Strange Fruit

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance James 1:2-3

Some of the worlds best tasting fruits do not come from the grocery store or the farmers market. In fact, some of the best fruits in the world are produced in harsh tropical conditions where few people have dared to travel.

Take for example the Durian fruit. It survives tropical heat and humidity and often endures tropical storms. Despite it’s rugged spiked exterior and funny smell it gives off a taste of the sweetest carmelized custard that cannot be compared to any other. It is no wonder the natives of South East Asians where this fruit can be found have labeled it “the king of all fruit”.

The Christian life can often be like this. While God has graciously blessed others in abundance, He has decided to keep some of us in the heat, humidity and enduring many storms for the sole purpose of His glory. These conditions will leave us emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. But the end result is a tried and tested character that can only be produced in the harshest conditions that gives of the sweetest flavor.

Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13-20

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
"So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Random Thought

No picture, no verse, no quote. The Christian faith is not about the "things we do" or the "things we don't do". We are not super-spiritual just because we are doing so many "good things" and we are not super-spiritual just because we are not doing certain sins. It is easy to get caught up in a routine or system where it becomes all about "do, do, do" or "don't, don't, don't" and slowly forget about the One whom we are supposed to be glorifying. Our lives/walks should demonstrate a love for Christ and be centered around Him, not ourselves and our own accomplishments. This faith is a race and it is a struggle. We are being set apart by God for His own purpose. It is foolish to think that we can speed that process up by things that we do or won't do. Be active in the faith because we love Christ and want to glorify Him-not just because it is another thing to do. We cannot make the faith a list that simply gets checked off when things are/aren't done. Remain humble and know that we do mess up at times and experience trials, but that God is constantly in control and is changing us day by day to conform us more to His Son. It is not about us.

He is the vine

John 15:1-8

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.