The Tree and Its Fruit

 

This morning I read this passage and it's not the first time I have read it.  It wasn't even part of my reading plan today.  I was drawn to this passage in response to a Facebook post, then led to another passage then to this passage.  But today after reading this I felt and saw things a little differently and I know I was directed to this passage by the Lord and needed to share this with you. 

Now, I am no expert in the scripture, I am just like most of you out there, learning to live by the word of God. I felt it necessary to share this with you because I believe this pertains to who I am as a person and who I want to always be.  

It also pertains to my business's and what they represent and why I do them.  My number one biggest goal with my business's and life is to make a difference by being a positive impact on peoples lives. To be genuine, kind and loving. Because of this I research, learn, listen and sometimes am gripped in fear that I may be wrong, or I need to be sure a product is safe, or that what I am saying is the truth because I value you as a person, friend, customer and God's people.  I do not take this lightly, and when the fear is so powerful I turn to God and pray for understanding and guidance and direction.  Only then can I proceed.  So, here it goes, this is what I heard today, these are my notes on the following passage. 

The Tree and Its Fruit

Matthew 7: 15-20

15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.
20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.



I believe with this passage the message I am hearing from the Lord today is that false prophets come in every area of life.  For example the salesperson trying to sell you something and their only true motivation is the commission at the end of the sale.  The friend, family or neighbor that is trying to convince you to do or say something that they know is wrong and can lead you down their path but certainly won't be good for you and they know it.  They look polished, they act confident but they don't really care about the person or needs of the individual they are selling or talking to, they are like a wolf ready to swallow you and trample you both spiritually, mentally and physically.  Their fruit is sour, grows fast and furious and is insincere and will rot you.  They do not have a true passion or desire for what they are doing.  Pause, pray, then open your eyes and you shall see, open your ears and you shall hear, ask and you shall receive.  Ask them why they are here and who they serve and why they are doing what they are doing.  Their answers will reveal true motivation.

A good tree has a true passion for what they are doing because they want to better the world and God's people.  They want to provide a service and protect God's people or improve their lives.  They are willing to learn and sacrifice in order to be sure they are doing rite by God. They know that by doing write by God, they will be blessed and God's people they are serving will be blessed with there presents and efforts as well.  When the true motivation is to serve God and serve God's people you simply cannot produce bad fruit.  God will provide peace, knowledge, love, friendship and fellowship with relationships that are genuine and will last their entire lives.  God, will fill the hearts and minds with love and prosperity.  And most important of all is the final reward of being with the Lord after death from this earth. 

The rewards that are received may not be quick, they may not happen overnight, they may take many years of hard work and dedication not only to your work or task at hand but to God and God's word but they will come when the Lord decides to give them.  Live your life knowing that you do not control your life, the Lord our God guides us and keeps us and will love and bless us along the way.  Set your sites on the Lord and he will deliver and never abandon you.

A bad tree will product bad fruit in every aspect of their lives.  Things will not go well, for them, the path they walk will close and wither behind them.  Pain and suffering will follow them where ever they go. Their heart will continue to be empty and their hunger and thirst will be insatiable and will never go away.  The hunger will be fed with greed, heartbreak and material pursuits. They will be defeated and the sourness of their fruit will be tasted by all and eventually when the time comes the ultimate reward for this kind of fruit is to be chopped down and thrown into the fire. 

Peoples actions are the fruit of life.  What you say and do daily creates the fruit.  What you feel in your heart defines the fruit.  So, seek the Lord our God and his word.  Live your life according to his word, and if in doubt pray to the Lord for guidance and wisdom.  He will answer, until he calms the storm in your heart you have your answer.  It's probably not something you should be doing or perhaps you haven't nourished your mind, body and soul with knowledge and wisdom and are not ready yet according to the Lord for the task at hand. Pray to the lord for that wisdom, guidance and do not fear, when the time is rite you will know when and how to proceed.

I have realized that the number one issue that has been holding me back is the fear of planting and providing bad fruit.  God has not planted this in my heart or soul, so I need not fear it anymore.  I thank you Lord for this message today and all that you have blessed me with.

Again, I share this with you because I was guided too and I believe with all my heart this is and will always be my vision for all that I do in life. 

I will continue to share with you information, articles and things I have learned along the way so I can help you help yourself in the area of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  It's a difficult world out there to navigate and there is allot of bad fruit, so be safe and know that I love and care about each and everyone of you.  

God Bless,

Jackie Bennett
Live Well Certified Coach


P.S.  Get ready for some new and exciting changes including a new web site, revised RESET with added features, and if all goes well a new cooking club.