Are you bearing fruit?

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  Matthew 7:20

What a fabulous time of year to find good fruit.  The watermelon is at it's peak, the strawberries, apples and plums full of flavor and the tomatoes are flourishing. It seems there is an abundance of fruit and vegetables everywhere.  So much so that people are sharing the fruits of their gardens with friends, neighbors and family.  I have enough zucchini right now to feed a small army!  It makes me ever mindful of Jesus' command that we, as followers of Christ are to "bear much fruit". In fact, the bible says that we are known by our spiritual "fruit"- our service to others and good works of obedience to God's word-and that it should be good, be much and be applied:

1. For our fruit to be good, our hearts must first be good.

"A tree is known by its fruit… Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matthew 12:33-35).

2. For our fruit to be much, we must develop a close relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing… By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (John 15:5, 8).

3. For our fruits to be applied, we must know the Word and abide in the Holy Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

While it's so nice to share the bounties of summer, it's even better to share the kindness, goodness and the other fruits of the Spirit with those you love, strangers and anyone else God puts in your path. Grow it so others will see it and you can use it to better serve others through the bounty of blessings Christ has provided.

“Jesus is the seed of salvation and we are the fruit of redemption” 

― Ikechukwu Izuakor

Heavenly Father, thank you for this season of growth.  I pray that we continue to grow "our fruit" long after summer has passed.  I pray that we grow in every season and produce fruit throughout our lives.  May others see You in us by our actions and our speech.  And may we never tire of working to reap a harvest of righteousness and bringing glory to Your name.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

We've got the fruits of the spirit, Woo-hoo!, how bout you?-Go Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNZeP_kOIpY