Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us?

Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us?

Jesus’ message in our text is straightforward. A tree is known by its fruit. If we see an apple on the tree, we know that we are looking at an apple tree. The apple tree does not have to announce that it is an apple tree, the fact that it produces apples says all that we need to hear. People walk around, proclaiming that they are various things, but when we look at their life, we see something different. Some people say that they are nice, but their life does not display nice. Other people say that they are compassionate, but we cannot see that when we look at what they produce. Many claim to have the fruit of the spirit in their life, but the fruit they produce is anything but the Spirit of God. Our life should be a testament to what we claim to be. If we claim to be a child of God, observers should be able to see that in our life. The apple tree does not have to tell us that it is an apple tree. The fruit speaks for itself. What is our fruit saying about us?

Greater Life Church

Greater Life Church

Greater Life Church

Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high.

Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high.

Our text is the prayer of a man who was at the edge of all that he could handle. He was far from the presence of God. He feels such deep separation and anxiety that it becomes too much for him. He was facing a rock that was so large that it stopped him in his tracks. David knew where to look to navigate the obstacle he faced. We can sometimes find ourselves facing an insurmountable obstacle in our spiritual life. Just like there was for David, there is One who can help us navigate that rock too high.

omorrow our country observes a national holiday to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is important to memorialize these important events in our history. Every society has a collective set of experiences and events that have formed a common bond. Memorials are a means to preserve people, places, and events that are important to our history. A memory and memorial will help us to focus on what really matters and gives us a place to reflect on the important things in life. Often these memories and memories give us a place of stability to recall how God has kept us and provided for us. Remembering those times of hardship, we can reflect on how God has provided for us and turned the situation around. If He did it then, He will do it again. Having a history of experiences is critical to our spiritual life. Memorials speak of God’s involvement in our life. We are not in this alone. The reason for this call to remember is not to invoke a feeling of guilt, but to reinforce that God is with us and will see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. There are three essential memorials that we must have. The first stone that everyone needs is a Bethel stone. Bethel is the place where Jacob found himself after he left his father’s house. As he slept on a pillow of stones, he had a vision from God. When he awoke, he erected a stone memorial to the revelation that God had given him. It changed his life, and he wanted to remember that moment for the rest of his life. We all have to have a moment where God changes our lives and we must memorialize that visitation from God. The second stone is the Gilgal stone. Israel had come to the promised land, but between them and the promised land was a swollen, rushing, Jordan river. God stayed the water upstream and allowed Israel to walk into the promised land on dry land. Afterward, He commanded them to erect a memorial. We all must have a memorial of a time when God’s hand stayed something in our life. Finally we must all have an Ebenezer stone. As Samuel was offering sacrifices for Israel’s sins, the Philistines marshaled outside to begin an attack. God intervened to protect his people as they worshiped at the altar. We all need a memorial to the time when God’s presence came in so powerfully and so strong that we received an overwhelming victory.