Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 5, 2023
Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you dressed like sheep, but inside, they are vicious wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruit. Do people get bunches of grapes from thorny weeds, or do they get figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, and every rotten tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit. And a rotten tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, you will know them by their fruit.
Good Morning. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Oh, those false prophets. At a young age, we are told that when something seems too good to be true, we should walk away. Sadly, money schemes and promises of weight loss and better health lure us into believing those ads. Despite how many times we have been burned, we rationalize that this time, it might be true.
Good trees produce good fruit, and rotten trees produce bad fruit. It seems basic enough, but evil is working hard to trick us. We have everything that we need to live fruitful lives, yet we are always reaching for just a little more. If we have two acres of land, wouldn’t three be better? God blesses us abundantly: our cups runneth over, so what would we do with the excess? Excesses fall into those earthly values: those with the most . . . (I’ll let you fill in your own words) are regarded as the best.
Many of our smaller plants are the most prolific in their production. Do we need to be the biggest or the flashiest to serve God? Plants that put all of their energy into getting bigger waste their energy and produce little or no fruit.
When people look at you, what do they see? We are called to be the face of Christ for the world. I equate Christ with love, so when people look at us, they should see love. When we love freely, our fruit is luscious and plentiful.
Ask yourself: What fruit do you produce?
Creator God, We love you! God gives us what we need to live a good life. We are called to be fruitful and share the Good News to all. Sometimes we get caught up on being a bigger plant and we forget about producing fruit. Open our hearts so that we may see your way. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Graciously embrace all of your blessings.
Share your fruit! Pastor Liz
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