Ah Friday. The end of the week for those readers who work traditional schedules. All over the valley, hair is let down, pants are loosened, and relaxing begins. Planing for the crazy weekend is in the back of our mind: kids sports, household chores, maybe some social time.
Do you ever stop and take stock of your week? Do you spend any time reflecting on how you spent your time, energy, and efforts? What did you bear?
Teaching of the Vine and the Branches in John chapter 15, Jesus says something I find very convicting. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (Verse 16)
...Fruit that will last.....
What fruit did I bear this week after all my efforts? There is some. There could be more.
Please don't let this message be a discouragement but instead an encouragement! JESUS CHOSE US! He appointed us! We have His Spirit in us giving us the power to go and bear fruit that will last. All we need to provide is our humble hearts and our time. I could go on and on about what success looks like, but may I just encourage you and I to connect with Jesus through His word and through prayer to prepare us to bear fruit that will last.
Philip J.
