Fruitful and Faithful (II)

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:19-26

Yesterday, we reiterated the fact that growth is important to producing fruits. We also pointed out that a tree needs tap roots and steady nutrients to produce fruits. As Christians, we have to stay connected to the Source (God) to produce good fruits. The reality is that we are producing fruits at every time— good or bad. Every day, we have to deliberately decide the kind of fruit we want to produce. The fruit we produce is a function of what is on the inside. The Bible says that out of the abundant of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Many Christians struggle to produce good fruits because it takes absolute reliance on God and obedience to His word. It also takes discipline, death to self, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit for as many that are led by the Spirit of God are called sons of God (Romans 8:14).

In today’s Bible reading, we see two kinds of fruits— the works of flesh and the fruit of the spirit. Note the difference— one is ‘works’ and the other is ‘fruit’. The works of flesh is the manifestation of the flesh. Apostle Paul cries out in Romans 7:24 “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” Flesh produces nothing but unrighteousness and it does not really need much work from us except to allow it manifest itself. However, the fruit of spirit requires work. It is a process that constantly needs to be nurtured and built in order to resist the flesh. Here’s how Apostle Paul puts it: ‘As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stabilized in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving’ (Colossians 2:6-7). Dear friends, to be fruitful, you need to ‘put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering… and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… ‘ (Colossians 3:12-17).

Daily Confession: I choose to be faithful unto God by producing fruits of righteousness that give glory and honour unto His name, amen.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for those at the hospital for God’s healing and intervention in their situation.

Hymn: Ancient words ever true

Changing me, and changing you.

We have come with open hearts

Oh let the ancient words impart.