Ps. 1 – Want to Prosper?
Prosperity.
Growth.
Blessing.
Efforts rewarded by fruit that multiplies.
Sounds good to me.
What is the secret to success?
Work harder?
Gain more knowledge?
Empower others to work on your behalf?
In the corporate world, perhaps this is true.
But in your inner spiritual being, the only way to flourish is to stay close to the source of nourishment. Like a tree that needs water, we need to put ourselves in a place that is close to the Lord and His Word.
Thereby he shall be established as a fruit tree, planted near
Irrigation channels that cannot run dry,
Who shall be, in every season when the fruits of life appear,
Loaded down with fruits that bless and gratify,
And his leaf shall not be withered, though all other leaves may sear,
And in all he does he’ll grow and multiply.Psalm 1:3 from God’s Song: Psalms in Rhyming Meter
Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (NIV) is a list that I can’t produce on my own. I’d say “peace” is the attribute that comes most naturally for me. I struggle most with obedience to God when he reminds me to practice self-control – especially around chocolate chip cookies!
The good news is that discipline begets discipline. So as I have become more faithful in reading through the Bible this year, I have noticed it is easier to monitor my urges. I’ve actually lost 30 pounds since January 1.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness as I’ve placed myself in the way of your blessing. I want to be intentional about putting myself in a place where I can draw nourishment from you. As I spend time with you today, cause the Fruit of your Spirit to become evident in my life.
What about you? Is there a specific Fruit of the Spirit that others readily recognize? Is there one that is more difficult to grow?
Image courtesy of Photokanok / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
God's Song 