Just over a week ago, Gloria and I had the privilege of visiting the St. Jacobs Market. While the plan was to pick up some pickles for canning, the list of items gathered seemed to grow. A beautiful bouquet of flowers, some fresh blueberries, new potatoes (baked potatoes with a few garnishes….what a joy) and yes, a basket of early peaches from Niagara. Can you feel the juice running down your chin?
How fortunate we are to live in a land of such plenty and variety….all kinds of fruit and vegetables to fill our tables. Yes, that experience got me thinking about the fruit that the Spirit of God desires to produce in your life and mine. The fruit of joy, peace, faithfulness and so much more.
What fruit does God desire to grow in you during this season of your life? May the following become your prayer. (Voices Together, #1028)
Nuturing God, root us in Your love and grow us up to bear
the fruit of Your Spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Amen
For a portion of our time together on Friday, we will read and share reflections from the Psalmist David’s prayer of praise in Psalm 145. Read and rejoice in our God.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works…….
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you…….
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.[c]
14 The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down….
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and eve
May God bless and encourage you in your walk with Him this week.