To learn everything you want to know about a tree, look at the fruit. Good trees produce good fruit in season. Always. Let’s talk about fruit … and faith.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me … You’re always welcome here. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Apples are one of my favorite fruits I love apples. I put them in salads, eat them as snacks. I’m especially fond of the tart taste of ripe Granny Smith apples. YUM! That’s GOOD! And don’t get me started on my Mom’s apple crumble. OOoooo, that was SO GOOD. I hate biting into an apple and finding a worm. (Actually, what I hate is biting into an apple and finding HALF a worm. That’s worse.)
We are called to be like good apples with no worms. When Christ molds us into His image and we reflect it well, we should be like Him. Paul tells us that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. That’s fruitfulness.
In our verse today, Jesus says IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND I REMAIN IN YOU, YOU WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT
So here are a few simple questions for you to consider on this Sunday morning …..
ARE YOU IN CHRIST YET?
Some of you reading this may not yet have decided to follow Jesus, you might still be on the way. If your faith is still just a seed that hasn’t been panted in Him yet, it will never bear fruit. Jesus said that apart from Him you can’t do anything.
Now you might be saying, “I can do ALL SORTS of things!” and think that Jesus is wrong. But everything we do will be tested and tried by fire, and things that weren’t based in faith will be burned up and totally consumed. You may have a house filled with “all sorts of things” – but if it burns to the ground they’re gone and you’re left with nothing. THAT’S the image Jesus is painting when He warns us that apart from Him we can’t do anything. Only the things that make it through the fire will count.
HAS GOD ANOINTED YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
As a convergence communion, one of our main focuses is that we be filled with the Holy Spirit. God promises to give the Holy Spirit to us when we ask Him; so if God has not anointed you with the Holy Spirit and power – ASK! With His Spirit comes His power. Going around and trying to “do good” without the power of the Holy Spirit is a daunting and draining task.
In our house we actually have two lawn mowers. One of them is the old “push mowers” with three rotary blades that spin around as you push the mower. It doesn’t have an engine. Only a person pushing the mower from behind makes the blades spin and cut the grass. Out second mower has a powerful engine and is actually self-propelled. Pull the cord, start the mower engine and grab the handle — the mower literally pulls itself around the yard cutting the lawn.
Which mower is most like you? Being filled with the Spirit will empower you!!!!
ARE YOU GOING AROUND AND DOING GOOD?
As agents of the King, we are His hands, feet, eyes and mouth upon the earth. We are to reflect His glory as light in the darkness. We are to be channels of His love.
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. God strengthens us, and then sends us out to DO the things He has prepared for us to do. He’s given us gifts, and He means for us to share them. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. Sure its a sacrifice of your time, talent and treasure do share your gifts, but I can promise you that such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
WHAT WAS LAST WEEK LIKE?
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Are there any lives you specifically touched with the love of the King last week? God’s life within you is alive, and LIVING LOVE shows. It shows to waitresses, co-workers, and family. It shows to 9 year old girls and 77 year old men. If you are deliberate about doing good, the opportunities to show HIS GOODNESS to those around you will abound.
So, how’d you do last week? Are there lives you touched with the goodness of God? If so, well done! If not, look back and consider missed opportunities. Don’t do it as a guilt trip, but as a prayer that God will make you a better channel of His goodness next week. And even better the week after that. And the week after that, etc.
Keep getting better and better at touching people with His love. Do good to everyone.
He did.
