Subject: Fruit Takes a Long Time - Marlene Custer

View this email online if it doesn't display correctly
Thousands of Writers Inspired by Rev 7:9-12
Includes Current Free Read for Review Book Offering!
We Pray You Are Walking in His Peace, Wisdom, Power and Great Victory That Are Yours!

Eyes on Jesus 
Off Circumstances

Pray for Worldwide 
Peace & Revival 
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them...2 Cor 5:19

...Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38

"I will forgive their iniquity, I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:34b

        Free E-Book on Evidence
Today's Devotional

Fruit Takes a Long Time - Marlene Custer

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23 NIV

“When I wanted breakfast, I just went to the backyard and picked an orange or a grapefruit.” A wave of envy washed over me when my dad said those words. How wonderful to get mature fruit straight from the tree!
 
Alas, I lived my childhood years in a state that is not conducive to growing oranges and grapefruits. My siblings and I did try to plant some apple seeds but quickly found out that growing a tree from seed does not happen quickly. Even once a tree begins to grow it is still a long time before we see fruit.
 
When I see new believers, I am reminded of this childhood endeavor. Just as mature fruit takes a long time (often eight to ten years) it takes patience, abiding deeply in the Vine that is Jesus, and careful tending for a new Christian to begin producing mature fruit.

What is the fruit we want to see in mature Christians? The Apostle Paul itemizes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Even mature Christians have a hard time displaying this list all the time. So, I would implore you to treat new believers with love, patience, kindness, and gentleness when they fall short of what you expect of Christ-followers.
 
With this in mind, be the faithful gardener who carefully fertilizes, waters, and prunes the young tree. And don’t forget to give yourself a little grace when you disappoint yourself! Call upon God, our loving Gardener to prune and nurture you so that beautiful mature fruit becomes evident.

“Father, please forgive me for my failures. Help me to continue to mature in Christ. Please help me to be patient and nurturing towards others who are still growing. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Marlene is a retired teacher who endeavors to make Jesus known. Contact
Free Reads 
for Reviews

Be inspired while you encourage and support new Christian authors. Read great Christian books for FREE in exchange for a brief review.

This is one of over 40 Great Christian books you can read for free in exchange for a simple review on Amazon. New books come into the program on a regular basis.


Below is today's featured book in Free Reads for Review.
Forgetting the things behind
Nikola Dimitrov

Forgetting the things behind and stretching for the ones ahead is a healing book, based on Philippians 3:13. It is a practical revelation that has helped many people to always go forward, no matter what!

Go HERE to see today's book. 

Go HERE to learn how Free Reads works.
Always Free E-Book 
To Share With Anyone Who Does Not Believe or To Encourage the Faith of Those Who Do Believe


Perfect to equip the believer for defending their faith. Ideal to send to a skeptical friend or family member. Great for teens and young adults who have never reviewed the objective evidence for God's existence and identity. God has used Gravity to help lead many to Christ, even atheists. It is being used in over 1,300 prisons, numerous college campus and online in several languages. Hundreds of reviews online. 

An in-depth study of the factual evidence leads a person to realize how little faith they need to believe, while it gives them great faith at the same time. 

"After reading your book, and being that I’m a cop, the evidence was compelling so the choice became easy. Thank you for being a big part of saving my life and seeing the truth about Jesus. My life has drastically changed for the better!!! I’ve handed out many of your books already, and can hardly wait to give more away! Thank you. And God bless!"

"For anyone on the fence, backsliding, or doubtful this book clarifies misunderstandings, perceived contradictions, and outright lies. I was led to read this book at a time when I thought I was over Jesus, but truth defeat lies every time and never forsakes the believer.”

"If false, Christianity is an irrelevant hoax. If true, Christianity is the most important fact for every human being. This little book concisely shows you why Christianity is true and what that means for you. No fluff, just the facts!" Dr. Frank Turek author/co-author of I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Free e-book HERE. 
Guaranteed to Improve
Your Writing! 

Now Offering Direct Feedback on Your Entry From the Judges.

Enter FaithWriters Weekly Writing Challenge.

"There is no better place at FaithWriters to get feedback, make friends, and improve your writing than the Writing Challenge." Joanne Grand Rapids, MI "
WRITE FOR JESUS!
Be a Better Christian Writer
Six Month Program

The world desperately needs more excellent Christian writers. FaithWriters is offering a plan to dramatically improve your writing for Jesus in six months.  Go HERE to learn more.


Now available in over 100 languages.




Unique Free Gospel tract that you can copy and reprint. This tract is being used in many locations around the world and producing much fruit. Print one out in your own language and then make copies to hand out. 
Go HERE

Legally Reach China
With The Gospel of John. Find Out What $7 Can Do


LikeTwitterForward
Faith Writers, PO Box 272, 49808, Bath, United States
You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.