Hey Gang,
Here is another devotion for you.
Enjoy.
The Tree.
Last week I was looking at a tree in my backyard, it was bare and very dead to
me. Yesterday I looked out my window and saw that the tree had sprung new
leaves and was looking real good. As I thought about it, it occurred to me that we
are like that tree in our Christian walk. It starts with a seed being planted in our
lives, which is watered and grows. We have seasons, in our walk where we feel
�dead�, but in time new life is brought forth. With each �death� the tree grows
bigger and strong, just like us.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 �Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!� We become a new creation, just as
the tree is renewed each year, we to, are renewed. How does this happen? The
answer is found in Romans 12:1-2 �1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--
this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.� The tree
does not conform to the other trees we have, but it conforms to that of species. We
can not be like the world, full of living in �debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry.� (1 Peter 4:3). Instead we must have �the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.� (Galatians 5:22-23). Just as a
tree bears fruit, we to must do the same.
Have you ever wondered why they are called �The Fruits of the Spirit�? Well, it is
because there are a bunch of them. These fruits can be divided into three areas,
fruits for ourselves, fruits for others and fruit for the Lord. Firstly He gives us
love.
This is not a weak, lovey dovey love, but a tough love that can break the chains of
sin in our lives. For us He gives us a Joy that springs from our hope of our
Salvation. Peace that passes all understanding (And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7). The gifts towards others are give to us so that we may show
patience with other we would like to have nothing to do with. He changes our heart
to show kindness to those for would defame us and insult us. He gives a spirit of
goodness towards all men in the hope that we might bring them into the Kingdom.
The Lord makes us faithful unto Him, He changes the rough person into a gentle
caring person who is full of self-control. In others, is meek, just like Jesus. Meek is
not weak, but great strength under control. We have the strength of the Holy Spirit
to help change our lives and to change others.
So just like the tree in my backyard we must die to ourselves in order that we might
live and be stronger and better Christians. We must let Him renew our minds so
that the Fruits of the Spirit may be evident in our lives. So that we that may increase
the Kingdom of our Lord.
There's a storm coming, our Storm.
PROCLAIMING GOD'S LOVE TO A DYING WORLD
Say to the captives, 'come out,' and those in darkness, 'Be free!'
Isaiah 49:9
Love in Jesus
Adrian Bonham aka Morning Light, The Larrikin
I looked to the heavens to where God dwells
I looked into my life to see he lives there as well.
Outpost 49
Hawkesbury Royal Rangers
Windsor, N.S.W.
Australia
F.C.F. 94
http://www.summit.net.au/~founder1/
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