“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. …” (Ephesians 1:18,19a)
 
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'Blank check' yields Heavenly returns'Blank check' yields Heavenly returns
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Roots and Fruits
Written by Sally Bair   
Monday, 01 March 2010
While traveling through east Texas one year, my husband and I came across a yellow pine that had fallen over the highway. It had rained so much that summer, the shallow roots of the tree apparently became too weak to keep the tree upright. That meant no more seeds for the squirrels.

Many factors enter into the production of seeds and other fruit. The strength of the root system—the foundation, if you will—is key to a tree’s fruit-bearing ability. We can apply this to our daily lives. As parents, a strong foundation of child-rearing lessons—through reading, observation, or the experiences of our parents, grandparents, and other elders—can bring the good fruit of balanced love and discipline. Without such a foundation, we can make mistakes that might hinder emotional growth in our children.

This key applies to us spiritually, too. We cannot produce fruit (good works) for God’s Kingdom without being rooted in the truth of His Word. Faith in God will make our hearts soft and pliable, like good soil, and will automatically produce good fruit.

Faith without works is dead, the Bible says. “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)  But works without faith are spiritually hollow. Sometimes we forget about our roots and produce works that look good but are accomplished through ulterior motives.  For some, good works are done to create a feel-good sense of accomplishment. For others, it’s to create a “look at me” feeling of self-aggrandizement. Jesus speaks against such thinking. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)

Others do good works because it’s “the thing to do” to get ahead in this world, or out of obligation for the sake of family, church, or community.

We are to be “rooted and grounded in love …” (Ephesians 3:17) so we can comprehend the fullness of Christ’s love. Love must be the motive for our good works.

What? Love the criminal and help him, too? Jesus says yes. “If you love those who love you, what reward have you? … Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:43-45)  

Lord, strengthen our faith—our root system—so we can bear the fruit of Your love not for our own sake but to honor Your commandment to love others as You love us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

www.sallybair.com
 
 

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From homelessness to homeowner, woman claims God’s faithfulness.

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Christian ethics drive remodeling business

Joel Buwalda’s faith gives him the foundation for doing things right in his home-based, kitchen- remodeling business — All Aspects Home Improvement.

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“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
--Hudson Taylor, missionary to China

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