Blog

• guestwriter
• blogIRSM
• BearFruit
• ShortcutsandExcuses

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer with Iron Sister Rose Ministries in Colombia

My school days coincided with the beginning of Shakira's musical career. At the time, it was easy to recognize one of her fans: it was enough to see her wearing plaid pants. It was an impressive fashion! We all wanted to have some. And the funny thing is, it went without saying that we were fans of Shakira; our way of dressing communicated it on its own.

Something similar happens with us as Christians. Many times, we don't need to say anything to communicate everything. Our attitudes, our words, and our way of living speak of who we are and who we follow.

As Nila reminded us at our Spanish virtual class in June, bearing fruit comes naturally. A branch connected to the vine produces fruit because that is its nature. She doesn't have to make an effort to appear to be alive. The fruit appears as a result of remaining connected to the source that gives it life.

In the same way, when we abide in Christ, fruit begins to manifest itself in our lives. It is reflected in our patience, in our way of loving, in our ability to forgive, and in the peace we experience even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

But let's go a little deeper...

Continuing with Shakira's example, it was not the same to wear plaid pants as it was to know all her songs. Those of us who knew the lyrics showed that we had really spent time listening to her music. There was more than just an outward appearance.

Something similar happens with Jesus. When we spend time with Him through His Word, we begin to think, speak, and act in a different way. Our words reflect what fills our hearts, and our actions are evidence of the closeness of our relationship with Him.

Sometimes we want to reflect Christ without spending time with Christ. We want to have the right answers, the right words, and the wisdom needed to help others, but we forget that all of that is born out of a close relationship with Him. There are no shortcuts to bearing abundant fruit.

We need to spend time with God. It is in that space of intimacy that the Holy Spirit teaches us, transforms us, and reminds us of the truths we need in each moment.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn 14:26 NIV)

And if you ever feel afraid that you won't know what to say or how to share Jesus with others, don't worry. It doesn't depend on your eloquence or having all the answers. Your responsibility is to be available and willing to be an instrument in God's hands to encourage, instruct, comfort, and bless others. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. (Lk 12:12)

Have you ever experienced that, while talking to someone, a piece of advice, a word of encouragement, or a perspective comes into your mind that you hadn't planned to share? Maybe you came into that conversation thinking you didn't have anything important to contribute, and suddenly you found the exact words the other person needed to hear.

I dare say that many of us have experienced something similar. And when it happens, we often ask ourselves, "Where did that come from?" There, we can see the work of the Holy Spirit using our lives to edify others. The wonderful thing is that God doesn't need perfect people to fulfil His purposes. He uses willing hearts, people who have learned to listen to Him and who are available to be led by Him.

I like to think of this as a synchronization. Just as email is automatically updated on all connected devices, our minds and hearts align with God when we stay close to Him. The more connected we are, the more sensitive we will be to His direction, and the easier it will be to recognize His voice in the midst of everyday situations.

So, what's the key?

Stay close to Jesus. Spend time in His presence. Allow His Word to transform our hearts. And when the time comes to speak, trust that the Holy Spirit will put the right words in our mouths.

Let God use you. When you walk close to Him, you will find that you do know what to say.

• guestwriter
• blogIRSM
• BearFruit
• ExamplesofFruitBearers

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Have you noticed how sometimes God does the unexpected?

When we read Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, five women are listed in the group. Why are these women listed? None of them would have been accepted by the religious leaders for various reasons, but our Heavenly Father chose them to be in the ancestral lineage of His Son.

Tamar - She probably was a Gentile… not an Israelite. She married the two older sons of Judah, who were each described as wicked (Ge 38:7,10). Tamar pretended to be a prostitute when she realized Judah was not going to allow her to marry the third son. One of the twins she bore from the encounter with Judah became an ancestor of Jesus.

Rahab - She was a Canaanite, a resident of Jericho, described as a prostitute or harlot. When the spies entered her city, she gave them refuge. Then, she told them that she knew what their God had done in Egypt and through the years, and asked for protection when they came to conquer Jericho (Jos 2:8-13). Rahab is mentioned as having faith in Hebrews 11. She and her family were saved during the destruction of Jericho because she gave a friendly welcome to the spies. She married Salmon, an Israelite, and was the great-great-grandmother of King David.

Ruth - She was from the land of Moab. Deuteronomy 23 prohibits marriage with Moabite men, because they had not welcomed the Israelites as they were passing through the land on their way to the Promised Land. Ruth had accepted the faith of Naomi and become a follower of YHWH (Ru 1:16). She returned with Naomi to Bethlehem and cared for her. Ruth married Boaz, son of Rahab, and she was the great-grandmother of King David.

Bathsheba - She was an Israelite married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s mighty men. King David took Bathsheba into his private chamber while Uriah was away at war, and she became pregnant with David’s child (2Sa 11). Was she a willing participant, or did she resist? Scripture does not say. She would probably have been bathing in an enclosed courtyard with an open roof when David saw her. Only someone who was at a higher elevation could have seen her. I believe it is fair to say David took advantage of a situation he accidentally encountered, and because of his power as king and the status of women, she probably could not resist. When David arranged the death of Uriah, he took Bathsheba as his wife. She gave him four sons after the first one died. Nathan was the third son of the four who lived and was in the lineage of Jesus.

Mary - She was an Israelite to whom the angel Gabriel appeared and told her that she would become the mother of God’s Son. We aren’t told what went through her mind as she realized she was facing a pregnancy out of wedlock… a situation where there would be whispers and accusations… a situation punishable by stoning. Mary’s submission is seen in Luke 1:38 when she tells Gabriel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (NIV).

Each of these women was in a circumstance they did not create, and which was beyond their control. God used them to serve His purpose… just as He can use each of us.

Take a look at the situation each faced and think about how you might have responded.

Tamar was widowed twice and bore twins through an illicit relationship.

Rahab was a harlot, entertaining men for a living, but gave protection to the spies.

Ruth was widowed and left her homeland to care for her mother-in-law.

Bathsheba was a married woman, called by the king for an adulterous evening and became pregnant while her husband was away at war. She is thought by many scholars to be the woman mentioned in Proverbs 31 who advised King Lemuel, possibly a nickname for King Solomon.

Mary found favor with God, was engaged to Joseph, but she was carrying a child out of wedlock… a pregnancy with a story many would not believe.

Each of these women trusted in God.

Do we trust in God when life circumstances take us down an unexpected path?