Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.”
Good Fruit Producers!
CHRIST clearly told us
we’re made in HIS image.
The angels as well are
aware of the difference.
Even demons wage war
with angelics of Heaven
to steal who they can from
GOD’s infinite presence.
So whose bidding binds and
whose image attracts you?
Is it HE WHO created all
things…or the Outcast?
Know then who is who,
Oh my Soul and beloved…
and choose whose reflection
your next steps…will match!
As HIServant thankful HE surely created us in HIS image so that by comparison, we know not to display the devil’s,
Whitney
Devotional: Matthew 7:15-20: “You Will Know Them by Their Fruits.”
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”
17 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
18 “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
20 “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
So then!
Let’s look closely not JUST at the fruits of the HOLY SPIRIT but at those produced by satan’s influences. Compare and Contrast.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
What to Display for GOD: Love: A self-giving, intentional choice to care for and honor GOD and other people.
What to Display for the devil: Hate: A selfish-taking intentional choice through harsh measures
…to care for oneself, reflect evil and potentially harm others.
What to Display for GOD: Peace: A steady, calm trust in your heart that remains firm during difficult times.
What to Display for the devil: Chaos: An unsettling shaking which disturbs one’s core and intends for others to feel the same.
What to Display for GOD: Patience: The ability to endure hard situations, delays, or wrongs without anger or quick frustration.
What to Display for the devil: Impatience/Imbalance: unchecked greed to demand satisfaction
…that doesn’t align with GOD’s ways and to drag others into the same errant feelings.
What to Display for GOD: Kindness: HIS Love put into action through helpful, compassionate, selfless and generous deeds.
What to Display for the devil: Sadistic responses: Not just showing anger or just demanding to be “right” or have the upper hand…
…but to also cause harm to others which creates pleasure in those acting as such.
What to Display for GOD: Goodness: A commitment to HIS moral integrity
…as proven throughout the Bible and by doing what is right and pure without hesitation.
What to Display for the devil: Wickedness: Simply acting and responding contrary to the WORD of GOD…
to malign those doing good in GOD’s NAME.
What to Display for GOD: Faithfulness: Trustworthiness, loyalty,
…and a relentless devotion to GOD and others. AKA Character.
What to Display for the devil: Betrayal: Whatever favors Self will be taken no matter the cost to others.
Expect it from satan and those who reflect satan’s ways. Always wears GOD’s armor!
What to Display for GOD: Gentleness: A humble strength that treats people with respect and care instead of force or harshness.
What to Display for the devil: Harshness/Brutality:
A brash and boastful power that crushes people and their spirits with unrighteous zeal.
What to Display for GOD: Self-Control: Tapping in daily to HIS power to manage…
your own desires, emotions, and actions to avoid every choice which would harm you and/or others.
What to Display for the devil: Self-Indulgence and Unrestraint: Thinking, speaking and moving…
…instantly to take whatever is wanted and care nothing for those in need.
Only by regular, even daily study of what each of the fruits of the SPIRIT mean…
can we detect with GODly discernment and accuracy exactly what fruits others are producing around us.
Choose wisely, oh my Soul!
Amen and amen.
2CJC 