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For there is no good tree that brings forth rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that brings forth good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. Luke 6:43 WEB

We find it humorous when we get cut off in traffic by a rude driver, and they have a Christian fish symbol on their bumper. Less humorous is that repairman that will charge you twice what they should have, or take your money and run. They usually put a cross on their card, so you are supposed to forgive them for ripping you off.

It is sad to say that in our life, we have been ripped off more by 'Christians' than anyone else. When I was young, I preferred to do business with people in the church and sought them out, but now when I see a cross on a business card, I grow concerned.

Even recently we hired a 'Christian' company to do some work for us. I chose them over their competition mostly because they had a scripture on their ad. They witnessed to us about Jesus the whole time they were here, invited us to visit their church, but once they got the check, we never saw them again and they wouldn't return our calls. We had to hire their competition to come and finish the job that we paid them to do.

What I am trying to say is that our actions speak louder than our words. Sometimes we are like an lemon tree that repeatedly shouts "I AM AN APPLE TREE!" but we have never produced any apples, only lemons. Jesus said that you will know a tree by the fruit that it bears.

If we want to show the world that we are different, it really should be by our actions, and not just an outward appearance. Who you are when you are put under pressure, is who you really are. When His pressure comes, our mouth always betrays us and reveals what is in our heart.

Jesus said 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another' (John 13:34).

Small things are big to God, and often the things that are big to us, are small to Him. It is the small things that make the difference in life. Sometimes just a little patience, a smile, or taking a little less for yourself, is the difference between producing apples and being barren.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please help me to produce fruit in my life and guide me into all that You have for me. Forgive me of the things that I have done wrong. Have patience with me and help me to have patience with others, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Note: For those following our Creation Photographers group, here is the theme of the week: 1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." - 'Reflection's of the Father's Love' will be our next fun theme. Show us how you reflect our Father's love, or how others have been that reflection for you, or any other creative way you want to interpret our fun theme! Please do post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect God's love for second chances. These people are like family to me and to see that there is hope for another chance at true happiness and acceptance of change ever present. May you always feel the Father's love surrounding you, and may you always be that reflection for others you meet on life's path! God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers

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