Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance

In Luke 13 we read of a certain man seeking fruit on a tree and finding none. Fortunately, for the tree the gardener asked for a little more time for the tree. As we start this new year, let us make sure that we are showing forth the fruit of the Spirit ('love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,' Gal 5v22b-23a) in all that we do, whether posting here, in our community with other believers, and in the wider world. Then truly we will be a 'savor of life unto life'. And let us 'quench not the Spirit' (1 Thes 5v19) as He seeks to develop these fruit in our lives.

It is worth reminding ourselves of that old Christmas Hymn, 'Away in a manger'. The last line states, "And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there". How important it is to have an abundance of these fruit in our lives. The more we have the better heaven will be for all of us.

Mike

Quote: The more we have the better heaven will be for all of us.

Heaven will be better off without us!

I'm staggered that God even wants us there. He is holiness itself, and we are not worthy to be in His presence.

Still, you are right, we should be pursuing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

We need too.

God bless.

enid wrote:
Heaven will be better off without us!

[b]God will miss us:[/b]
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

[b]The Son will miss us:[/b]
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

[b]The angels will miss us:[/b]
Luk 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

[b]And I will miss you:[/b]
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

So 'give diligence to make your calling and election sure', there are too many to disappoint if you are not there.

Blessings,
Mike

PS What a terrible insult it was that those that declined the invitation:

Luke 14:16-19 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (17) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (18) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

[b]But:[/b]
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.