Soil Preparation Summary

Happy 4th of July!
The answers to week one:
1. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit

2. A tree is recognized by its fruit. Example... when you see an apple tree you do not think it is a peach tree? Why, because you recognize the fruit which is being produced. In much the same way we should be recognized as having the Holy Sprit active in us by the fruit we are exhibiting.

3. Our purpose for growing fruit is to be recognized as a Disciple of Jesus

4. We cannot bear fruit by ourselves. There is no way we can produce it or muster it up on our own.

5. To produce fruit we must abide, remain (remember the Greek word is meno – it is a continual action of being connected, never departing from and always present with) in Jesus, the True Vine.

6. If we abide the passage tells us we have the reward of asking anything in Jesus name and receiving it…. This is not a vending machine mentality or action…. If we in fact our doing our part of truly abiding then what we ask for will more then likely line up with God’s desires. Remember it is a continual heart action of being in His presence. It is not … “okay God, I read my Bible this week, everyday I abided, now could I have a new car?”

7. If we obey His commands we remain (meno) in His love. The 2nd reward of obedience is the Joy of Christ will be in us… Our joy will be complete. The Greek word for complete is (pleroo) and it means to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full - to cause to abound - to furnish or supply liberally - to render full - i.e. to complete - to fill to the top so that nothing shall be wanting; full measure. Ladies this is such a beautiful picture. To have such joy, to be so full there is no room for anything else. We shall not be wanting for more, as we will be full to the measure!!!! Wow, can you just imagine.

A. What are some practical concrete ways we can abide: I gave you one in your notes to get you started and that was to memorize scripture… here is another…. Practice the art of seeing God. See Him in the beauty around you; in the actions of others; in the answers to prayer.

B. How can we become distracted or separated from the vine? One way is by not making God a priority. We schedule Dr.’s appts., hair appts., dinner dates with friends etc. Many of us use day planners, or some type of calendars to keep us on track. If it is important we schedule it… we find the time… should we do no less for God?

C. What am I currently doing that is working? Currently I am getting up every morning (well almost, I still struggle) between 5:00 and 5:30 am. This has not always been the case and it was not easy, but it has truly been rewarding. I have a morning cup of coffee and spend some time in prayer, as well as a short time of study, then allow time for sitting quietly and letting the Holy Sprit speak to me through God’s Word. May I encourage you to give it a try for one month… it will change your life!

D. Choose one way to increase your abiding…. I am going to pick one night where between 8:00 and 9:00 pm I read a book on a topic I wish to learn more or grow more spiritually in… such as Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver, or 6 Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time by Catherine Martin.

Okie Doakie Study Buddies… it is your turn to answer A, B, C & D…. Let’s encourage one another, by sharing what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you this week.

Your next week’s lesson on The Fruit Producer will post this coming Sunday. In the meantime, how about sharing some of those answers?

Have a safe 4th of July and Be Encouraged.