#Fragrantfruit By: Deborah Ard

In our last post we pondered God’s call for us to bear fruit, no matter where we are planted.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17: 7-8.

So what does it mean to bear fruit? Fruit can be sweet and fragrant. And fruit can be sour and rotten. What kind of fruit are you bearing?

Galatians 5:22 tells us “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Yikes! One by itself may be manageable but ALL of them together…impossible. Yes impossible in our own strength. But not with His strength. We can learn to bear His fruit with His help. But how? By planting ourselves by His water and sending our roots out by the stream. We plant ourselves deep in His word by studying the Bible and spending time in prayer daily. We soak up His messages in weekly Worship. We allow His Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We surround ourselves by Godly examples that teach us. We do all that we can to “set your mind on things above, not on earthly things” Colossians 3:2.  This is our daily goal. However, we are not perfect. We will make mistakes. We will fail. But through our mistakes and failures we can learn. Through it all, we can strive to be more like Christ.

So examine your fruit this week. Are you bearing fruit of the Spirit? Or are you bearing sour, rotten fruit? This week choose to plant yourself by His water and send your roots by His stream. This week allow His Holy Spirit to mold you into being more like Christ. This week bear fruit that is a sweet fragrant offering of Christ for others. 

#Prayer  #Radiate By: Julie Wicker

Father,

I come before you naked and exposed, nothing is hidden form you as you hold me accountable Heb 4:13. Thank you for pruning my withered branches. I am the vine and you are the vine grower. You remove from me every branch that does not bear fruit and every branch that bears fruit you prune to make more fruit. I have been cleansed by your word. You abide in me and I in you John 15: 1-7. I want to radiate fruits of your sweet spirit, exuding your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control Gal 5:22. As I set my mind on you oh lord Col 3:2, may my words and the Meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer Psalm 19:14. In the name of Jesus Amen

Quote: “You become like the people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely!” – Toby Mac

Worship with us “Live that way” by sideway prophets  https://youtu.be/GfosSggwQS0