

     I thought, at first, I would have a little talk with God since He is always to come first. Then I heard the word “prepare.” Prepare for what? I didn’t expect company or have plans to go anywhere. Next, popped out the word, “tomorrow.” Tomorrow? Tomorrow is Sunday. That’s right. I could begin to prepare my heart and mind. Prepare for God’s Day of rest! Prepare for worship! 

     Preparing meant studying my Sunday School lesson, making a list of those who are working to serve and praying for them. I was going to plan ahead, today. I could also plan my wardrobe to prevent the rush and drama which occurs on Sunday morning and which robs me of my still and calm and, I admit, thoughts of just staying home and doing nothing. 

     Today, I will make use of; I will accomplish something. It is the Lord’s Day!

     

LIFE

The writer of the Bible Study I am currently taking talked a lot about the “Provision of Life- how God designed it- about our overflowing abundance- and how it is impossible to out give God.” I took his idea and created a LIFE acronym: 

 

L iving by God's design

I mpossible to out give God

F ullness of abundance is given by God

E verything in our living belongs to God. 

Yoked With Jesus

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you...for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29a, 30

 

Acronym on being yoked with Jesus: 

    Y our heavy load is shared

    O verload of burdens is lifted

    K ept from falling 

    E asier is the weight

Prayer -Good for the Soul

Sometimes, it hard to know what to pray and how to pray. Many think they can’t just pray for themselves, but we all need the Lord’s help. When I was reading Colossians 1:10, I recognized that it can be a prayer and good for the soul. If we are watchful in our reading we will find many verses useful in "praying the scriptures." 

 

Lord, 

“Help me to walk in a manner worthy of You, to please You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in Your knowledge.” Amen.                                           (Colossians 1:10)