10.14.8 "Where the Fruit Trees Grow"

"Where the Fruit Trees Grow"

Jeremiah 23:21 - 25:38
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Psalm 84:1-12
Proverbs 25:15

I remember as a kid hearing the scripture about the "fruit of the Spirit", and seeing pretty pictures, and how sweet it was. Now growing up, I have a little better understanding of what it takes to make fruit grow. If I ever wrote a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, I would title it "Where the Fruit Trees Grow". As I was reading today's Psalm, I was reminded of this. Galatians 5:22-23 isn't a part of today's reading from the One-Year Bible, but I thought it would be a good reminder:

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Gal. 5:22-23

Those are 9 good things to have aren't they? It would be great if you could just run to Pick-n-Save produce section, rip off a plastic bag, and fill it with what you're going to need for that day. "I'll take a dozen patience... let's see... the kids like kindness... i suppose i should have a bit of self-control..."

It really doesn't work that way does it? Growing fruit is no easy process. It's not found at Pick-n-Save in fact, Psalm 84 gives us a bit of insight into where we can look.

"Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow constantly in strength and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion." Ps 84:5-7

The Fruit of the Spirit is a necessary part of your growth in Christ. You need it. Guess what! Some of these trees grow in the Valley of Weeping. We all walk through this valley at one time or another. Unfortunately, sometimes we want to run through this valley. We close our eyes, cover our ears, and can't wait until we get out of it. We rush through it without ever opening our baskets to gather fruit. Our focus on self and concern that we've lost our comfort causes us to miss out on so much. We're frustrated at the rains that come, and miss the "pools of blessing and refreshment that collect after rains!"

It's awesome to see God work in people's lives. I see individuals who have walked through the Valley & come out with a priceless treasure. Unfortunately I've seen those who come out bitter for having been there. The saddest part is knowing that the journey the Lord has for them can't be travelled without gaining the fruit that only grows in THAT valley. Somewhere down the line, there will be a sense of "repeating the test".

Where do the fruit trees grow? I can tell you that the patience tree is not in a quiet place. It's on a freeway. or at a red light when you're late for work. (or trying to get one of the plastic bags apart at Pick and Save!) Self-control is right next to Krispy-Kreme. Joy is in a very dark place. Love... that's a hard one. This one grows in the most undeserving place. This is a valley of danger... risk... the potential for hurt is high. It would be great if this tree were in a Hallmark shop on Valentine's day, but not so. It takes a lot of "fertilizer" for this fruit to become what it needs to be.

Remember the whole "Pure Joy" thing in James 1:2? You know, "consider it pure joy when you face trials..." Well, this is what it's about. This is why the armor goes on each day. It's for a purpose. It's not just to survive the Valley of Weeping. It's to come out better for it.

Maybe right now you're in a pleasant part of the journey. No valleys, just beautiful meadows & mountain tops. But someone very close to you could be at the darkest point in the Valley. Their eyes are closed, and they want to scream. You've been through a valley before. Reach in your basket. Pull out the fruit. What you may not realize is that the fruit was never for you in the first place. It was to help someone else. As you bring kindness and gentleness to another, help them open their eyes and see the pools of blessing. There's refreshment there.

Don't miss the most important part of these verses: "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." The key to a successful journey is to follow in the steps the Lord has laid out. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Don't get worried when the path leads through a valley. It's all the more important to be Empowered through Biblical Training. Too often that's the first to go. "Too busy to read the Word... Too tired to go to church..." No wonder the valley gets so dark. There's no light.

Be refreshed today wherever you are at. The fruit is nearby.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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