Scripture for Today:  Philippians 1:11  “May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God….”

It’s harvest time!  The vineyards above our house are filled with workers, tractors and even horses and carts for the steep places.  The “vendange” or grape harvest is a happy exciting time around here.  After months of hard work tending the vines, the fruit of all that labor appears.  Not only are there migrant workers picking the grapes but students earning extra cash, retired folk, and even whole families enjoying the experience together!  Many of the small villages in Alsace have festivals to celebrate the harvest.

Fruit that is harvested legitimately is fruit enjoyed for more than just one season.  The grapes are not only enjoyed fresh but also transformed into juice, wine, jams and raisins.  When I think about “forbidden fruit” or sin, it is pleasurable only for a season (Heb.11:25).  Our verse for today talks about another kind of fruit; the fruit of righteousness.  It is described as behavior that honors God.  Paul’s prayer is that we are filled with this kind of fruit which comes directly from our relationship to Jesus, the Vine (John 15:1).  The fruit of righteousness will be fruit that is lasting (verse 16).

When I consider what I can pass on to my children and grandchildren, there does not seem to be much that can last.  There is not much that can stand the test of time.  But a life marked by doing the right thing is a life that can touch others for eternity.  It is fruit that will remain.

Thank you, Lord, that Your fruit remains so that my life can make a difference!

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 69:30  “I will praise the name of God with song, And magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

My eyes do not see so well.  I wear glasses and contacts but I sometimes need a magnifying glass.  From time to time I come across stubborn tiny print that frustrates me.  Out comes the magnifying glass from the drawer.  I am careful to keep it there when not in use.  The sun pours in the window and I have a secret fear that the glass could start a fire!  I am always happy to see the symbol of the magnifying glass on my computer.  I can make print bigger and can even control how much something is magnified.

Our verse for today talks about magnifying the Lord.  He is magnified and more clearly seen by others when I am thankful.  Attributing every success to Him is what magnifies Him.  Recognizing that every thing positive in life is due to Him is what magnifies Him.  To magnify the Lord is to verbally give Him the credit He rightfully deserves.

I cannot help but think of John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:30; “He must increase but I must decrease.”  For Him to increase, I need to stop taking the credit for my blessings!  For Him to increase, I need to get myself out of the way.  Drawing attention to myself gets in the way of the Lord being magnified!  And being silent about His goodness also keeps Him from being magnified.

I want His goodness and grace to be clearly seen in my life!  He is worthy to be magnified!  After all He has done for me, it is the least I can do!  “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!”