Hope for the Heart

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Hope for the Heart Part 15 - Heart Care

by Gail Rodgers
Bob never expected he would have heart trouble. Now, suddenly he was riding in the back of an ambulance! The little choices of his daily routine had taken their toll.

Little choices in our daily routine have an effect on our spiritual heart too. Oh, it’s not the donuts or the lack of exercise that causes spiritual heart distress. We live in a culture that pulls our heart in a direction that can leave us feeling distant from God. God’s Word says,

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

The pull of our hearts away from God is subtle. It is usually an accumulation of little choices made in the course of daily routines.
One day we realize we feel unsatisfied, negative and void within our heart. We know deep down that true satisfaction in life comes from our walk with God yet we feel the pull of our heart away from Him. The simple answer is to pay attention to your heart.
Pay attention to what you think about. Your thoughts will play out in your behavior. That’s why God tells us to:

“take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” ( 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Pay attention to your attitudes. Be conscious about keeping a thankful heart. It will change you in ways that will surprise you.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” ( 1 Thessalonians. 5:18)

Pay attention to the things that draw your attention. Monitor what is becoming the desire of your heart. Does it draw you to God or away from Him?

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” ( Matthew 6:21)

Pay attention to your words. God tells us:

“...the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matthew 15:18)

What spills out of your mouth gives you a good indication of how well you are guarding your heart.
Pay attention to your daily habits. It is said that the secret to your future lies in your daily routines. God says:

“Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1Cor 10:31)

prayer & reflection

Father God,
Please help me to pay attention to what is going on in the deepest part of me. Thank You that You desire to help me in this. Please remind me to make the little choices every day that will move my heart towards You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and draw me closer to You. Thank You that You will walk through my daily routine with me to help me guard my heart.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Hope for the Heart Part 16 - Invitation

by Gail Rodgers
The view from my friend’s living room was tranquil. This was a place of solitude.

Solitude is hard to find in our cultures today. We hurry, we worry, and we keep our bodies and minds in constant motion. Solitude is quietness, not simply silence. Solitude can lead us to tranquility. The place of solitude is where God’s whisper can be heard.
Perhaps you need to hear His voice in a fresh way today. Perhaps your constant motion drowns out His still, small voice. After a busy day Jesus knew He and His followers needed rest. He gave them an invitation that is still our invitation today. He said,

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place…” (Mark 6:31)

Sometimes God leads us to a place of solitude when He has something to say to us. He may lead us to a place where we find ourselves all alone with Him. We can struggle and try to push aside the solitude and the circumstances that brought us there. Or we can inquire and ask God what it is He needs us to hear. He may have an inner transformation for our soul; refreshment that we desperately need or direction that we so earnestly seek.
Be purposeful in carving out times of solitude in your life.

• Ask Him to teach you. Then listen.
• Ask Him to lead you to Scripture that will speak to your heart. Then listen.
• Ask Him how He is praying for you. (Romans 8:34) Then listen.
• Ask Him to show you how He is at work in your life. Then listen.
• Ask what He wants you to see and do. Then listen.

God’s voice will come:

• Through the Scripture as He reveals truth to your heart.
• As quiet thoughts when you ask and listen for His answer.
• In words from other Christians to confirm what He has told you in your heart and through His Word.
• As an idea of something kind you can do for someone.

Whether you feel weary, dry and discouraged or hungry for His presence, be deliberate in carving out some regular times of solitude in your life. Choose it. You will never know the richness of this experience if you don’t stop to move into a place of solitude. If your first attempts are restless times with random thoughts afloat in your mind don’t be discouraged. Go again…and again.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.” RSVP

prayer & reflection

Father God,
I want to choose to listen to Your still, small voice. Help me to carve out time for my hurried body and mind to relax and be quieted in Your presence. I know that is where true refreshment waits. I don’t want to settle for less. I accept Your invitation to come with you to a quiet place.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 17 - Transplanting

by Gail Rodgers
The flowers are doing well in their new location. I wasn’t sure when I dug them up if they would flourish under the shadow of the eves. Sometimes I have transplanted my flowers and they seem to wilt at first. Then the roots start to tap into the new soil and a fresh crop of flowers grows.

God sometimes transplants us. Often we aren’t sure the new location won’t simply be a place where we will just wilt. Yet God can be trusted to do what is best. He sometimes picks us up from a familiar spot and we find ourselves in new situations or even locations and we feel fragile.
Every transplanted flower takes a bit of the old dirt with it…dirt that protects the roots and gives nourishment as the plant re- roots itself in new soil. When God transplants us we also take with us some of the ground we have grown in. We take the lessons learned and the memories made. We take with us the experiences of trusting God and of finding Him faithful. These things become part of the new soil as we put down new roots.
When God transplants us we can be sure the season will be right. We can trust His choice of the spot in His garden where just the right amount of sun and shade will help us flourish. We can know He will bring new blossoms to our lives even when we feel we are wilting in all the change.

“He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…” (Psalm 1:3).

If you find yourself in a new place in life and feel like you are wilting, stop and consider these points so you can grow in new ways…

• Embrace the change. Quit struggling and allow your roots to go down into your new soil knowing your Heavenly Father will nourish you in this new place.
• Recall His faithfulness to you in the other times and places in your life. His track record is sure and He will not leave you in a sun scorched place to wither.
• Look for things to praise God about in your new place. Praise will help hasten the new blossoms in your life.
• Enjoy each day as a gift from Him.

prayer & reflection

Father God,
Forgive me for resisting the changes You are bringing into my life. Let my roots go down deep into Your faithfulness and love. Bring Your fragrance through me to this new place and bring new growth to my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Hope for the Heart Part 18 - Getting Wet

by Gail Rodgers
The kids flicked the water hose toward me. The cool spray was a pleasant surprise on a hot day. The picnic lunch a friend brought to my office one day was equally surprising and pleasant during a busy time. Both were unexpected refreshment!

Did you know God’s Word promises rivers of refreshment? His rivers of living water will flow out of you as you believe in Him. There will be enough for you and enough to flow out to others. This is not just a trickle of “getting by”!
Jesus said:

“For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.” (John 7:38)

Today ask God where He wants you to spray His refreshing living water. Look for ways to bring unexpected refreshment to someone. It may be as simple as

• A word of encouragement.
• A helping hand.
• Listening with your heart instead of with distracted interest.
• Showing genuine caring.
• Expressing appreciation.
• Doing your very best.

It is our actions that speak long before our words will be listened to. An old saying puts it wisely, “Share God’s love and use words only if necessary.” Surprise those along your pathway with a splash of the living water you have received from Jesus.
There is a whole world right outside your door looking for refreshment. Give it away generously… from the river… and you too will be refreshed.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
You have said that he who refreshes others will be refreshed himself. Today I ask that You would open my eyes to opportunities to share Your living water with those along my pathway. Draw others to Yourself through the pleasant and surprising ways You will do this. Thank You for Your rivers of refreshment to me.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 19 - Where Do I Go from Here?

by Gail Rodgers
This past month I met one on one with a number of ladies. It surprised me that each one was asking the same question. All were in different circumstances. Each one voiced it in a different way yet all asked, “Where do I go from here?”

One lady had experienced deep hurt in the church, another faced a challenging marriage, one was just recovering from depression, another was looking for more challenge in her job, and still another was looking for work and direction in life.
Though they all had question marks and challenges in their lives each one was drawing the same conclusion to their question.
Each one was feeling God calling her to reach out to do something for someone in spite of her own hurts or uncertain circumstances.

• One was determined to connect with her neighborhood in fresh ways.
• One was refocused in reaching out to her husband in supportive ways.
• One decided to take a special interest in the children of a single mom.
• One wanted to plan a women’s retreat on healing of past issues.
• Still another took an adolescent girl under her wing.

So over cups of coffee we chatted. We were reminded that just before Jesus returned to Heaven, He gave one last command to His followers. He said,

“You are to go into all the world and tell the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” (Mark 16:15)

All of the women I talked with were discovering the fulfillment and the answer to their question, “Where do I go from here?” The answer is, “Go…and tell…”.
Life will always have challenges and question marks. Yet in the midst of them all we have a divine purpose, a calling that will bring fulfillment to our hearts in spite of the twists and turns of our individual lives.
If you are asking “Where do I go from here?” take the first step and “Go and tell”.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
I sense You calling me to “Go… and tell”. Please help me find an outlet outside of myself to pour Your love into. Give me wisdom in knowing how to gently share Your love. As I obey You I trust You to fill me with strength and even joy to patiently walk though the question marks of my own life, knowing I can trust You to direct my path.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 20 - Stay Free

by Gail Rodgers
Kelly used to be burdened by fear and negative thinking. God had helped her overcome that stronghold in her life and she had been walking in newfound hope and joy. She was learning to trust God with each fear that surfaced in her heart and mind.

Yet recently she recognized some of the old patterns creeping in. She found herself with an anxiousness she could not shake. That old feeling of fear was trying to put it’s stranglehold on her heart.
God is so gracious to us as we learn to trust Him. He understands that we are feeble and He sends help. His Word is a strong weapon for us as we seek to maintain the freedom we have found in our lives through trusting Jesus.
If you are struggling today with old patterns that threaten to drag you down take God’s Word to heart. He tells us what to do and He also tells us how to do it.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

What to do
Recognize and acknowledge what is happening in your heart and mind. Determine to stand firm in God’s ways. You have been freed from the old patterns of fear or whatever drags you down. Declare that you will not be burdened again by this slavery.

“...be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2b)

How to do it
Allow your thinking to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask for the very concrete help He has promised in His Word.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank You that You have provided the freedom I need. Today I take my stand and by the power of Your Holy Spirit I will not be burdened again by this slavery.
Please be my strength where I am weak (2 Cor. 12:9).
Please give me the power of Your Spirit to be self controlled in my thinking and in my actions (Gal. 5:22 & 23).
Flood my heart with Your amazing peace (Phil. 4:7).
I praise You for supplying everything I need today to live a godly life for You (2 Peter 1: 3 & 4). Thank You that You are transforming me by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I trust You with my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 21 - Check Your Soil

by Gail Rodgers
Mandy’s heart was refreshed as she left the meeting. The music and the words of the speaker had brought refreshment to her heart. She had gone expecting to meet God there and she had.

“Wasn’t that good!” she exclaimed to her friend. “Oh, I don’t know”, came the reply, “it wasn’t really deep enough for me.”
Mandy shared with me how those few words crept in to steal her joy. Was she too shallow? Yet she had been so blessed!
I thought of my garden patch. In order for it to yield a crop it is important that the soil to be tilled up and ready. The best of seeds will bounce off dry ground.
The Bible tells us God’s Word is the seed that we need in our hearts (Luke 8:11). Yet the effectiveness of it taking root depends on the condition of our soil. Often we Christians can pride ourselves in “needing more depth” when what we need is a good tilling up of the soil of our hearts.
We can be critical and allow the seed of the simple truths of God’s Word to bounce off us. Yet if we come to our meetings and Bible studies with a ready heart and tilled up soil, the seeds will fall into a receptive place and take root.

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)

• Be very careful to keep the soil of your heart soft.
• Be on guard that your comments do not aid the devil in snatching away another’s seed.
• Ask God to reveal pride that actually tosses good seed aside.
• Listen with an open heart to God’s Spirit.
• Go to meet with other believers in anticipation of meeting God.

prayer & reflection

Father God,
Forgive me for the pride I sometimes harbor when I go to meet with other followers of Jesus. Keep me mindful of the condition of the soil of my heart as I receive Your Word, the seed. May the words of my mouth encourage others and may I never aid the devil in snatching the seed from another’s heart. Thank You for Your never failing love and patience toward me.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 22 - Protected

by Gail Rodgers
The little family of geese waddled across the road. One adult led the way and the four small goslings followed along. The second adult protectively brought up the rear. It was a heart warming site seeing the little ones encased in their parents hovering care. “There’s a devotional there, Mom,” Dan said to me with a smile.

He was right. Immediately the verse came to my mind:

“For the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12b

What a great reminder of the care of our Heavenly Father! He not only goes before us, He also comes behind us. We are encased in His presence as we walk through the joys and the challenges of our days.
What does your day hold today? What is ahead of you this week? Be reminded that the same God who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, and came behind them with protection from their enemies, is the same God who surrounds you today.

• His love will encase you.
• His strength will empower you.
• His wisdom will guide you.
• His arms will enfold you.

Wherever your journey takes you this week…

• to the hospital,
• to the office,
• to the playground,
• to the classroom,
• through treatment,
• into situations of joy… or challenge

He goes before you and He comes behind you. Embrace His care for you today, rest in the knowledge of it. Moment by moment and situation by situation you can trust God with your life.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank You that You know everything that concerns me today. I place my trust in You to go before me and to come behind me. Remind me, as I walk, that I am encased in Your presence. Help me to choose to rest there and leave my anxious cares in Your hands. I give You my praise and thanksgiving.
In Jesus strong name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 23 - Approved

by Gail Rodgers
To feel approval is one of our basic needs. Children seek it from their parents; teens seek it from their peer group; co-workers look for it from each other or from their boss; students look for it from a teacher and spouses need it from each other.

Yet approval is one of the things we often withhold, sometimes without even realizing it. Our relationships suffer as a result.
God has given us His approval and knows that when we understand that, it will change the way we act. He says…

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of God.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Even though we don’t always act in ways that God would approve of, we know that He approves of us as His children and He loves us unconditionally. When we pass that on to those we are in relationship with, it changes our relationships.
Is there a close relationship in your life that is feeling strained these days? Do you offer approval and unconditional love of that person even when the behavior present may need to be addressed?
Many husbands and wives feel the un-approving glance of their spouse. Many children and teens struggle for the approval of their parents and often go about looking for their attention in all the wrong ways. In-laws and friends can feel that cold shoulder when they have done things differently than we would have.

• Thank God today for His approval of you, as an individual, and for His unconditional love for you. Thank Him for His loving guidance that propels you back to His ways when you slip away.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you unconditional love for the one in your strained relationship. Ask Him to reveal to you the good within that person that you can wholeheartedly approve of.
• Pray for wisdom and understanding in finding help to address behavior that needs to be changed.

prayer & reflection

Father God,
Today I ask that You would help me to pass on the approval and unconditional love You offer to me. Give me Your insight and wisdom to nourish this relationship that concerns me today.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 24 - New Beginnings

by Gail Rodgers
Where I live, summer is short. We anticipate the season with pleasure. It’s a new beginning, a time to put out flowers; to wash the lawn chairs and fire up the barbeque.

Regardless of where we live, new beginnings come to us all the time. Some new beginnings are more welcome than others yet each is an opportunity to find new joy.
Each new day is a new beginning. Each new beginning is an opportunity. God reminds us of the fresh start we have every morning. Listen…

“The Lord’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22 & 23)

Whatever is happening, or not happening in your life today, choose to view your day as an opportunity for a fresh beginning.

• Choose to embrace today. Choose to be aware of the mercies the Lord has given you today. Choose three of them to thank God for.
• Choose to look at the faithfulness of God in the yesterdays of your life. Think of at least two times when He was there for you. Have your faith refreshed that He will again be your faithful guide in life.

Taking special notice of the freshness of God’s creation is one way to help you focus on today as a new beginning. Our lives are surrounded by plastic and glass barriers as we work in offices, commute in vehicles and live in buildings surrounded by busyness. These things can keep us insulated from the freshness of God’s creation.

• Consciously choose to embrace the joy of God’s creation today. Find some grass and go barefoot… enjoy your lunch outside and watch the clouds overhead.
• Take a child for a walk. Enjoy a park swing and feel the wind in your hair.
• Open your eyes to God’s mercy and faithfulness all round you. Listen to the birds praise Him. Choose to see today as a new beginning.

prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank You that You make all things new. Today I need to be refreshed in the newness and wonder of Your love and Your creation. Open my eyes to my blessings. Let me breathe in the wonder of life and rejoice in Your faithfulness. Help me to embrace each new beginning with my hand in Yours.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 25 - Use Your Voice

by Gail Rodgers
The early morning was overcast and dark. The rain drizzled down bringing with it the outlook of a dreary day. I put the coffee on and opened the window to smell the fresh rain. The pleasant sound of birds singing floated in on the morning air.

It took me by surprise. I expect to hear the birds when the morning sun is streaming in… but today, in the rain, their song was beautiful music. These birds were doing what they were created to do… they were praising God with their sweet voices… even in the rain.
A verse from God’s Word ran through my mind:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. You praise the Lord!” (Psalm 105:6)

I thought of how easy it is to praise God when the sun is shining in my life. Yet when I choose to praise Him, even in the rain and when the forecast is dreary, it changes my outlook. It declares my trust in Him as my all knowing, all caring God.
Our word declarations can be powerful in the spiritual realm. Declaring God’s praise is more than positive thinking. As we choose to rejoice in who God is and thankfully place our circumstances in His care, something happens. His amazing peace comes in and shields our hearts and minds… even in the rain.
(Philippians 4:4-7).
Today, in spite of rain… or sunshine… and no matter what the forecast is, choose to lift your voice in praise to God. Praise Him as your all knowing, all caring God who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b). He promises to strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10). Let your breath praise the Lord today!
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Today I choose to lift my voice to You in praise. I thank You that You are with me in the sunshine and in the rain. I praise You because You are all knowing…You see my circumstances and understand them better than I do. I praise You because You love me and You care about me today. Thank you for Your promises to stay right beside me and give me the strength and help I need. May my life be my song of praise to You… even in the rain.
In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 26 - A New Song

by Gail Rodgers
Janie saw a noticeable difference in her friend, Nancy. “What’s up,” she asked her. “You seem so alive these days.”

What Nancy told her was surprisingly simple! “I asked God for a new song,” she replied. Janie looked puzzled and Nancy went on to explain.
“I was reading in the book of Psalms in the Bible and I noticed how often it said “sing a new song unto the Lord”. I realized I hadn’t been singing at all lately. My song of praise to God had slowly faded. I was disgruntled and felt there wasn’t really much to praise Him for right now. So I asked Him for a new song.”
“I asked God to help me change my attitude; to see the things to be thankful for daily and to praise Him, even when my feelings weren’t necessarily feelings of praise. I guess you would say I choose to have a new song. I choose to ask God to do in me what I read in Psalm 40:3…”

“And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

How about you? What is your song to God these days? Has it gotten off tune; have you forgotten the words or has the music been drowned out by your anxious thoughts?
Ask God today to put a new song in your heart… a song of praise to Him. Don’t wait for your feelings to well up in praise… choose to sing a new song to Him. If your music has faded ask Him to put a new song in your heart.
If you are willing He will…

• Change your attitude
• Give you a thankful heart
• Bring songs of praise to your mind
• Strengthen you through the circumstances that could steal your music

You will be surprised at how this breathes new life into your soul. Others will see and their trust in God will grow too.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank you that You are the author of the music of the soul. I confess that I have let my song fade in the night. Today I ask that You would place a new song in my heart. Even when I don’t particularly feel like it, put Your praise in my heart and mind. Refresh my soul with new music and turn my eyes to You in a new way today. Give me a thankful heart and change my attitude by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 27 - Refreshing Streams

by Gail Rodgers
It had been dry too long. Even our trees were showing signs of distress. The welcome rain poured and streams ran bringing the much needed refreshment.

Right where you are today God is with you. It may be in a dry place. There may be signs of distress around you. Yet God says that His Holy Spirit is in you. He can bring streams of living water flowing out from within you. You can bring refreshment into your environment. Listen to what Jesus said…

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. He was speaking of the Holy Spirit… ” (John 7:38 & 39)

Do you see yourself as God’s vessel bringing refreshment? Or do you feel as dry as some of your surroundings?
It is the Holy Spirit who works in and through us to change us and enable us to be a refreshing presence in our little corner of the world.

• Ask Him today to help you replace negative and critical attitudes with a tolerant and grace-filled attitude.
• Pray silently for those in your path today who are dry and distressed.
• Take time to smile and be pleasant and courteous.
• As you encounter difficult people and situations today, remember to quietly ask Your Heavenly Father to give you wisdom and strength.
• Plan your own quiet time with God to be refreshed yourself.
• Specifically ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today right where you are.

You will be surprised at how refreshed you become as you seek to be a refreshing presence in your world.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit today. Help me to be aware of ways to bring a refreshing presence into the circumstances of my day. May I be a plus and not a minus in my interactions with others. Fill me, refresh me and flow through me today.
In Jesus’ strong name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 28 - One Step at a Time

by Gail Rodgers
Julie’s stomach churned with anxiety. She was worrying about tomorrow. It’s something we all do. It is important to plan for tomorrow. It’s important to plan how to nourish relationships, how to spend our time and our money wisely and to set goals. Yet we often simply let worry about tomorrow overtake our minds. Soon we feel it in our bodies too. Worrying about tomorrow will rob you of today!

God understands that. He also understands each one of us. That’s why in His Word, the Bible, He gave many examples and encouragement to take one day at a time.
Stop for a moment right now and identify the thief of worry in your life. Take what you are worrying about and put it into a prayer to God. Hand that worry about tomorrow into His hands. He already sees tomorrow and will give you the strength to handle tomorrow when it comes.
Walk in today. God’s help and strength is a daily supply. He gives it until tomorrow, not for tomorrow.
Listen to all the encouragement from God to live in today…

“Give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew 6:11)

“I cry to you daily…” (Psalm 86:3)

“...they searched the Scriptures daily.” (Acts 17:11)

“Encourage one another daily…” (Hebrews 3:13)

“... daily follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Live in today… draw strength for today… and know that because Jesus lives… you can face tomorrow when it arrives.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Thank You that You provide all I need to walk in this day. I put my hand in Yours and ask for Your strength and guidance for each step today. Thank You that You already see tomorrow and You will be there to help me face whatever it brings when it comes. Help my anxious heart to release tomorrow to Your loving care.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

[bluidkiti]

Hope for the Heart Part 29 - Fruit Baskets

by Gail Rodgers
“Fresh Cherries.” The sign stood along the side of the highway. A little further down a truck sat by the side of the road. A canopy stretched from the back of it over a table filled with baskets of fresh fruit. I pulled in.

The man behind the table took an empty basket and filled it with the fruit of my choice. It went from empty to overflowing very quickly!
As I placed it gently in the trunk of my car I thought about the fruit God talks about… the fruit of our lives.
John 15 is my favorite chapter in the Bible. Here God talks about lives that bear no fruit, some fruit, more fruit and much fruit. (John 15: 1-8) He says:

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

What does God’s fruit look like? He tells us just what He is looking for as fruit in our lives…

• Holiness (living by God’s value system) Romans 6:22
• Goodness, righteousness and truth (moral and ethical character) Ephesians 5:9
• Wisdom (characterized by peace that dispels disorder) James 3:16 &17
• Good works (growing in the knowledge of God and being strengthened by His power) Colossians 1:10 -12
• Praise (the fruit of lips that confess His name) Hebrews 13:15
• Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Kindness, Self- control (the Fruit of the Spirit) Galatians 5:22

It’s a tall order to fill the basket of our lives with this fruit. Yet God tells us we are not left to try to do this on our own. It would be impossible. He promises to work in us and help us. His fruit in our lives is the source of true joy.
Examine what is in the fruit basket of your life. God says we will be known by the kind of fruit we produce. Ask Him to produce “much fruit” in your life today.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
I pray today that You will help me to draw close to You and allow You to draw close to me. Let Your words and Your principles guide my life in such a way that the fruit produced by Your Holy Spirit will fill me and spill over to others. I know this is the source of true joy. May I be known as Your follower by the life I live. Change me today.
I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.