PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 3:1-9
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Luke 3:8)
It seems that some people wanted baptism for a public performance.
They already felt they were Abraham’s children, they just wanted to appear pious.
John sees through their charade, and calls them on their lack of repentance.
‘Demonstrate how sorry you really are, and how much you want to change!’
I sense the Lord challenging me with these words.
I have come to know my need for forgiveness and help.
Sin manifests itself in my heart and life in subtle but serious ways.
Yet going to church, reading my bible, receiving communion… these are symbols.
They point to something deeper that God wants to work on in me.
If the Spirit is working in me, there ought to be some indications of it.
I will not suddenly start producing all the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
But little shoots of goodness should start to show, small steps towards full bloom.
Am I producing more love, joy, peace, or whatever fruit I am especially in need of?
Am I just putting on a show, or is there evidence that I am changing?
PRAYER
Lord, I do sense changes within me, but I also know there are areas I need to produce fruit in keeping with my repentance. Help me Spirit of Jesus too work on those areas.
Warning – beware. The sign says the ice is thin. John says the ax is at the root of the tree and the tree will fall! I too need to read the warning signs and act accordingly. The warnings may be subtle or blunt like a major health episode. I must be active and busy in God’s kingdom work. Jesus is coming for me and my time can come anytime. Help me Lord to grow and continue to be active in bringing about your kingdom!
Good fruit.
We are told to bear fruits in keeping of repentance. As a tree is known by e fruit it produces, so too I am known by what I say and do. As His child others must be able to see we are Christian by our love serving the Master. I need to be like the tree planted by the waters being nourished each day anew by His Spirit working in me and through me.
The Fruit of the Spirit’s not a coconut
The Fruit of the Spirit’s not a coconut
If you want to be a coconut
You might as well hear it:
You can’t be a fruit of the Spirit
Cause the fruit is
Love, joy, peace, patience,
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Gentleness and self-control
Love, joy, peace, patience,
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Gentleness and self-control