Fruit of the Holy Spirit

In Revelation 22, we have a reference to the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life gives both medicine and food. It yields 12 crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. There is a continuous succession of heavenly blessings.

Jesus Christ is that Tree of Life.

The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of nations. If we look into the Internet we can see how sick the world has become. The leaves of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can heal whole nations. There are so many parts of the world that remain in darkness. There are other so-called 'Christian' parts of the world, which are a travesty of Christ. The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the health and healing of all parts of this weary sin-ridden globe.

But the thought that struck me is that if we have that Tree of Life within us, as surely all born-again believers believe that Christ lives within them, then the sure sign that we are true believers is that we will bear Fruit. The Bible specifically talks about the Fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22, 23. We may be involved in much ministry, many souls may be saved through our preaching, we may receive name & fame, people may look up to us. But God's word judges us by our fruits. 'You will know them by their fruits.' Matt 7.20

Am I producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

First: Love, Joy, Peace.

Next: Patience, Kindness, Goodness.

Finally: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

We are so carried away by outward show, we neglect the divine warning. Does a Christian exhibit love & truth? At home or in the office, are we patient & kind? And what about faithfulness & self-control? [Surely we must be disciplined to become His disciples.] And gentleness? The imperishable quality of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God, 1 Pet 3.4

I have still a long way to go. But one thing I know, if I have the Tree of Life I must produce the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Orange Appeal

orange appeal
Originally uploaded by Robertson the Bruce.

This is a fabulous shot.
Because you can reach out
And touch the peel.
You can feel its texture
And the oil in its skin.
It is still fresh.
Amazin'

Black Cherry and Biscuits

Black Cherry and Biscuits
Originally uploaded by Prato9x.

Found these bottles on my dining table and decided to take a shot with my Canon point-and-shoot digicamera.

The South Indian palate prefers 'savouries' [salted and spicy stuff], but occasionally would not mind having a go at biscuits with a sweet spread!

Of course, the idea was to make a poster used fd flickr toys!

Girl Surprised

Fruit-bearing

Fruit comes from living in God. It is the result of His life flowing in us, of our yielding to His power; not of our trying and struggling to be good. In the Waldensian valleys in Italy some of the vines are grown on huge wooden crosses – and in September they are a beautiful sight, laden with grapes. The branches are stretched out on the cross, and so get every drop of rain, every ray of sun. I do not suppose these branches are conscious of the cross, as much as they are of the warmth, and life, and joy of fruit-bearing, and is not that a parable of the Christian life? It explains the joy and peace of the early Church, even in persecution. They had utterly given themselves to Another; self was crucified with Christ, and joy and fruitfulness were the result, as it will be with us today, if our lives are hid with Christ in God. -- S.T. Fraser.

[From ‘Streams in the Desert’ Volume 2, by Mrs Charles Cowman.]