Fresh Fruit: Seeking Jesus for His Goodness

Fresh fruit is a staple in my household. My son especially loves it! But, one thing this Mama has a hard time with is how quickly fruit rots. I buy so many varieties that by the time we have tried a bit of all, we find rotting has begun with the remainder.

Take a carton of strawberries, for example. Once one has molded, the strawberries that surround it begin to mold as well. Interestingly enough, the opposite side of the strawberry that is touching the non-moldy ones still appears in good condition.

However, it is said that once the mold has begun they are no longer safe to eat and must be thrown out. Even if half of it still appears good, the whole is not considered good to eat.

I pondered the implication of this imagery with the condition of my heart. Imagine, if my heart touches the heart of the world that’s full of sin, I, too, reflect that sin nature.

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”- Romans 3:10-12 (NKJV) [emphasis mine]

But, if my heart touches the heart of God, then I’m healthy, full of goodness, and safe.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.- John 15:5 (NLT) [emphasis mine]

On my own I am merely self-righteous or an appearance of good. But given time, one may see the true reflection of a heart that touches a world full of sin is no different.

However, a heart that touches the heart of God produces the fruit of ‘goodness’ by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And what does this goodness look like? It’s definition says this: uprightness of heart and life.

Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.- Psalms 25:8 (NKJV)

Though, imagine it’s said that, I, too, must be thrown out if my heart has started to decay from touching a world of sin.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.- John 15:6 (NKJV)

It’s a stark realization. But living for Christ is a wholehearted commitment. It is daily dying to self and surrendering both heart and life to His righteousness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.- 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Thank God for His mercy and His grace to accept us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!- Romans 5:17 (NIV)

A life found in Christ is certainly like finding and consuming the freshest fruit. May we continually seek Him and touch hearts with His. For in Him is true goodness— uprightness of heart and life!

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Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.- Matthew 7:17‭-‬20 (NIV)

 

Learning from Seasons: Praising in Pause or Prosperity

Honestly, the last thing I want to give is another opinion about the pandemic going on in this world today. Personally, I’ve felt confused causing waves of anxiety to come at me. I’ve felt at a loss for words, and quite frankly, for any understanding regarding the current situation.

As I scrolled through social media this morning, I noticed consistent patterns in people’s posts. Well, at least the posts I could see. Good, bad or indifferent, it all revolved around the coronavirus (Covid-19).

When I looked at the calendar, I noticed today marks the first day of spring. But, there were no social media posts to reflect that. The darkness and uncertainty of what’s happening in the world around me tries to swallow up any bit of light and newfound hope. But, I felt this tug upon my heart to shift my perspective towards what is represented by patterns in seasons.

You see in the winter season, there seems to be a pause, or a stillness. The leaves die off of trees and flowers are not in bloom. Some animals hibernate or move South. There’s a dryness and chill in the air. What is visibly seen are ordinary colors in nature and much is not pleasing to the eye.

However, the winter season is not void of life. One, of many things, that is truly worthy of praise. The trees themselves are very much alive and there are cold-resistant plants that thrive. There’s a different, colorful species of birds that emerge, and other natural life flourishes during the winter months. Life in bloom may be at a standstill, but hope is not lost.

I’m moved within my spirit from anxiety to peace concerning the world’s current circumstances. Sure there’s been a shift in what society describes as “normalcy”. We are all left in a darkness with uncertainty about what the future holds. Life in bloom maybe at a standstill, but hope is not lost. I am reminded that both light and hope are found in the Lord. And these trying times cause me to shift my gaze towards the emergence of new life.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.- 1 Peter 1:3‭-‬6 NLT [emphasis mine]

From the perspective of which seasons were created, we can look at the pattern associated  with this first day of spring. It brings with it the hope of life in bloom- prosperity. Much more reason to praise! In fact, scripture adequately describes this “Hope for Restoration” in Isaiah 35.

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! … There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.- Isaiah 35:1‭-‬6‭, ‬10 NLT [emphasis mine]

Whether in a season of pause, as in the stillness of winter, or a season of prosperity, as in the hope of spring, one thing remains. To praise our Lord Jesus. For He is peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). For He is light in the darkness (John 8:12). For He is the source of hope (Psalm 71:5). For He is eternal life (1 John 5:11-12).

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To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.- Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11‭, ‬14 NKJV

Living in Freedom and Flow: A Gift from God

I went downtown to get a cup of coffee during some alone time with my current reading book. On my drive back home, I felt this urge to go a different route. Instead of turning toward my road to head home, I drove beyond. This route eventually led me to a familiar, favorite nature spot.

I decided to walk a path I had previously taken before. But there was something different about this particular experience. I had no other distractions or agendas. And I had a call upon my heart to respond.

Straight ahead of me was the sight and sound of rushing water. I paused to take in the wonder and awe of it through my senses. As I watched, I made a mental note of four interesting attributes of these waters.

First, I saw small waves which surged, like having short bursts of energy. Then, I observed smooth waves which seemed to gently glide along. Next, I watched as these waves pooled together on the far side, collecting in a spiral. Finally, the waters rushed towards some rocks, crashing into them like a harsh tempest storm.

Instantly, I felt a bond with these waters, deep within my soul. This journey called life seems to have such similar attributes. Sometimes I can face my circumstances with surges of energy. Once my heart feels safe and content, I gently glide along. As if my days are like smooth sailing.  Then, something pulls my attention causing my heart and head to spiral out of control. Before I know it, I’m rushed into circumstances by a tempest storm and crashing into life’s obstacles.

The thought that life’s circumstances seem to occur in this repetitive cycle overwhelms me. But as I continued to watch these waters, a deeper call pointed out there’s something more.

No matter what the circumstance, the waters did not have a natural inclination to resist. In fact, the commonality amongst every attribute was summed up as this: freedom and flow. This experience so profound united my understanding of living life according to the Spirit of the Living God.  

FREEDOM: 

Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.– Galatians 5:1 TPT [emphasis mine]

FLOW:

Then on the most important day of the feast, the last day, Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds— “All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!” Jesus was prophesying about the Holy Spirit that believers were being prepared to receive…– John 7:37‭-‬39 TPT [emphasis mine]

In contrast, living life according to my flesh causes me to resist. And I realized that this resistance happens no matter what good or bad comes my way. Whether I experience loss, or a gift. Whether I feel despair, or have reason to hope. Whether I am deep within sorrow, or overcome with joy. Because my natural tendency is to push away that which has been given.

This resistance is a result of the life of sin and death. But I believe in who Christ is and surrender myself to what He has done. As a child of God, I receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life. Meaning, this gift of freedom and flow is mine for the taking.

This is available to me even in the midst of surges, smooth sailing, spirals, or storms. It’s a blessing during both the good and the bad. And because of this gift, I choose to give and live in such a way that personifies this outpouring- sharing with others this same freedom and flow.

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So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death. For God achieved what the law was unable to accomplish, because the law was limited by the weakness of human nature. Yet God sent us his Son in human form to identify with human weakness. Clothed with humanity, God’s Son gave his body to be the sin-offering so that God could once and for all condemn the guilt and power of sin. So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us. And we are free to live, not according to our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!- Romans 8:1‭-‬4 TPT

Creation

I have long been in love with and fascinated by creation. To think of the vastness that goes beyond the beautiful, blue skies I see. Not only in the galaxy with which I live, but the galaxies out there in the great unknown. To think outside the box of my own little life amongst the billions. Not only in my lifetime, but even in those generations before me.

Did you know- Our observable universe is comprised of approximately 100 billion galaxies. These are immense masses of stars, dust and dark matter. The smallest (dwarf) galaxy typically contains at least 10 million stars, and a giant galaxy can contain up to a thousand billion stars! A single star, which has planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites in orbit around it, is known as a solar system. Just in our Milky Way Galaxy alone, there is an estimated tens of billions of other solar systems besides our own!

Did you know- Of all the planets, in our solar system and amongst others, Earth is quite unique. It is comprised of life sustaining water. It is the ideal distance away from the sun to both protect and preserve life. It has a protective atmosphere to shelter life from overheating and to maintain life-giving oxygen. And there are numerous of other distinctive characteristics, but one thing is certain- Earth is the source of intelligent life!

Did you know– Just in the ocean alone, there are an estimated 2.2 million+ [known] species of plants and animals. It was calculated (6 whole years ago) that there are roughly 6.5 million species of animals on land. There are an estimated 18,000+ species of birds in the world. The fascinating truth about these statistics is that these numbers are not inclusive of species that are extinct and those yet to be discovered!

Did you know– Humankind is distinguished. From the outward appearance, there are differences in hair, eyes, skin, height, weight, and other physical features. Inward, there are differences in bones, blood types, muscles, organs, and other internal features. There are DNA sequencing in humans which have two important purposes- 1) Certain stretches of DNA contain genes, 2) Other stretches of DNA are responsible for regulating genes by turning them on or off. The combination of all these things is essential in validating that not one person is made the same as another.

So, why all the scientific specifications? I’m delighted when I try to fathom the vastness of creation. I’m even more delighted with the love that God has for everything He created. Big and small, exquisitely detailed, and vast in numbers- God cares for it all! “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31).

Every intricate detail, in all of creation, work together in a big picture. And in comparison to this big picture, it’s so wonderful to comprehend that God still cares so deeply for ME. “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you…” (Matthew 6:30).

I am His creation made in His image (Genesis 1:27). I am His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). And He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).

There is a grand view outside of my personal existence. Past the beautiful, blue skies and beyond the Earth is a whole universe of unknowns. But even still, God cares for me- one amongst billions in my time, and times before. And my dear friend, I want let you in on a little secret… He cares for you too!

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“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”- Romans 1:20 (NLT)

Provision & Fulfillment

I enjoy being an observer of nature. In my home, we have a window above our kitchen sink that shows our backyard. There’s a tree just a short distance away where we hang three bird feeders. I typically open the blinds while doing dishes to watch birds come and go.

The other day, I was doing just that. While watching, it began to downpour rain. It happened without warning or indication that this was going to take place.

Various birds had been eating. Many took flight at the onset of the downpour. But to my amazement, a handful actually stayed to feast.

Now, normally I would have felt sorry for the birds that stayed behind in the rain. However, God gave me a completely different perspective this particular day. He revealed that the birds who took flight were dwelling on their circumstances and left feeling hungry and empty. But, the birds who stayed to endure the weather continued to receive provision and fulfillment.

I began to think back on storms in my life. I pondered how many times I had taken flight, dwelt on the circumstances, or missed out on what was right there in front of me. Or, had I exhibited faith to be fed and satisfied- had I stayed to receive my provision and fulfillment.

Scripture tells us in Romans 5:3-5 (NLT), “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we have faith and put our hope in God through our trials, He will not allow us to feel hungry and empty. In fact, our promises rest in these scriptures:

• It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.– Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
• God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.– Matthew 5:6 (NLT)
• …how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!– Romans 5:17 (NIV)
• Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!– Luke 1:45 (NIV)

Those birds who stayed in the downpour of rain had faith they will be fed and they took joy in their feast. With faith, we should take joy in receiving the abundance of God’s provisions and fulfillment through our trials. 

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“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”- 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)