Soil Preparation

Welcome to week one of our study. Here is this weeks commentary.

Preparing the Soil for Fruit Production
Throughout the Bible, the word “fruit” is often times referred to that which comes from within… or the evidence thereof. As you begin to study the Holy Spirit and the Fruit of the Sprit you begin to understand that do-it-yourself is not the answer, as we can not produce Spiritual Fruit apart from the Spirit.

It is interesting that as we choose to abide in Christ, and yield - surrender, ourselves to the Spirit, being obedient to God’s word that the Holy Spirit produces “Fruit” in our life. It is the work of the Holy Spirit which is the catalyst for our fruit production. No matter how hard we try to grow it, or produce it we cannot do it apart from the Holy Spirit.

As we prepare to grow in our Christian walk let’s be sure our soil is prepared and ready for planting. Growing a garden, or in this case a fruit tree, requires certain elements to be in place; light, water, and nourishment. Anyone who has ever tried to plant and grow anything knows the better the soil preparation before planting, the better the crop. One way to prepare our soil is to renew our commitment to Christ. As we all know dead things don’t grow, we must be alive to produce growth. As we embark on our study we, you and I, should ask “Am I alive spiritually?”

In Romans 3:23 we read that all have sinned (missed the mark, missed or wandered from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong) and in 6:23 we read the wages (payment) for our sin is death (an eternal separation from God). In Romans 5:8 we are told that God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Jesus, the son of God took on our sin, paid our wages, and died in our place. Have you accepted that gracious act and awesome truth? Have you decided to name Jesus as your savior and accept Him and His free gift of eternal salvation. Have you allowed Him to be the Lord (meaning Jesus leads---- you follow) over your life? Roman’s 10:9 tells us if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, then we shall be saved (spend eternity with Jesus). Before we can experience any kind of spiritual growth, this act, or seed of faith in Jesus must take root in our heart and in our life.

Are you alive? There on only 3 possible answers; yes, no, and I’m not sure. If you answered no…. if you have not yet accepted Jesus you can set foot on the path of walking with Jesus and growing in Him right now by praying this prayer:
1. Jesus I know I am a sinner, I desire to turn away from the life I have been living. I desire to follow you and your ways. I believe that you are the Son of God, that You did die on the cross for me and that you have risen victoriously, defeating death and now sit at the right hand of God in the heavenly places. I want to accept you as my personal Savior and allow You to have charge over my life as I learn to walk in your ways. Lord Jesus, please teach me from this day forward. Amen.

2. If you answered I am not sure you may wish to pray the following:
Jesus I know that in the past I asked You into my life (see ***below) I believed at that time that I was your child, but my life has not been one where my actions have lined up with that decision. And I have some doubts. Lord I want to know that I am Your child, please give me the reassurance I need, and seek. Lord I do believe that you are the Son of God, and that you died on the cross for my sins. Forgive me Father, and today I recommit my way to you!
***If you are not sure you have asked Jesus into your life, or do not understand the concept or terms of which I write. Please email me directly. I will be happy to chat with you. First John chapter 5 and verse 13 states “I write these things….. that you may know".... God wants you to be sure, and to know. I want you to be sure and to know too!

3. If you answered Yes! Perhaps you might pray, or write a prayer of praise to God. Take this time to thank God that you know you are alive in Christ, now and for forever. Praise Him for those things He has helped you to accomplish, and those things He has accomplished through you. Praise Him for the ways He has interacted in your life and made His presence known to you.

In order that I might pray for you more specifically this week, please share with me which prayer you prayed. (I am not asking you to blog this answer, you most certainly can if you choose) but to share it confidentially with me by email.

Your study questions and directions for this week's study have been emailed to you. If you did not receive them, please let me know.

Happy Studying, Sandra

Welcome to "Just Between Friends"

Just Between Friends is a forum for open discussion between women.

Our purpose is to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus as we learn what the Bible teaches about different subjects.

As women we lead active lives! I have tried to design these Bible Study Discussions to offer you a meaty study, yet keep it simple, manageable, and flexible, in the hopes it will fit into most schedules (those schedules with very little room and those schedules not so packed). These studies are also being designed so you may keep your study light, yet allows for digging deeper for those who so desire.

"God's Basket of Fruit"
A study on the fruit of the Spirit - Begins - Sunday, June 29, 2008

What is the Fruit?
How do we acquire the Fruit?
Can just anyone pick from the Tree?
Is the Fruit ready to use, or do we need to mature the Fruit?
Do I get all the Fruit?
Do I only need some of the Fruit?
What do I do with the Fruit?
Will it spoil?

Join us as we discover the answers to these questions and more as we discover and taste from God's Basket of Fruit.

At the beginning of each week a new lesson plan for the week will be posted. You may do the assignments at your leisure throughout the week.

You may post questions, comments, discoveries, and share what God is doing in your life as a result of your study.

You may sign up by sending me an email with your request to join.

Looking forward to studying with you.

Be Encouraged, Sandra