Fitly Fruit Filled

   How do we know an apple tree?  Stepping out into our large backyard as a child, one of the first things I'd do would be to run out to my favorite tree, climbing up and swinging through the branches, some of which I engraved names of those closest to me.  Next to that tree was the small, fragrant apple tree I loved.  It filled the air with that familiar summer sweetness.  I could see the apples decorating the branches with it's lovely hues contrasted against the green leaves. I could see the fruit it left around the ground where it stood.  I often could hear the buzzing of bees that were attracted to the fruit of our old apple tree.  You could quickly come to the obvious conclusion of what type of tree it was, simply by its fruit.

   I love how the Word of God describes the Spirits nature. I love that it compares it to fruit, for then it quickly becomes obvious who is walking in the Spirit of God.  It makes it obvious to us when the enemy is at work, when the contrary inevitably arises.

"...the kingdom of God...
the fruit of the Spirit is 

love, 

joy, 

peace,

patience,

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness, 

gentleness, 

self-control;..."
-Galatians 5:..21-22..

    This is how we walk as a true follower of Christ, we declare Jesus is Lord, and we bear the fruit of the Spirit. That is the clear, obvious fruit that begins to form in our hearts, in our minds, and pours out around us in our lives as we surrender to God's work in us.  {Lord, may we walk in the Spirit, all the days of our lives. May we bear this fruit so that it is evident beyond any doubt to whom we belong - all for the glory of Your Kingdom.}  With Christ, this is possible.  When we stumble, we stand back up again and remember our roots. Remember to whom you belong, and bear the fruit we claim. There can be joy where we never thought there could be. There is a peace in Him that surpasses all understanding.

   The Spirit filled person changes the atmosphere where they are.  May others sense the difference.  We can leave the signs of the Spirit all around us, letting our patience and kindness, gentleness and goodness surround us. We can let the buzzing, buzz.  Bear fruit. Become the person you want to be. The person God wants you to be.  

   "The old saying is familiar and true: "First you make your habits; then your habits make you." So it's always a good time to ask this question: "What kind of person are my habits making me?""
- VeggieTales 365 Devotions for Boys 

May we fitly live fruit filled lives! 

Love.

Joy.

Peace.

Patience.

Kindness.

Goodness.

Faithfulness.

Gentleness.

Self-control.

Featured Music:
Jeremy Camp - Christ In Me