Fruit

This time of year we look forward to all fresh spring and summer fruits & vegetables. There is nothing like eating fresh Jersey grown blueberries or tomatoes during a picnic or barbecue with friends. In a similar way a church that produces good fruit is refreshing and delightful to the community, world wide missions efforts and the members who make up the church.
Even if there are challenges for new small plants or churches it is important that we keep our efforts fixed on producing good fruit by honoring God and blessing others. From this perspective of viewing the church as a plant that is growing in concrete it is essential that we produce fruit. After all, any plant that is growing in the concrete barriers or retaining walls on the parkway or turnpike will be regarded as disposable. We must then set out to produce fruit so that we will have such great value that someday we may be planted in an environment that sustains and nurtures growth. Patience is key and many times greatly needed as real estate is in the millions, zoning laws are extremely restrictive of churches and land is rare and likewise in the millions.
Finally, just like a plant is entirely dependant on the one who created the seed, the sunshine and the rain so we too must remain completely dependant on our Creator. I am confident that the heart of God is that we reach the lost, strengthen other believers and worship Him as the Almighty Creator of all. As we strive to have our hearts beat as one with the one who holds our destiny we will see great and mighty miracles!