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Olive tree branches bear fruit
The fruit of the olive-tree- This tree yielded oil which was highly valued. The best oil was from olives that were plucked before being fully ripe, and then beaten or squeezed (Deut 24:20; Isa 17:6; Isa 24:13). It was called "beaten," or "fresh oil" (Ex 27:20). There were also oil-presses, in which the oil was trodden out by the feet (Mic 6:15). James (Jas 3:12) calls the fruit "olive berries." The phrase "vineyards and olives" ((Jdg 15:5) A.V.) should be simply "olive-yard," or "olive-garden," as in the Revised Version. (See OIL.)
—Easton's Illustrated Dictionary
LINKS CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR THE SOURCE OF THE PICTURES ABOVE AND FOR PICTURES OF OLIVE PRESSES.
The fruit of the olive-tree- This tree yielded oil which was highly valued. The best oil was from olives that were plucked before being fully ripe, and then beaten or squeezed (Deut 24:20; Isa 17:6; Isa 24:13). It was called "beaten," or "fresh oil" (Ex 27:20). There were also oil-presses, in which the oil was trodden out by the feet (Mic 6:15). James (Jas 3:12) calls the fruit "olive berries." The phrase "vineyards and olives" ((Jdg 15:5) A.V.) should be simply "olive-yard," or "olive-garden," as in the Revised Version. (See OIL.)
—Easton's Illustrated Dictionary
LINKS CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR THE SOURCE OF THE PICTURES ABOVE AND FOR PICTURES OF OLIVE PRESSES.
Olive-tree
Illustration: Olive Branch Ripe with Olives and Blossoms
Is frequently mentioned in Scripture. The dove from the ark brought an olive-branch to Noah (Gen 8:11). It is mentioned among the most notable trees of Palestine, where it was cultivated long before the time of the Hebrews (Deut 6:11; Deut 8:8). It is mentioned in the first Old Testament parable, that of Jotham (Jdg 9:9), and is named among the blessings of the "good land," and is at the present day the one characteristic tree of Palestine. The oldest olive-trees in the country are those which are enclosed in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is referred to as an emblem of prosperity and beauty and religious privilege (Ps 52:8; Jer 11:16; Hos 14:6). The two "witnesses" mentioned in Rev 11:4 are spoken of as "two olive trees standing before the God of the earth." (Compare Zec 4:3, 11-14)
The "olive-tree, wild by nature" (Rom 11:24), is the shoot or cutting of the good olive-tree which, left ungrafted, grows up to be a "wild olive." In Rom 11:17 Paul refers to the practice of grafting shoots of the wild olive into a "good" olive which has become unfruitful. By such a process the sap of the good olive, by pervading the branch which is "grafted in," makes it a good branch, bearing good olives. Thus the Gentiles, being a "wild olive," but now "grafted in," yield fruit, but only through the sap of the tree into which they have been grafted. This is a process "contrary to nature" (Rom 11:24).
—Easton's Illustrated Dictionary
A FLOWERING OLIVE TREE
Not many of us are living at our best. We linger in the lowlands because we are afraid to climb the mountains. The steepness and ruggedness discourage us, so we stay in the mist of the valleys and never learn the mystery of the hills. We do not know what is lost by our self-indulgence, what glory awaits if we only have the courage to climb, or what blessings we will find if we will only ascend the mountains of God. How pure is the hills, how fresh is the mountain air, how rich the food and drink of those who dwell above, whose windows look into the New Jerusalem!
Make Him the source, the center, and the one who encompasses every delight of your soul.
Aspire to a higher, a nobler, and a fuller life.
He leads us on by paths we do not know;
Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow;
Though we often faint and falter on the way;
Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;
(Escalante Grand Staircase area, Utah,
Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
Yet when the clouds are gone,
We know He leads us on.
He leads us on through all the unquiet years;
Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,
He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze
Of losses, sorrows, and o'er cloudy days:
We know His will is done,
And still He leads us on.
Nicholaus Ludwig Zinzendorf also known as Nikolaus Ludwig Graf von Zinzendorf 1700-1760
He founded the Pietiest community know as Hernhuter, named after the village of Hernhut. He stressed importance of a 'religion in the heart', based on an intimate relationship with Christ and the believer. A new role placed on feelings as opposed to reasoning. It found its expression in 'a living faith."
Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow;
Though we often faint and falter on the way;
Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;
(Escalante Grand Staircase area, Utah,
Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
Yet when the clouds are gone,
We know He leads us on.
He leads us on through all the unquiet years;
Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,
He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze
Of losses, sorrows, and o'er cloudy days:
We know His will is done,
And still He leads us on.
Nicholaus Ludwig Zinzendorf also known as Nikolaus Ludwig Graf von Zinzendorf 1700-1760
He founded the Pietiest community know as Hernhuter, named after the village of Hernhut. He stressed importance of a 'religion in the heart', based on an intimate relationship with Christ and the believer. A new role placed on feelings as opposed to reasoning. It found its expression in 'a living faith."
The LORD is to be our Source, for all our supply. In HIM are springs, fountains, and streams that will never be cut off or run dry. To those who are anxious comes the gracious promise of our heavenly Father. If HE is the source of our mercies, mercy will never fail us. No heat or drought can dry the "river whose streams make glad the city of God." Psalm 46:4
THE SEEDS, THE TREES, AND THE FRUIT
A story about a farmer.
3 Then Jesus used stories to teach them many things. He said: "A farmer went out to plant his seed. 4 While he was planting, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and ate it all up.5 Some seed fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much dirt. That seed grew very fast, because the ground was not deep.6 But when the sun rose, the plants dried up, because they did not have deep roots.7 Some other seed fell among thorny weeds, which grew and choked the good plants.8 Some other seed fell on good ground where it grew and produced a crop. Some plants made a hundred times more, some made sixty times more, and some made thirty times more. 9 Let those with ears use them and listen."
Matthew 13:3-9
Jesus Explains the Seed Story
18 "So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer. 19 What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person's heart.20 And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy.21 But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.22 And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person's life. 23 But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more."
Matthew 13:18-23
A story about a farmer.
3 Then Jesus used stories to teach them many things. He said: "A farmer went out to plant his seed. 4 While he was planting, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and ate it all up.5 Some seed fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much dirt. That seed grew very fast, because the ground was not deep.6 But when the sun rose, the plants dried up, because they did not have deep roots.7 Some other seed fell among thorny weeds, which grew and choked the good plants.8 Some other seed fell on good ground where it grew and produced a crop. Some plants made a hundred times more, some made sixty times more, and some made thirty times more. 9 Let those with ears use them and listen."
Matthew 13:3-9
Jesus Explains the Seed Story
18 "So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer. 19 What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person's heart.20 And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy.21 But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.22 And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person's life. 23 But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more."
Matthew 13:18-23
THE PATH
The goal of life is to be productive. God meets us where ever we are. Our beginning point may be a dry and weary land. But God has a path that leads to life and joy and peace. Walk humbly and seek the Lord.
Escalante Grand Staircase area, Utah
(Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
Escalante Grand Staircase area, Utah
(Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
GOD MAKES A WAY
Arches National Park
The Useless Tree
6 Jesus told this story: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for some fruit on the tree, but he found none. 7 So the man said to his gardener, 'I have been looking for fruit on this tree for three years, but I never find any. Cut it down. Why should it waste the ground?'8 But the servant answered, 'Master, let the tree have one more year to produce fruit. Let me dig up the dirt around it and put on some fertilizer. 9 If the tree produces fruit next year, good. But if not, you can cut it down.' "
Luke 13: 6-9
11 "But they refused to pay attention; they were stubborn and did not want to listen anymore.12 They made their hearts as hard as rock and would not listen to the teachings of the Lord All-Powerful. And they would not hear the words he sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord All-Powerful became very angry. Zechariah 7:11-12
Our Lord warns that the human heart can be pounded and beaten down with the traffic of sin that it becomes completely insensitive to the gospel. This is the heart that knows no repentance, no sorrow over sin, no guilt, and no concern for the things of God. It allows itself to be trampled by an endless procession of evil thoughts, cherished sins, and ungodly activities. It is careless, callous, indifferent, never broken up or softened by conviction or sorrow for wrongdoing. This is the heart of the fool described in Proverbs. The fool hates knowledge, and resists instruction. The fool despises wisdom and says in his heart there is no God. He will not hear. His mind is closed. And he does not want to be bothered with a gospel invitation.
Many people have hearts like that. You can shower them with seed, but it just lies there. It does not penetrate. And it does not stay very long before Satan comes and takes it away completely. Each time you try to witness to a person, you must start again at the beginning. Sin has so hardened their hearts, they are utterly unproductive and unresponsive to God. John F. MacArthur, Jr.
The Useless Tree
6 Jesus told this story: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for some fruit on the tree, but he found none. 7 So the man said to his gardener, 'I have been looking for fruit on this tree for three years, but I never find any. Cut it down. Why should it waste the ground?'8 But the servant answered, 'Master, let the tree have one more year to produce fruit. Let me dig up the dirt around it and put on some fertilizer. 9 If the tree produces fruit next year, good. But if not, you can cut it down.' "
Luke 13: 6-9
11 "But they refused to pay attention; they were stubborn and did not want to listen anymore.12 They made their hearts as hard as rock and would not listen to the teachings of the Lord All-Powerful. And they would not hear the words he sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord All-Powerful became very angry. Zechariah 7:11-12
Our Lord warns that the human heart can be pounded and beaten down with the traffic of sin that it becomes completely insensitive to the gospel. This is the heart that knows no repentance, no sorrow over sin, no guilt, and no concern for the things of God. It allows itself to be trampled by an endless procession of evil thoughts, cherished sins, and ungodly activities. It is careless, callous, indifferent, never broken up or softened by conviction or sorrow for wrongdoing. This is the heart of the fool described in Proverbs. The fool hates knowledge, and resists instruction. The fool despises wisdom and says in his heart there is no God. He will not hear. His mind is closed. And he does not want to be bothered with a gospel invitation.
Many people have hearts like that. You can shower them with seed, but it just lies there. It does not penetrate. And it does not stay very long before Satan comes and takes it away completely. Each time you try to witness to a person, you must start again at the beginning. Sin has so hardened their hearts, they are utterly unproductive and unresponsive to God. John F. MacArthur, Jr.
Ezekiel 31 Pharaoh Warned of Assyria's Fate
1In the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,
2"Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes,
'Whom are you like in your greatness?
3'Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon
With beautiful branches and forest shade,
And very high,
And its top was among the clouds.
4'The waters made it grow, the deep made it high.
With its rivers it continually extended all around its planting place,
And sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.
5'Thereforeits height was loftier than all the trees of the field
And its boughs became many and its branches long
Because of many waters as it spread them out.
6'All the birds of the heavens nested in its boughs,
And under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth,
And all great nations lived under its shade.
7'So it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches;
For its roots extended to many waters.
8'The cedars in God's garden could not match it;
The cypresses could not compare with its boughs,
And the plane trees could not match its branches
No tree in God's garden could compare with it in its beauty.
9'I made it beautiful with the multitude of its branches,
And all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God, were jealous of it.
10'Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Because it is high in stature and has set its top among the clouds, and its heart is haughty in its loftiness, 11therefore I will give it into the hand of a despot of the nations; he will thoroughly deal with it According to its wickedness I have driven it away. 12"Alien tyrants of the nations have cut it down and left it; on the mountains and in all the valleys its branches have fallen and its boughs have been broken in all the ravines of the land And all the peoples of the earth have gone down from its shade and left it.
1In the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,
2"Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes,
'Whom are you like in your greatness?
3'Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon
With beautiful branches and forest shade,
And very high,
And its top was among the clouds.
4'The waters made it grow, the deep made it high.
With its rivers it continually extended all around its planting place,
And sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.
5'Thereforeits height was loftier than all the trees of the field
And its boughs became many and its branches long
Because of many waters as it spread them out.
6'All the birds of the heavens nested in its boughs,
And under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth,
And all great nations lived under its shade.
7'So it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches;
For its roots extended to many waters.
8'The cedars in God's garden could not match it;
The cypresses could not compare with its boughs,
And the plane trees could not match its branches
No tree in God's garden could compare with it in its beauty.
9'I made it beautiful with the multitude of its branches,
And all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God, were jealous of it.
10'Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Because it is high in stature and has set its top among the clouds, and its heart is haughty in its loftiness, 11therefore I will give it into the hand of a despot of the nations; he will thoroughly deal with it According to its wickedness I have driven it away. 12"Alien tyrants of the nations have cut it down and left it; on the mountains and in all the valleys its branches have fallen and its boughs have been broken in all the ravines of the land And all the peoples of the earth have gone down from its shade and left it.
Daniel 10:10-26
The Vision of a Great Tree
10'Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great.
11'The tree grew large and became strong
And its height reached to the sky,
And it was visible to the end of the whole earth.
12'Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant,
And in it was food for all
The beasts of the field found shade under it,
And the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches,
And all living creatures fed themselves from it.
13'I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven.
14'He shouted out and spoke as follows:
"Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit;
Let the beasts flee from under it
And the birds from its branches.
15"Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground,
But with a band of iron and bronze around it
In the new grass of the field;
And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,
And let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth.
16"Let his mind be changed from that of a man
And let a beast's mind be given to him,
And let seven periods of time pass over him.
17"This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers
And the decision is a command of the holy ones,
In order that the living may know
That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind,
And bestows it on whom He wishes
And sets over it the lowliest of men." 18'This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.' Daniel Interprets the Vision 19"Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him The king responded and said, 'Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you ' Belteshazzar replied, 'My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries!
20'The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth 21and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt and in whose branches the birds of the sky lodged-- 22it is you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your majesty has become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23'In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, "Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him," 24this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26'And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. 27'Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.'
The Vision of a Great Tree
10'Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great.
11'The tree grew large and became strong
And its height reached to the sky,
And it was visible to the end of the whole earth.
12'Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant,
And in it was food for all
The beasts of the field found shade under it,
And the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches,
And all living creatures fed themselves from it.
13'I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven.
14'He shouted out and spoke as follows:
"Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit;
Let the beasts flee from under it
And the birds from its branches.
15"Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground,
But with a band of iron and bronze around it
In the new grass of the field;
And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,
And let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth.
16"Let his mind be changed from that of a man
And let a beast's mind be given to him,
And let seven periods of time pass over him.
17"This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers
And the decision is a command of the holy ones,
In order that the living may know
That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind,
And bestows it on whom He wishes
And sets over it the lowliest of men." 18'This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.' Daniel Interprets the Vision 19"Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him The king responded and said, 'Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you ' Belteshazzar replied, 'My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries!
20'The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth 21and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt and in whose branches the birds of the sky lodged-- 22it is you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your majesty has become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23'In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, "Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him," 24this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26'And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. 27'Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.'
BEARING FRUIT
(Cherry Creek Reservoir, CO
Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
When we are connected to God we will bear fruit in our life. We will make a difference in this world. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." John 15:4 That is God's promise to us. We can't manufacture fruit, or force our buds to bloom. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that produces this. We are encouraged to stay connected, to abide in the vine. "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." John 15:5 He is the producer.
What is your season today? Are you experiencing a season of drought? If so then the season is for showers. Look up you who are dry and withering plants; open your leaves and receive the heavenly water, Yes, you oh Lord can transform my thorn into a flower. The fruit-like life receives the rain and the sunshine. The buds appear, the blossoms open, and the dawn will bring the fruit.
What is your season today? Are you experiencing a season of drought? If so then the season is for showers. Look up you who are dry and withering plants; open your leaves and receive the heavenly water, Yes, you oh Lord can transform my thorn into a flower. The fruit-like life receives the rain and the sunshine. The buds appear, the blossoms open, and the dawn will bring the fruit.
THEY WILL KNOW US BY OUR FRUIT
(Cherry Creek Reservoir, CO)
Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
Fruit is the most important indicator of the Spirit filled life. Outwardly it reflects the joy and peace flowing on the inside. The tree produces because of the living water flowing on the inside bringing a fullness of life. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit within.
Just as trees require sunlight, we as believers need to bask in the light of the Son, Jesus Christ, so our lives can produce a harvest of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control(Gal 5:22,23); and all the things that show we belong to the creator of all these things.
We all know what fruit is; it is produce of the branch, by which men are refreshed and nourished. The fruit is not for the branch, but for those who come to carry it away. As soon as the fruit is ripe, the branch gives it off, and prepares afresh for another season. A fruit-bearing tree lives not for itself, but completely for those to whom its fruit brings refreshment and life. And so the branch exists only and entirely for the sake of the fruit. To make glad the heart of man.
This is a beautiful image of the believer abiding in Christ! He not only grows in strength, the union with the vine becoming ever surer and firmer, he also bears fruit, yes, much fruit. He has the power to offer that to others of which they can eat and live. Amid all who surround him he becomes like a tree of life, of which they can taste and be refreshed. He is in his circle a center of life and of blessing, and that simply because he abides in Christ, and receives from Him the Spirit and the life of which he can impart to others. Learn thus, if you would bless others, to abide in Christ, and that if you do abide, you shall surely bless. Andrew Murray
Just as trees require sunlight, we as believers need to bask in the light of the Son, Jesus Christ, so our lives can produce a harvest of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control(Gal 5:22,23); and all the things that show we belong to the creator of all these things.
We all know what fruit is; it is produce of the branch, by which men are refreshed and nourished. The fruit is not for the branch, but for those who come to carry it away. As soon as the fruit is ripe, the branch gives it off, and prepares afresh for another season. A fruit-bearing tree lives not for itself, but completely for those to whom its fruit brings refreshment and life. And so the branch exists only and entirely for the sake of the fruit. To make glad the heart of man.
This is a beautiful image of the believer abiding in Christ! He not only grows in strength, the union with the vine becoming ever surer and firmer, he also bears fruit, yes, much fruit. He has the power to offer that to others of which they can eat and live. Amid all who surround him he becomes like a tree of life, of which they can taste and be refreshed. He is in his circle a center of life and of blessing, and that simply because he abides in Christ, and receives from Him the Spirit and the life of which he can impart to others. Learn thus, if you would bless others, to abide in Christ, and that if you do abide, you shall surely bless. Andrew Murray
PRUNING THE BRANCHES
1 "I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.3 You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in me. 5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing. 6 If any do not remain in me, they are like a branch that is thrown away and then dies. People pick up dead branches, throw them into the fire, and burn them.7 If you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you.8 You should produce much fruit and show that you are my followers, which brings glory to my Father.9 I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.10 I have obeyed my Father's commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. 11 I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. 12 "This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father.16 You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Luke 15:1-17
Be ready for God to cut away things from our lives to grow us stronger. He will cut off some branches so that the branches that remain will bear more fruit. Each tree bears a different kind of fruit. For some the harvest will be unseen fruit, but a forthcoming abundance will be gathered and bless future generations. Stay connected to the vine. We are yielding a godly harvest that is going to be an ultimate harvest in heaven.
Resting in God and abiding in His presence is the only way we can be successful in what God wants us to do. You are meant to be fruitful, then to bear what is even better, we must be pruned. We can't stop any of the process. We do well to understand what season we are in. We can't skip any of the stages, but we can hinder the work that the Lord is trying to accomplish toward us. Our branches will be cut off and cast into the fire if we do not abide.
Growth is not mentioned as a stage. It is automatic if we abide. Growth is not the same as bearing fruit, but many get that mixed up. Don't mistake spiritual growth for the fruit itself. Bearing fruit is a natural condition for a healthy branch. Growing is a natural occurrence if the branches are healthy. It is not going to occur if the seasons are not balanced. Rain and sun are both needed, a time of pruning must occur. We don't want to become overgrown. We must learn how to allow the pruning time to affect what we are doing. Excessive activity, and determination don't impress God. It is our living in the manner He made for us, to be the best we can be to others. Is the word surrender in your vocabulary? Each stage does require us to seek the method He has put in place to make us healthy. We are not to press forth in one stage, and maybe skip another. You may think that you are too important and that you are exception to this rule. You can't model what you don't practice or have experienced. We must have healthy and balanced lives. As we spend time in God's presence, we will be filled with what we need to maintain our relationships and accomplish the work that needs to be done. When we discern that it is God who is working through us, we won't try to work on our own.
The empowering of the Holy Spirit is too vital to the success of anything that we do. We can't face the challenges, and the pain and heartbreak, the sorrows, anguish, anger, illness, and temptations without having built up our reserve of the Holy Spirit. As we remain strong we will be able to minister to others and won't drain ourselves. As we live our purposes, we will be blessed spiritually and not brought down by the evil one. When we leave our comfort zone, we can have confidence that God is there to work through us and guide us. We will not be drug down to where the lost are, we will remain above the circumstance so that we can afford to offer the rescue. We must bear the light and dispel the darkness. We must be filled with compassion and show our love to draw others in. We need to stay connected.
It may not all happen naturally until we make an effort to follow the pattern that is given. As we model the very method that Jesus used in His ministry, we will be able to see it put into action. The more we practice, the more we understand His ways, the better shepherds we will be to the sheep. We will be able to bring them into the sheepfold. We are not to stop there. We are to make them disciples, teaching them to do the same. As we invite them to take on the same lifestyle, we model it for them ourselves. They watch and learn, then they do some while we help, and then they do more while we watch, and then they should be able to do it. We become a mentor - teacher- leader - shepherd - coach and friend; just as Jesus modeled for us with His own disciples. It is important that we understand how to operate in the body. We are to count the cost of being a disciple before we commit to it. We are not living for ourselves, but for the sake of the kingdom. It is not easy to deny your life and to commit solely to doing God's will. We are called to be willing to lay our life down for it. This life is not about our comfort and happiness, our success and fame. Are you willing? Are you ready?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke 15:1-17
Be ready for God to cut away things from our lives to grow us stronger. He will cut off some branches so that the branches that remain will bear more fruit. Each tree bears a different kind of fruit. For some the harvest will be unseen fruit, but a forthcoming abundance will be gathered and bless future generations. Stay connected to the vine. We are yielding a godly harvest that is going to be an ultimate harvest in heaven.
Resting in God and abiding in His presence is the only way we can be successful in what God wants us to do. You are meant to be fruitful, then to bear what is even better, we must be pruned. We can't stop any of the process. We do well to understand what season we are in. We can't skip any of the stages, but we can hinder the work that the Lord is trying to accomplish toward us. Our branches will be cut off and cast into the fire if we do not abide.
Growth is not mentioned as a stage. It is automatic if we abide. Growth is not the same as bearing fruit, but many get that mixed up. Don't mistake spiritual growth for the fruit itself. Bearing fruit is a natural condition for a healthy branch. Growing is a natural occurrence if the branches are healthy. It is not going to occur if the seasons are not balanced. Rain and sun are both needed, a time of pruning must occur. We don't want to become overgrown. We must learn how to allow the pruning time to affect what we are doing. Excessive activity, and determination don't impress God. It is our living in the manner He made for us, to be the best we can be to others. Is the word surrender in your vocabulary? Each stage does require us to seek the method He has put in place to make us healthy. We are not to press forth in one stage, and maybe skip another. You may think that you are too important and that you are exception to this rule. You can't model what you don't practice or have experienced. We must have healthy and balanced lives. As we spend time in God's presence, we will be filled with what we need to maintain our relationships and accomplish the work that needs to be done. When we discern that it is God who is working through us, we won't try to work on our own.
The empowering of the Holy Spirit is too vital to the success of anything that we do. We can't face the challenges, and the pain and heartbreak, the sorrows, anguish, anger, illness, and temptations without having built up our reserve of the Holy Spirit. As we remain strong we will be able to minister to others and won't drain ourselves. As we live our purposes, we will be blessed spiritually and not brought down by the evil one. When we leave our comfort zone, we can have confidence that God is there to work through us and guide us. We will not be drug down to where the lost are, we will remain above the circumstance so that we can afford to offer the rescue. We must bear the light and dispel the darkness. We must be filled with compassion and show our love to draw others in. We need to stay connected.
It may not all happen naturally until we make an effort to follow the pattern that is given. As we model the very method that Jesus used in His ministry, we will be able to see it put into action. The more we practice, the more we understand His ways, the better shepherds we will be to the sheep. We will be able to bring them into the sheepfold. We are not to stop there. We are to make them disciples, teaching them to do the same. As we invite them to take on the same lifestyle, we model it for them ourselves. They watch and learn, then they do some while we help, and then they do more while we watch, and then they should be able to do it. We become a mentor - teacher- leader - shepherd - coach and friend; just as Jesus modeled for us with His own disciples. It is important that we understand how to operate in the body. We are to count the cost of being a disciple before we commit to it. We are not living for ourselves, but for the sake of the kingdom. It is not easy to deny your life and to commit solely to doing God's will. We are called to be willing to lay our life down for it. This life is not about our comfort and happiness, our success and fame. Are you willing? Are you ready?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Go now, and produce the fruit according to His will.
(Arches National Park, UT -Photography by Marilyn McCurdy)
I longed to walk along an easy road,
And leave behind the dull routine of home,
Thinking in other fields to serve my God;
But Jesus sad, "My time has not yet come."
I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
To be unshackled in the work, and free,
To join with other laborers in their toil;
But Jesus said, "Its not My choice for thee."
I longed to leave the desert, and be led
To work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
That I might win them; but the Master said,
"I have not called you, publish here My name."
I longed to fight the battles of my King,
Lift high His standards in the thickest strife;
But my Captain had me wait and sing
Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.
I longed to leave the hard and difficult sphere,
Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
To feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus had me guard one lonely gate.
I longed to leave the common daily toil,
Where no one seemed to understand or care,
But Jesus said, "I choose for you this soil,
That you might raise for Me some blossoms rare."
And now I have no longing but to do;
At home, or far away, His blessed will,
To work amid the many or the few;
Thus "choosing not to choose," my heart is still.
****************************************************************************************
And leave behind the dull routine of home,
Thinking in other fields to serve my God;
But Jesus sad, "My time has not yet come."
I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
To be unshackled in the work, and free,
To join with other laborers in their toil;
But Jesus said, "Its not My choice for thee."
I longed to leave the desert, and be led
To work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
That I might win them; but the Master said,
"I have not called you, publish here My name."
I longed to fight the battles of my King,
Lift high His standards in the thickest strife;
But my Captain had me wait and sing
Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.
I longed to leave the hard and difficult sphere,
Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
To feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus had me guard one lonely gate.
I longed to leave the common daily toil,
Where no one seemed to understand or care,
But Jesus said, "I choose for you this soil,
That you might raise for Me some blossoms rare."
And now I have no longing but to do;
At home, or far away, His blessed will,
To work amid the many or the few;
Thus "choosing not to choose," my heart is still.
****************************************************************************************
Go-make disciples. God wants us to share the message we have heard and believed. God's Words are ones that bring new life, and life eternal. We can't coerce people to believe. God does most of the work, but He chooses to use us to carry on the work that Christ began. The Holy Spirit is at work in people's hearts. We are to have our spiritual eyes open so we will be able to recognize who they are. Our role is the bearer of the good news by speaking gently and not rushing the process,to speak to those whose hearts are ready, whose soil is good, who will be willing to listen. God will work in their hearts as you speak. Your words may be one's that just turn their soil some more. It may be someone else who turns it over again. And yet another who comes to water, and finally one whose words will bring the change. We are all called to be a part of the work. We may not see any fruit grow. God prepares the circumstances of meeting people whom He has prepared to receive the seed. The enemy is there too of course. If the seed is snatched away, or withers in the sun, God may plan another opportunity for that person to receive seed again.
We are to walk through life in the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our fruitfulness, our faithfulness, and the power in which we operate depends on it.
We are to walk through life in the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our fruitfulness, our faithfulness, and the power in which we operate depends on it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes the Lord's way is hard,
Leading through many stresses and storms;
But Satan's harsh touch is barred,
And God's character He surely forms.
Though you nearly have tasted death,
You've learned how God sovereignly spares;
He renewed your life and breath,
Displaying how graciously He cares.
Yet today still unrevealed,
He has made for you a perfect plan;
Just follow the path He's willed,
And you'll soon become a godly man.
James Reimann
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes the Lord's way is hard,
Leading through many stresses and storms;
But Satan's harsh touch is barred,
And God's character He surely forms.
Though you nearly have tasted death,
You've learned how God sovereignly spares;
He renewed your life and breath,
Displaying how graciously He cares.
Yet today still unrevealed,
He has made for you a perfect plan;
Just follow the path He's willed,
And you'll soon become a godly man.
James Reimann
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Listen to me, leaders of Shechem.And let God listen to you!8 The trees set out one dayto anoint a king for themselves.They said to Olive Tree,"Rule over us."9 But Olive Tree told them,"Am I no longer good for making oilThat gives glory to gods and men,and to be demoted to waving over trees?"10 The trees then said to Fig Tree,"You come and rule over us."11 But Fig Tree said to them,"Am I no longer good for making sweets,My mouthwatering sweet fruits,and to be demoted to waving over trees?"12 The trees then said to Vine,"You come and rule over us."13 But Vine said to them,"Am I no longer good for making wine,Wine that cheers gods and men,and to be demoted to waving over trees?"14 All the trees then said to Tumbleweed,"You come and reign over us."15 But Tumbleweed said to the trees:"If you're serious about making me your king,Come and find shelter in my shade.But if not, let fire shoot from Tumbleweedand burn down the cedars of Lebanon!" Judges 9:7-15 (MSG)
Judges 9
Verse 7-21 - There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king, they are all the trees of the Lord which he has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to set a king over them, for the Lord was their King. Those who bear fruit for the public good, are justly respected and honored by all that are wise, more than those who merely make a figure. All these fruit-trees gave much the same reason for their refusal to be promoted over the trees; or, as the margin reads it, to go up and down for the trees. To rule, involves a man in a great deal both of toil and care. Those who are preferred to public trust and power, must forego all private interests and advantages, for the good of others. And those advanced to honor and dignity, are in great danger of losing their fruitfulness. For which reason, they that desire to do good, are afraid of being too great. Jotham compares Abimelech to the bramble or thistle, a worthless plant, whose end is to be burned. Such a one was Abimelech.
The history of mankind, if truly told, would greatly resemble that of this chapter. The records of what are called splendid events present to us such contests for power. Such scenes, though praised of men, fully explain the Scripture doctrine of the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, the force of men's lust, and the effect of Satan's influence.
Lord, thou has given us thy word of truth and righteousness, O pour upon us thy spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law in our hearts.
COMMENTARIES:
http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/hist/judges5.htm
http://preceptaustin.org/judges_9_commentary.htm
Verse 7-21 - There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king, they are all the trees of the Lord which he has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to set a king over them, for the Lord was their King. Those who bear fruit for the public good, are justly respected and honored by all that are wise, more than those who merely make a figure. All these fruit-trees gave much the same reason for their refusal to be promoted over the trees; or, as the margin reads it, to go up and down for the trees. To rule, involves a man in a great deal both of toil and care. Those who are preferred to public trust and power, must forego all private interests and advantages, for the good of others. And those advanced to honor and dignity, are in great danger of losing their fruitfulness. For which reason, they that desire to do good, are afraid of being too great. Jotham compares Abimelech to the bramble or thistle, a worthless plant, whose end is to be burned. Such a one was Abimelech.
The history of mankind, if truly told, would greatly resemble that of this chapter. The records of what are called splendid events present to us such contests for power. Such scenes, though praised of men, fully explain the Scripture doctrine of the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, the force of men's lust, and the effect of Satan's influence.
Lord, thou has given us thy word of truth and righteousness, O pour upon us thy spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law in our hearts.
COMMENTARIES:
http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/hist/judges5.htm
http://preceptaustin.org/judges_9_commentary.htm