Fruit That Lasts
One of the beautiful benefits of summer is all of the scrumptious, fresh fruits and vegetables we have access to eat. I know what I love but I'm not very good at judging the ripeness of them. In fact, when I buy fruit I usually pick up a basket or bag that's already been picked. I scan the top layer of fruit that I can see and if it all looks good - away we go to pay for it. Inevitably, there will be a few that are overripe. Sometimes there's even a rotten one or two in the pack.
Recently I watched someone who prepares and serves fruit to customers go through the produce section of an outdoor market. He picked up every piece and looked at it meticulously. He even squeezed them a little. He wasn't taking any chance that a pre-packed bag or basket of fruit wouldn't be perfection. He judged each piece on its own offering.
I love what Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:16 (NLT). He said, "You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name." The fruit Jesus was talking about isn't edible. It isn't based on what it looks like or how it feels. Producing fruit that will last looks like volunteering at your church or other ministry. Giving to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Helping orphans and widows as James talked about in James 1.
Doing something to help someone else get to know God to help them determine the destiny of their lives... THAT is fruit that will last.
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog
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Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.
Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more... -
Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.
Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...
