Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Luke 6:43-45 (NRSV)

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”

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Reflect

A few miles south of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, on US Hwy 271, are a couple of beautiful orchards. They both have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, but everyone’s attention is turned to the peach trees. Not long ago they were filled with extravagant pink blooms. Now, they are weighted down with small peaches that are growing to maturity each day. It won’t be long until we are enjoying homemade ice cream and cobbler with fresh peaches. We will can and freeze the fresh ones for use this winter. Good fruit, indeed, comes from good trees.

Jesus, in a very typical Jesus way, sets our minds on a journey—gives us something to think about from something as ordinary as a fruit tree. His words are a way for us to evaluate our lives. What do we produce? What do we share? How do we foster good around us? What gifts are we giving to others? Jesus has shown us how to live in peaceful, loving co-existence. With grace, mercy, love, empathy, kindness, and compassion we bear the fruits that can change the places where we live and work and play. Be a good tree!

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Pray

Loving God, help us each day to show, in our words and deeds, the goodness of your kingdom. May the people whose lives intersect ours find a place of rest and welcome, a place of peace and acceptance, a place of love and kindness. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Go with God.