What’s in the Heart
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Luke 6:43–45
Among the many wild plants that beautify the Texas landscape is the agave. One of the largest varieties is the agave americanus, more commonly called the century plant. So named because it only blooms once—and while it doesn’t actually take a hundred years, it usually takes twenty-five to thirty years. When the plant reaches its full height and has completely developed, it sends a massive stalk high into the air, often reaching forty feet, before bursting out an array of yellow flowers. The key to the flowering of the century plant is what is out of sight, underground in the roots.
The same thing is true in our lives. What is in our hearts will eventually show up on the outside. We may be able to conceal it for a time, but eventually our thoughts, attitudes, desires, and priorities will bear fruit in our lives. The key to bearing good fruit is not found in the fruit, but in the heart. Long before anything shows on the outside, the nature of the fruit is set by what is on the inside. That is why Solomon wrote, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The visible fruit of our lives, whether good or bad, is determined by the inward life that others cannot see.
Luke 6:43–45
Among the many wild plants that beautify the Texas landscape is the agave. One of the largest varieties is the agave americanus, more commonly called the century plant. So named because it only blooms once—and while it doesn’t actually take a hundred years, it usually takes twenty-five to thirty years. When the plant reaches its full height and has completely developed, it sends a massive stalk high into the air, often reaching forty feet, before bursting out an array of yellow flowers. The key to the flowering of the century plant is what is out of sight, underground in the roots.
The same thing is true in our lives. What is in our hearts will eventually show up on the outside. We may be able to conceal it for a time, but eventually our thoughts, attitudes, desires, and priorities will bear fruit in our lives. The key to bearing good fruit is not found in the fruit, but in the heart. Long before anything shows on the outside, the nature of the fruit is set by what is on the inside. That is why Solomon wrote, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The visible fruit of our lives, whether good or bad, is determined by the inward life that others cannot see.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Make sure that your heart is in shape to produce good fruit when what is on the inside comes out.
Bless Somebody
by Joyce Meyer - posted February 14, 2016And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
—Galatians 6:9
The Word says, Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually] (Romans 15:2).
This tells me that we need to have our mind full of ways to bless people. Early in the day, think up something you want to do to bless someone. Think up something you can do to surprise somebody or to make somebody happy. You will be amazed at how quickly the Lord leads you to something good you can do for someone. Joy comes from giving on His behalf.
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