Costly Fruit

Let's begin with this... 
When we have lived our lives in church and with the things of God, sometimes our daily relationship with Him can become stale.  We can forget the sweetness and strength that come from His presence.  Let today be the day when we begin to turn things around for the better.  Maybe we need to repent.  Maybe we need to learn a simpler way of doing things.  Whatever the case, we can't keep waiting for a better time.  Now is the time. 

Sometimes we have become so familiar with God's Word that we can begin to live a double life... believing His Word on the one hand, but not living like we believe it day-to-day.  We must begin to review our lives and see if we are truly building on God's Word, or if we are building on shifting sands.  We build on the Rock of Christ when we hear His words and do them.  All other ground will fail us (Matthew 7:24-27).   Are we living out the scriptures we say we believe, or are we still just talking about them?  

"Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7

Now on to our story... 

It’s Friday as I’m writing this, and another cold day has found it’s way into our city. This has been a particularly busy time in my life, with long days and deadlines looming. I have found it very important, during these pressing times, to make sure I am keeping up with the basics.

My house has gotten out of hand since my entire family is so busy right now, so I spent a little time throughout the evening yesterday picking up, washing dishes, and wiping surfaces. I feel so much lighter when my house is clean.

But the thing that has helped me the most in this season has been my quiet times with the Lord. It’s been so special to get up in the morning, set my headphones to worship music, and just breathe. I read my devotional, write scriptures that I need for the day, and spend some time in very simple prayer… the fewer words the better…

God does not need my eloquence, He just wants to hear my heart.  Thank you for this, please help me with that, and I love you so much.  No need to stumble over words or feel like we have to "do it right."  We just need to get the words out.  That's all that really matters. 

I am much more relaxed and at peace… much more joyful and able to focus… not just in that moment, but throughout the day, when I have given this time to the Lord.

Hence our topic for today…

I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. 

John 15:9

Where’s the fruit?

When we spend time with the Lord, thinking about His Word, and soaking ourselves in worship music, we are strengthening our inner man so that we are able to overcome our mental and emotional battles, and our sinful desires.

Taking time to shut down every other voice… every other desire… so that we are able to focus on God puts chains on our sin nature and begins to break the enemy’s strategies against us (Psalm 18).

We cannot change ourselves. We cannot overcome anything spiritually without His help. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. But if we will abide in Him, He will abide in us, and we will being to bear much fruit (John 15:5).

It is with that fruit that we feed ourselves, and we also feed others. When we dwell in Christ, we always have fruit readily available when we find ourselves in great need, or when we are faced with the great needs of others.

What is this costly fruit? It is the Fruit of the Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is the nature of Christ, and it becomes our nature when we dwell in Him.

I am kind now, but do you think I became kind on my own? Absolutely not! I was judgmental, self-centered, competitive, and mean. And while I am still not as patient as I should be… still not as forgiving as I could be, etc.… my overall nature has completely changed into someone who is, for the most part, loving, gentle, faithful, patient, and kind.

This is not because of anything I did, but a direct result of all God did for me! He loved me to my core and accepted me as I am. His love, forgiveness, and grace changed my entire life.

How do we get this fruit?

It does not take work to get God’s fruit. It only takes abiding in Him (John 15:5). We can seek the Lord as we are now, not worrying about whether or not we measure up to His standards, or if we are able to become who He wants us to be. He doesn’t want us to be anything but His. And when we are His, anything is possible!

It is important that we seek God regularly. Maybe set a timer for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes, or an hour… as long or as short as you desire. Turn on worship music and really listen to the words, believing them and maybe even writing them down. Read a verse or two from the bible, or today’s devotional entry. Maybe keep a journal for writing song lyrics, thoughts, prayers, and Bible verses that pertain to your current circumstances.

Whatever you do, determine in your heart to believe. Choose today to seek God more than you ever have before. If you will simply believe and diligently seek Him, that priceless fruit will begin to grow–peace will rise like a river of life in your heart–and joy will flood your soul.

His love is a lifeline. Whatever your circumstances, reach out and grab it today. Even now. You won’t regret one moment you choose to spend with our faithful, loving God. His promises are true, and they are for you.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green,  and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8