Orangey Goodness

Yesterday I picked a bushel of oranges from our orange tree in the backyard. As I was doing it, I thought that after eight years of living here this orange tree finally produced oranges that were sweet enough to enjoy. It made me wonder if I am growing sweeter as I age.

Life is full of ups and downs, surprises, disappointments, and plans that come to fruition. All along the way we are aging and hopefully learning. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, your are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.” God is referring to us living our lives in His hands, hearing His words and showing His love. With life changing at each turn, we need to keep our roots in Him or our fruit will not be sweet.

Today I peeled, cut and juiced that fruit only to taste orangey goodness. It didn’t matter to me what a mess was made during the process because the taste of the juice was so sweet and refreshing. There have been times when a mess has hit my world and the clean up was sticky but my hope is not in me but in a God who made me to take a drink of His sweetness relying on His direction. Each time I think I’ve got it under control I am reminded that it’s not about me. It’s about God and His timing.

The words, “Those who remain in me and I in them, will produce much fruit.” say it all. I’m not the root. I’m not the vine. I am the fruit. God is my root. God is my vine. The juice that flows from me should be sweet not bitter.

Consider your life. Are you a sweet example of God? Are you tackling problems alone without consulting the One who loves you most? Are you remaining in Him and His Word?

Sherree Fischer
loveSTRONG ministries
Speaker/Facilitator Team Leader

www.lovestrongministries.com