365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 308

In order for us to be fruitful, we have to understand that we have to let go of the worldly and embrace Christ every day. Not just on Sunday or the evening of your bible study but a daily “I am going to work on my relationship with the Lord”. Hmmmmmm Sounds a lot like advice people give to married couples. It takes work. God is doing his part as the Master Gardener but we have to get into our souls and pull some weeds, sow some seeds, work some fertilizer into the soil. Working means taking the focus away from ourselves and putting it on God and serving others. The work Jesus did on Earth and on that cross is our example. How can we let go of the busyness of life and embrace Jesus with all our hearts and minds? Ask yourself daily how can I be of service to (my neighbor, my co-worker, my spouse, my children, my grocery clerk, my boss, the lady behind me in line and so on)? Be in the Word and free yourself from self-thinking and live in the freedom of service that Christ calls us to.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

I got this wonderful poem in my inbox and had to share it. May this remind you today that though our world is filled with darkness, the light and love of Jesus is still here.  May you be washed over in his light today and all your days to come.

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house." when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.