trbccoffeebreak

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5 (NIV)

Ripe, juicy fruit – can’t get enough berries, banana, apples and oranges.  What’s your favorite ?  I love them all . Warm berries over waffles, apple pie smothered in vanilla bean ice cream and of course, can’t forget banana pudding.  Mmmm.. makes me drool  thinking about that sweet taste.  Love fresh fruit – but there’s  nothing worse than biting into a bad apple or the smell of rotting fruit.   A bag of pears sitting in my kitchen  was neglected for days.  Unfortunately, the warm summer heat and the closed bag created quite an odor.  Wonder if that ever happens to the luscious fruit that God desires to be in our lives.  The fruit of God’s Spirit in our lives produces an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Ripe, fresh fruit guaranteed to draw others to the heart of God – a sweet aroma and taste of God’s character flowing through His children.  But wait – what happens if we are not filled with His Spirit?  Do we allow self to rule rotting away the relationships we desire to influence?  Have we neglected or ignored His Spirit to the point that we do life our way?  We all want the abundant life that God desires for us, and the only way we will receive His best is to do life God’s way.  It’s a daily question – a daily choice, but the sweet taste of the Spirit filled life lingers long after we leave the room.

“Father, You are the vine and we are the branches – help us to stay connected to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break