Trees With Good Fruit

This might be our last year to enjoy these sweet little gems, the now endangered (thanks to the misguided Dept. of Agriculture) waiwi guava. Hanging out in my garden, they make me think of smiling faces. And, they taste so delightful too. God has many wonderful ways of cheering us when things look dark.

The scripture that has been coming to me this past week is:

"Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." Matthew 8:22

It can be difficult, but sometimes I think it's best to move on. Satan has small victories, though ultimately, even if not in our own lifetimes, the overwhelming victor is Jesus and those of us who follow him. We have the marvelous armor of God,

"and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." And, we are to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:17-18

Just a part of our Ephesians "to do" list.

It may seem a hard thing, saying "let the dead bury their dead," but hey I'm only quoting Jesus. In every family there are those who are spiritually dead, despite our praying for them endlessly. People make choices, even though God gives them opportunity after opportunity to re-route themselves, off that road that leads to death. Again, spiritual death, since we all face the physical end of things.

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:19-20

After you take a stand and do what is right to do, there is a point where it may be best to step back and leave folks to the consequences of their choices, knowing that God will do whatever he is going to do. Our job is just to follow Jesus.