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Posted by Dion Todd June 4th, 2024 1,771 Views 26 Comments
"For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things which I say?" Luke 6:43β46 WEB.
We find it humorous when we get cut off in traffic by a rude driver and they have a Christian fish symbol on their bumper. Less amusing is that repairman who charges you twice what they should have. Or they take your money and run, leaving the job half done. They usually put a cross on their business card and invoices, so you are supposed to forgive them for ripping you off.
Still, I am a sucker for all things Jesus and try to support the body of Christ. Recently we hired a "Christian" company to do some work for us. I chose them over their competition mostly because they had scripture in their ad. That was my fault. They witnessed to us about Jesus the whole time they were here and invited us to visit their church. But at the end of the day, they promised to be back the following morning and asked us for a check. We never saw them again, and they wouldn't return our calls. So we had to hire their competition to finish the job we had paid them to do.
It is sad to say that in our life, we have been ripped off more by "Christians" like this than anyone else. When I was young, I preferred to do business with people in the church and sought them out. But now, when I see a cross on a business card, I grow concerned. Three times in the last year, we have been burned by people who witnessed to us about Jesus. Brothers and Sisters, this should not be.
What I mean is that our actions speak louder than our words. Sometimes we are like a lemon tree that repeatedly shouts, "I AM AN APPLE TREE!" But we have never produced any apples, only lemons. Jesus said you would know a tree by the fruit it bears.
Our actions show the world we are followers of Christ, not our words or appearance. Who you are when put under pressure is who you really are. It merely brings what is in our hearts to the surface. When His pressure comes, our mouth always betrays us and reveals what is in our hearts. We should say what we mean and mean what we say. Jesus said,
"He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? If you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:10-12 WEB).
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35 WEB).
Small things are important to God, and often the things which seem important to us are small to Him. It is the little things that make a difference in life. Sometimes just a little patience, a smile, or taking a bit less for yourself is the difference between producing apples and being barren.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me produce fruit in my life and guide me into all You have for me. Forgive me for the things I have done wrong. Please have patience with me, and help me to have patience with others. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: The Creation Photographer theme of the week is "Reflections of Summerβ and is wide open for interpretation! Until we get our groups area going, we invite you to share your photos on the website home page. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.
Just wanted to shout out to all of you who are praising our Lord Jesus... I was married for 12 years to a man who I thought loved me. He ended up trying to kill me in the end. I was so beat down that I didn't think I could survive without a man taking care of me. I've always been told that. Even as a child, so I was terrified... But then Jesus stepped into the picture. It's like everything just fell into place. I don't want to brag about being on government assistance, but, I was put into my own home with food and cash to pay bills. I was given furniture and everything anyone needs to set up their home. Jesus is the reason I'm here right now. If I can help just one person get to know Him... Then my life will be full .. I'll never stop praising our Lord and Savior... Never!! I'm sending peace, love and many prayers for all of you πβ€οΈ
Comment from Sherry Mccosh
5 months ago
Amen!! Sister in Christ! Thank you for your story above! Dont ever give up because God always has something better for us. I was married for 22 years to my childhood sweetheart, we had one daughter. Suddently he dided that he did not want to be married to me any more after 22 years of marrage. I didnt understand and I tried to reason with him but he would not listen to me. We had to sell ou home and split the proceeds from the home but I did not have a job I was a stay at home mom so I ended up moving in with a friend that I had known in highschool but hadnt seen for 30 years. In the end God took care of me and brought me a new faithful husband and we have been married for almost 11 years now. God is so good and is aways ready to forgive us and take care of our every needs!! God bless you!!
Comment from Sylvia Todd
6 months ago
Valeri, so very sorry for what you have gone through! Praying for continued protection, provision, guidance and, in His time, for the right person for you ~ God bless, sister π!
Comment from Kathy Banfield
6 months ago
I just said a prayer for you. May you stay strong in the Lord!
Comment from Dan Remley
6 months ago
I am praying for comfort and peace Valeriπβ€οΈ
Comment from Lynn Brown
6 months ago
Praying for you Valeri! God will always take care of you.π
Comment from David Krull
6 months ago
Amen. So sorry you went thru that. Weβre supposed to be able to depend on each other. Iβd say you were married to the wrong man. Donβt let the wrong ungodly man dissuade you from love. The godly man, us men are servants to our spouses. Weβre always to put the wives needs over ours. My wife of 25 years and 3 kids left me.. she wanted a different life..pursued education and got her college professor. She persuaded our daughter a few years ago to divorce her husband of 10 years and 2 kids. Ex told her β she didnβt need no manβ. As a retired cop I would never say a woman being at risk of injury should stay in marriage. Iv seen to many women stay with an ungodly man and get hurt or killed. That doesnβt change the roles we have as God designed. Us men have to answer up to God how we treat our spouses. Women's lib brought in this women donβt need a man. That has destroyed the roles God has for man and wife. Being able to take care of oneβs self is good, but in marriage as in life we need each other. The roles God has in His Word for men and women show how hard it is for a women in life. Iβm glad Iβm a man. My oldest daughter was a single mother of two after her ex cheated on her. Iβm grateful the state helped her with food and rent. To me a single mother has the hardest job there is. You have a great testimony that shows God is our provision. Bless you and thanks for sharing.
Comment from Mark Williams
6 months ago
God Bless you!