Consider The LiliesSample
Watching for God
Have you ever noticed how the Bible begins with the act of Creation? From the very start, we get to know our Father as the ultimate artist—a master planner establishing everything in the earth and sky and beyond. He sees to every detail with absolute perfection—from the formation of mountain ranges to the tiny pink nose of a newborn puppy. The benevolent maker of the world is also the author of my story and your story. He’s written every detail, from beginning to end. What’s more, He’s entered into the story with us.
Seeing Jesus in our story, serving Jesus and others, we should be able to see fruit. This is measurable and helps us to identify what is good and what is bad in our lives, giving us the ability to refocus. We must connect to the Vine in order to produce big beautiful luscious fruit that will be everlasting.
Are you looking for fruit in your story?
The Vine
To grow and bear fruit, we must stay connected to the Vine. Good fruit testifies to the fact that we are His disciples. We are commissioned to look for God’s hand in everything. Being attentive to what’s fruitful will help you stay in touch with God’s plan. Our culture is “self-focused,” not worrying much about bearing fruit, let alone everlasting fruit. Take some time to take an inventory of the fruit of your life. Be on the lookout for consumable fruit that is life-giving and makes clear that we are a disciple of Christ. I want to be this kind of fruit-bearer!
Pruning
God is the vinedresser or the ultimate gardener. Abundant and yielding crops takes patience and intimate knowledge of the varieties of fruit, the weather and soil. Rest assured that our Divine Gardener knows His garden better than anyone. He will cut back or prune anything that hinders the life-giving fruit of the vine. A life connected to the Vine is a life of abundance and joy. The good news is being pruned is in preparation for what He’s planning next. Stay connected to the Vinedresser to produce lasting, satisfying fruit.
Consider This
Ask God to show you where and in what areas He’s producing good fruit in your life. Are there areas in your life where you need pruning?
Scripture
About this Plan
Women in the world today occupy critical places in history, yet many of us “toil and spin,” anxious and overwhelmed by the pressure to find purpose in this ever-changing culture. In this 7-day plan—adapted from her book, Consider the Lilies—actress, author and speaker Shari Rigby shares how to go from confusion to clarity by aligning with God’s plan.
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