Showing posts with label Appreciation of Others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appreciation of Others. Show all posts

Friday, January 6, 2017

Produce Fruit

Matthew 3: Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

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Listening intently in the meeting, I picked through all of the rough parts of the conversation to hear what was needed. I formulated a plan and executed it without flaw.  Observers were impressed and gave me a raise, promotion and a bonus!

  • There have been times I when worked hard for the world.
  • There have been times I when put a lot of effort into obtaining wealth.
  • There have been times I when monopolized my time with helping the rich get richer.


You have had a “fruitful” career someone once said to me, but what is “fruit?” I mean if “fruit” is making people wealthy who could care less about the poor, then yes I did that. BUT GOD’s fruit is quite different.

  • GOD wants me to bear the fruit of appreciation of HIS creation.
  • GOD wants me to bear the fruit of thoughtfulness of those who are truly seeking HIM.
  • GOD wants me to bear the fruit of passion for HIS kingdom.


Recognition that I am here today and gone tomorrow means that I am not trying to leave a legacy to myself, rather I am trying to put people on GOD’s path so they can carry on HIS plan. Bearing fruit is important to GOD. HE loves that I “believe” in HIS existence but wants much more.

GOD wants me to act upon my belief, bearing fruit whenever and wherever HE sends me. HIS kingdom has to be foremost in my mind so HE can draw those HE desires towards HIMSELF.

  • Are you bearing human fruit or GODLY fruit?
  • Do you spend most of your time working and are too exhausted to mention GOD during your day?
  • Can people see GOD in you?
  • Will you step back from bearing worldly fruit for just a moment and bear GOD’s fruit today?


Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Listening



Job 15: 11 Are God’s consolations not enough for you,
    words spoken gently to you?
12 Why has your heart carried you away,
    and why do your eyes flash,
13 so that you vent your rage against God
    and pour out such words from your mouth?

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Listening to GOD can be difficult sometimes. I mean HE is invisible and inaudible right? Wrong! GOD is extremely visible and is in front of me right now. HE made everything with HIS power and speaks to me daily. I may not want to hear what HE has to say and that’s why I need grace.

  • GOD says “Give to that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE wants me to.
  • GOD says “Forgive that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE has forgiven me.
  • GOD says “Pray for that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE showed me by the example of praying for those who killed HIM.


When I vent my anger at GOD, I’m telling HIM HE isn’t doing a good job and I know better. My frustration leads to a complaint rather than praise. GOD wants me to see HIM the way HE shows me. HE says just look around and you will see ME. Seek and I will find.