Devotion: Final Fruits
Final Fruits
Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend:Revelation 22:1-5
When I first read these verses from Revelation, my heart was drawn to the words, “and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Over the past days I had been immersed in the coverage of the Olympic events and the phrase “healing of the nations” reminded me of the Olympics. I can remember watching them with my mom when I was a child. We gathered on the floor in front of the TV, cheering for the gymnasts. It didn’t matter what country they were from, we loved all of them. We gasped when they fell and cheered when they stuck their landings. We rooted for the underdogs and applauded those who took our breath away. Reading those verses made me wonder if that’s how God reacts to each one of us. I’d like to think that he applauds when we try something new and cheers when we overcome obstacles.
Last Sunday, Pastor Greg asked us to examine the areas in which we choose to grow and ask ourselves if we work on those things because it’s something we want to grow in, or because it’s something in which God wants us to grow. He challenged us to listen for God who could be speaking to us through certain people or circumstances.
This coming Sunday at Sheridan is Backpack Sunday and the Ministry Fair. What better opportunity could present itself than learning about all the different areas in our church where people can grow? This Sunday is a day to take time to walk through the fair, ask questions, hear the stories and learn about the ministries. Then go home and pray for those ministries and each person that they will touch. Then, ask God, “Where do you want to use me?”, and listen for his response. Are you good with a computer? Maybe he’s nudging you toward the tech team. Does it bring you joy to visit with your children or grandchildren about their day? Maybe a Sunday morning shepherd is what God is putting on your heart. Do you love to make people feel comfortable in your home? Then God may just be calling you to serve on a hospitality team.
Ask God where He needs you, and be open to listening to his voice.
Gracious Father,
Thank you for gifting us with so many opportunities to grow towards you. We ask you to open our hearts and open our minds so that we can hear your calling. Be generous with your desires and obvious with your opportunities, so that we don’t miss what you have prepared in advance for us to do.
Help us to love well. Help us to serve well.
In the mighty, saving and precious name of your Son Jesus,
Amen
Written by Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridanโs Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridanโs Childrenโs Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God.
๏ปฟJulie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.