Fruitful Mail

Even with the weirdness that is a world wide pandemic, there are still some summer blessings that I am enjoying. The fruit and vegetables in my neck of the woods have been glorious...sweet, juicy, delicious! 😋 

The USPS recently released a series of new Forever stamps featuring fruits and vegetables that got me thinking about the beauty and abundance of this summer’s harvest. The events of the day and the cultural responses have been overwhelmingly negative but these beautiful postage stamps got me thinking about the abundant life in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible teaches that if we abide in Jesus (He is the vine and we are the branches) we will bear much fruit. We are new creatures in Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can choose to respond differently to the world around us. We can choose.

“I CHOOSE LOVE…

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstances. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My spouse will not question my love. And my children will never fear that I will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL…

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will not, rule the eternal. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23). To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace.

And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest with the peace that passes all understanding.”

— Author Unknown

I came across this statement of commitment not long ago and it seemed perfect for everything that was happening in our world. I’ve been reading it over everyday and praying that the Lord would help me bear much fruit and to truly live the abundant life! 

XOXO,

Mrs. Murphy