The Fruit of the Tree

We have a lot of apples this year. A friend of mine gave me a bag of them that she picked off her tree and I made some apple bread. I am planning to bake another one to take to my friend. My husband has enjoyed eating apples like the zestar and honey crisp. On a recent walk, even some wild apples tasted alright. They'd be good in a cobbler.

This past weekend, the color in the trees was at peak. Awesome! When the sun hits the colorful leaves, it is amazing! It was a great weekend here in central New York.

But yesterday, the leaves began to fall like snow. As I watch their graceful descent, sometimes in packs and droves, I know it is only a matter of time before the whole fall scene will give way to the bleak, cold winter. The sun will shine, though, as it does every season, and will surely make the snow sparkle.

Today's poem is about the harvest and recognizing fruit. It is based upon Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is against fruiting these nine things. They're always correct! You know, sometimes we would like a letter from God to tell us how to be or do or what to do.
Well, we have one...the Bible! And in this one verse, there is a lot of wisdom:  helping us know how to be, how to do and what to do. Because of God's graciousness to us, we can extend graciousness to others.

Here is another verse, which contains the words of Jesus:

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,

and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit

is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Matthew 7:18-20

Like a beautiful fall day at peak, God couldn't be clearer. There is no vagueness with God or His Word or His creation. It is not too difficult for Him to tell who is bearing good and who is bearing bad...or, who has chosen to believe in Christ and who has not. Hear the words and put them into practice, like the wise man who built his house upon the rock. 

PRAYER is a good practice!

I hope you can enjoy this vivid fall season and get out and pick some good apples! You might be finding yourself giving a few away!

Pray that God would help you bear good fruit and grow in faith!