Good morning! Fruit trees are unique in the since that they bear the name of a fruit that it produces. For example, apples fall from an apple tree and oranges fall from an orange tree. It will be extremely unusual for an apple tree to bear oranges. Yet, it is always a joy to see fresh fruit on a tree. So, I question how long does it take for a tree with fruit to become ripe for picking? How long will it take to bear good fruit?

Well let’s continue in Matthew 12, where Jesus is being accused by the Pharisees – again.Yet, Jesus’ response is always perfect and to the point. 

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 12:33-37 NLT
“³³ “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. ³⁴ You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. ³⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. ³⁶ And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. ³⁷ The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.””

REFLECTION

What stood out to me…

A good person produces good things from a good heart…a treasury of a good heart.

An evil person produces evil things from an evil heart…a treasury of an evil heart.

A treasury is something that has been stored up for some time. Are you storing up good thing in your heart or a series of evil things in your heart?

Like most fruit trees, it will take a while before it begins to bear good fruit. It requires watering, fertilizer (an extra boost), and good care (especially in the early stages or hot months). The same way, it takes Christians awhile to bear/produce good fruit. We require Living Water, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and the loving care of godly brothers and sisters to encourage our walk and faith. While we want our inner fruit (love, patience, kindness, self-control, etc.) to grow, it is important to understand the Lord is the one who nourishes our growth and changes our lives from a stump to flourishing fruit. In the early stages and difficult seasons we require extra spiritual attention and care, yet everyday we need Living Water to survive and store up a good treasury – a good heart aligned with the love of Christ that overflows into the world.

• Will you allow the Lord to give you living water?

• Will you allow Him to fertilize you with His words and guidance?

• Will you allow Him to prune away the dead things in your life so that you can produce good fruit?

PRAYER

Father God, you are absolutely amazing. Lord, you alone know our hearts. Lord, forgive us when we serve or follow you with a bitter heart. Lord, soften our hearts toward you and others. Lord, equip us with a steadfast spirit that rejoices in your mission, ministry and message to the world. Lord, change our hearts so that we will bear great fruit. Lord, remove the weeds and dead branches in our lives. Let our hearts overflow with things that please you. Lord, on the day of judgment we want to be acquitted by you. So Lord, take our tongues, renew our minds and transform us daily to be followers of you. Lord, we pray for those who are sick today and for those diagnosed with cancer, terminal illnesses, or are in chronic pain. Lord, your word says you are healer and that you heal the sick. Lord, we ask for healing for the sick today. Lord, renew their energy, cure diseases and refresh their souls. Lord, ease the pain of those who are struggling to be comfortable. Help them and provide them relief. Lord, we pray for the doctors – give them wisdom to understand the diagnosis and direction for the appropriate treatment(s). Lord, help us to bear good fruit in our families and in our world. In Jesus name, amen. 

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