Two things stood out to my spirit this week, both occurring at different intervals and yet, they have a relationship in unison with what we call Spiritual Fruit.
I had been praying in the Spirit, rather boldly, over a precious child who is battling cancer. As I approached the throne of Grace, my Spirit recalled the scripture where Jesus cursed the fig tree, as He and His disciples passed by the way. The tree was barren, yielding no fruit and was as good as kindling, an obstacle more than a asset. After their time in the area came to a close, they passed by again on their way exiting; as they did so, one of the disciples pointed out the condition of the fig tree (as Christ had just the other day, cursed it). We need to recognize that as human beings we are much like a tree and God is seeking to justify what fruit we bear. Jesus is referred to as the vine and we know that as followers/believers, we are grafted in. The fruit of our life should be in season and to the edification of our life as well as others.
Mark 11: Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is
I called upon the spirit and brought this scripture before the throne seeking intercession for this child, pointing out that the “cancer” affecting this child is a parasite affecting the tree, cancer bears no fruit and prohibits the bearing of fruit, so we ask the Lord to curse the root of Cancer, to yank it from its foothold.
Shortly thereafter, I was reading something which prompted me to refer to the scripture where we are reminded that we will be” judged for every idle word”. Words have power, therefore, an idle word, is likened to a rotten fruit. That which was meant for blessing or edification and has been blemished, spoiled or tainted. “Waste not want not”, my Mother used to say. We are commanded to speak truth, to be kind and to share the Gospel. If we are not speaking up when the occasion calls, that is an idle word; an idle word of neglect. If we are full of condemnation for ourselves and others, we will be held accountable for those also. We also know that God is the reader of hearts. No words escape our mouths that were not first born in the incubator of the heart/mind/soul. From the platform of it’s inception, we are also held accountable, for words thought as well as spoken.
(Acts 15:8). “For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts”
(1 Chronicles 28:9). “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”
(Hebrews 4:12). (1 John 3:20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12;34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
In the parable of the fig tree, Christ quickly points out a very empowering, engaging and liberating fact. He says, next;
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” [26]
Here, in this segment of scripture we have the platform of the heart again, what is believed can not be feigned. We alone can not change our beliefs and collateral in faith, only through submission to Christ along with careful observation of God’s Sovereign Grace and infallible promises. Forgive to be forgiven. believe to receive.
Why did the Lord leave us these words, in this book we call the Bible? To help us, to govern us, to comfort us and mostly to empower us! There is one more promise the spirit has called out to me to remind you of, grab hold of this and claim this yours from the Lord.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.
Abba Father, maker of all good gifts, reader of our hearts. Search us, point out to us that which needs to be pruned. Help us to keep the fruit of our vine in perfect condition for the edification of our entire being. Reveal to us Your great mysteries, show us your Glory and lead us to the knowledge of how to obtain your favor and mercy for ourselves as well as those for whom we pray, In Jesus Mighty name AMEN
¤ Susan SMZ3D.com ? smz ™ © ®
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