Bearing fruit, even in times of draught

Posted on July 4, 2011 by valerie

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in
his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He created flowers,
trees, animals, and all living creatures. God formed man in His own image,
and breathed life into his nostrils, to give him life.

God planted a garden and gave man and woman the job of tending it.

As Christians, we are to be good stewards of all things God created and
bear fruit.

We live in the woods and are blessed to have hundreds of National Forest
land near our home.

I love to walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Especially in the spring, there are new flowers rising from the earth
each week, blooming in a glorious array of colors.

A while back, it saddened my heart to see someone had decided to
dump off two toilets, a load of garbage, a broken down snowmobile,
roofing shingles, tires, a broken chair, and a rusty pop machine,
on God’s beautiful land.

It was obvious they had no love or fear of God, or love for their neighbors.

Each day we are given a choice… to sow seeds which will grow beauty and
blessings, or garbage and curses to our families and world.

God’s word says…

I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man
according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:10

Many of you have just graduated from high school or college.

God will test and search your heart, and examine the fruit in
your life.

A man sows what he reaps.

To be fruitful, we must immerse ourselves daily in God’s word,
to learn how to succeed and prosper.

God instructs…

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope
the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters,
and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see
when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be
careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding
fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

God’s word is precious seed to help us grow and become
fruitful, even in times of drought, famine, tragedy, or sickness.

There will many seasons in our lives, but those who are planted
by the living water of Jesus, will remain stable and strong.

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth
on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers
of living water. John 7:37-38

I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,
and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:6-7

Jesus is the vine and we are the branch. If we abide in him,
we will bear much fruit, but without him we can do nothing.

Even when the winds blow us off course and we break, he
gently and lovingly, grafts us back into the vine and breathes
life and hope back into us.

He loves you so much that he died on the cross for your sins. He
wishes above all else that you prosper and be in good health,
even as your soul prospers.

If you’ve never asked Jesus into your heart, I pray you will
do so this very minute. He died so you might have life and
enjoy it abundantly.

God’s word says…

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11

Your future is in God’s hands, beloved…

Blessings or curses…

The choice is yours…

Choose life precious one…

Choose Jesus!

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought,
and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

Merciful Father and Creator of us all…
Thank you for giving us life and all the beauty of nature.
Often we get so busy in life, chasing after earthly pleasures
and success, we forget to notice the beauty all around us.
Forgive us for neglecting and ignoring you.

Give us a hunger and thirst for your word like never before.
Bathe and shower us with Your words of wisdom and knowledge,
so our lives will be fruitful and blessed.

Help us to be faithful stewards of your land and gifts.
Forgive us for littering your world with garbage and
pollution. We have poisoned our bodies with junk
food and chemicals. We have contaminated our
minds with filth from evil television, movies, and
books. Cleanse us with the blood of Jesus and
purify our body, soul, and spirit.

From the womb, you created us to be prophets
and witnesses to the nations, of your great love.
Create a desire in us to be people of honesty,
integrity, and compassion.

May all we do and say, reflect Your light and love
to this spiritually starving world, and bear fruit,
even in seasons of drought and adversity.

Thank you for always hearing and answering our
prayers. You are the Great Physician and we lift
our eyes to You, for strength, healing, comfort,
and peace.

You are our Light and Salvation. We have nothing to
fear. If You are for us, no one can stand against us.

In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places;
and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the
garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein,
thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Isaiah 51:3

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau