fruit {{giveaway}}
February 21, 2011 | Books, Encouragement for Today, Just me, Ministry Life
Rita was the winner of today’s giveaway. I have sent an email to her! Congrats, Rita, and thank you to the rest of you for such great comments. I read them all, responded to many of you, and prayed for many of you. Suzie
If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome!
Yesterday I sat in my home church service. I listened as a man read from a missionary newsletter. It read something like this:
7 people saved. 10 people healed. 1 person no longer broken emotionally. 1 man released from hospital. 10 people who must lose everything to become Christians encouraged in their faith. 1 family made whole again.
The numbers just kept piling up.
The one thing that struck me….hard, was that the missionary didn’t say one word about himself or his ministry. He just recounted the “fruit” of what was taking place.
I placed my forehead on the pew in front of me and listened to the sweet whisper of my Heavenly Father: “Suz, this is what really matters.”
Not books. Not events. Not doors opening or closing. Of course I know that, but had I also forgotten at the same time?
I’ll be in several states over the next few months and God reminded me all over again of His heartbeat.
Fruit = people. People God loves.
Though I’ve never been into numbers, and my heart longs to communicate the love and intimacy and power of Christ, it’s also easy to shift your focus, if even for a moment and deem whether something is a success or a ”God-thing” based on things that I don’t believe hold a lot of significance in the Kingdom of God.
It’s just as easy to forget why we do what we do when we are teaching, or mentoring, or raising our children up to know Him, or a pastor, or women’s ministries leader. No matter what we do, today this is my prayer. If it is your prayer, too, join me.
Readjust my heart, Lord. Don’t let me fall into a trap of wanting anything but fruit. For every small thing I get to do, whether it is my fingers poised over a keyboard or a microphone in my hands or sitting across from a friend, let me pray and rejoice in the fruit of people finding you, finding wholeness, finding new life.
In your powerful, mighty name.
Amen
One person today will receive an autographed copy of The Woman I am Becoming.
I’d love to autograph it for you or a friend. But most of all, I pray it is an encouragement to the one who reads it.
Suzie
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I fight this battle too. As if I was the important thing. No, it is those I am reaching for, those I am teaching, those I am writing for…They are the ones…Not me…
February 21st, 2011 at 4:13 pmThis is a refreshing post. We have to be careful not to stand on our roof and count what our hands have done. Without Him we can do nothing. The other thing that comes to mind is we cannot ‘see’ all the fruit. Some are still in the form of a seed. Why do we try to guage and measure success? I think it is a struggle to not look to the world for recognition and validation. Isn’t it enough to be His? Just trying to get over myself…again. B
February 21st, 2011 at 4:30 pmYes, that is what I am praying for also. To be a blessing to others to be fuly aware of God’s presence with in me. I pray each morning for this to know God’s will. thank-you for the blog!
February 21st, 2011 at 8:45 pmFruit is what is truly important….not self, not numbers….fruit – in terms of transformed lives, redeemed lives, healed lives, whole lives.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:11 amYour devotional today brought tears to my eyes. I love when moments like that remind us of what is really important. We are called to love God and to love people. God is constantly showing us ways to do this. We just need to open and receptive to it.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:38 amThank you for sharing your heart. This was a very timely devotion for me.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:13 amThankyou for reminding us to keep in perspective what we are called to do. It is hard not to look to the world and others for recognition and validation as “b” said.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:25 amIt never ceases to amaze me how God knows exactly what we need when we need it! Thank you for the encouraging words! Since getting married and moving away 3 yrs ago to a town that plays church and no one is serious about it, I had forgotten what being a Christian really is about. Its not just about us being sealed till the day of redemption but about us helping to bring others into God’s fold. Thank you for reminding me of this and bringing back my passion.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:30 ami did come here by way of encouragement for today, and am leaving BLESSED and encouraged in my walk.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:36 amThanks for this message. It’s so easy to change our focus in ministry! It was a timely reading for me too.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:48 amThank you! Perfect timing for this to show up in my inbox.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:06 amLove this message – it is the fruit! It isn’t me. I need to remember that, even in my daily child-raising life. Thank you!
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:14 amthank you for reminding me how the Gospel is still preached.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:20 amThank you for your beautiful words today. We have so many homeless/hopeless people in our area. God bless you for your ministry.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:22 amSuzie ~ The cry of my heart this year is that I’ll be “fruitful” for His glory !(john 15) Sounds like our hearts are beating in unison.
Praying all we do will be fruitful and our Heavenly Father will be glorified!
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:34 amKeep Shining for Jesus!
Steph
Phil 3:7-14
Oh my, I need to readjust my vision and remember why I am doing things. Why do I continually try to raise my two young children for Him? It is my God given ministry right now, but sometimes I think raising little ones who are oh so very demanding can be one of the most difficult ministries of all-but it is a true ministry and it is one of love and that makes it great. I pray that despite the dailyness wearing down on me I would still try to focus on what’s important each day.
I also teach Sunday School and do AWANA and I think I have started to become lost in that area too.
I prayed the prayer you wrote out today and added some words of my own-words of repentance.
Lately, the devotionals have been speaking to me. Really, it’s the Spirit of God whispering to me through the words. I am thankful for relevant daily devotions.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 amI have loved & known the Lord for most of my life but have never gotten victory in some emotionally areas in my life. I do not want to pass down my baggage to my children. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what’s easier when you are raising 6 children. But standing firm and remembering why we do what we do is the most important things I can do to raise these beautiful children God has entrusted me with.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:42 amIt is all in God’s name that we do things not for our egos/pride. Not always easy to remember that at the moment but something I’m working on, being in His word at all times.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:07 amYour words about the missionary report hit home. It’s not by our might or power, but by His Spirit. Lord, may there be less of me and more of you in the ministries that I touch on a daily basis…as a wife, mom, friend or leader. Thank you for sharing your heart.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:08 amJust EXACTLY what I needed to hear today….struggling with this, and just spoke to my husband about it yesterday. Thanks..I’m fruit:)!
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:08 amActually, just what I was thinking about with my ministry to my aging and difficult mother. Lord, forgive me for a heart that is not serving you by not serving others with YOUR power and grace.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:11 amBless the Lord O my soul for you who have helped to remind me what we as christians sholud be about. I asked my self how much have you done to bring forth fruit in Gods kingdom? What seeds are you sowing in the lives of others?, and all I can say is not enough. So this message has opened my eyes to this area that need to be adjusted. Thanks
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:20 amIt is so wonderful how God leads us to exactly what we need to hear at the perfect time. It’s not about me, but rather all about Him. Thank you so much for sharing God’s blessings.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:22 amWe are the hands and feet of Christ! Are our hands and feet speaking the truth of the Gospel to others? Are they founded in the love that we ourselves have been shown? The most you can pass on is what you have received yourself, so drink deeply from the Gospel yourself every day.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:31 amWhat a powerful reminder. Thank you for sharing your heart. I prayed the pray with you.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:32 amI am always in aw of how God uses the Proverbs 31 devotions to remind me of exactly what I need to be reminded of. Perfect timing to show me that we are making the right decision in our life. Thank you for being a part of this reminder and encouragement to do right.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:38 amThank you for the reminder.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:41 amHi, your post made me think of a friend that is packing up her family soon and joining others to start a new church in the DC area. It’s so encouraging to imagine the lives they will be reaching. The hurt and broken the unbelievers.
Thank you for sharing your story today. It was so touching.
Blessings,
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:45 amMissy~
Thank you for this sharing this part of your ministry and reminding me once again what it’s all about. God bless you and your ministry.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:45 amGod is so good. He is always on time, every time. Praise God for the messengers in my life that keep me focused and on the right path. Thanks for all you do.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:46 amThe fruit is the way to get a look at your life. My 20 year old son told his girlfriend last week that I (MOM) have never displayed much character. He is angry at me for being a strict parent. It saddens me to have my son speak of me this way and I guess belive it. I sure would like to become the woman God meant for me to be. My son’s comment makes me wonder who he really sees when he sees me–a strict parent that won’t pay for him to study Philosophy under an atheist or a woman that truly does have no character.Maybe your book will give me guidence.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:51 amThank you for the encouraging words that you write…you are truly a blessing! I so look forward to reading the P31 devotions everyday that I wonder what I ever did without them. Thanks for your service to the Lord.
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:57 amWow, I am reminded of how full of myself I truly am.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:00 amMy husband and I have struggled in our marriage now for a few years. My past continues to haunt me on a daily basis as well as other daily issues and stresses. I have focused so much on myself for years.
It is not about me.
What a revelation. I know I have heard this before many times, and I believe it is sinking in today to my shallow heart. I pray that our Lord use this as a transformational move in me so that I can focus on the REAL matter.
I pray that our Lord help me to use my difficulties and past to help others.
I have got to focus on being a light to others who are in so much need of knowing the Lord.
I pray that God would equip me and guide me as I move away from selfish self and onto others hurting hearts. I pray that God would use me where ever he needs me. I pray that he would show me where to begin to work.
Thank you very much for todays message.
may God continue to guide your words and paths.
may He continue to bless you.
The Father surely speaks through you, Suzanne. I am always captivated by the simple beauty and truth of your writing; it pulls me closer to Jesus every time. Bless you for sharing what He places on your heart! It strengthens me to do likewise for His glory. Have a blessed day!
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:01 amThank you for this devotional. I’ve been praying about what parts of ministry I am supposed to keep and what parts God wants me to stop doing. Your words made me realize that I my heart had already stopped doing these things for God’s fruit. My service had just become actions of obedience in my mind with no thought to the ultimate reson God may have me in these places. It was more about what God was working out in me than what he may be working out in those I was serving. I join you in asking God – Please readjust my heart.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:06 amReally needed to hear your message in todays P31 devotion. Hits me right where I am. Thanks!
Believing Him~Pamela
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:08 amThank you. I so want to bear fruit for Him. I loved the prayer.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:19 amYou are amazing. Praying for God’s love and favor to ever be present in your life. I’m glad you do what you do.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:24 amThank you for the reminder that we do what God calls us to do for Him and for the broken people who need Him. May we all be challenged to take “me” out of the picture.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:28 amSuzi,
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:38 amI found your site today as I was reading the Encouragement for Today daily email. Though I’m not called into full time ministry I have been called to love and that’s my prayer for today. So often we do forget that our journey in this life is all about the people, not ourselves; I appreciate your reminding me of that today.
Thank you for this word of encouragement today! A friend recently forwarded me your email just 2 dyas ago. i was immediately blessed and signed up to recieve my word of encoragement at that very moment! I long to be the Proverbs 31 woman. I long to be all that God wants me to be-not perfect, just being who He created me to be. Thank you for your ministry. Keep fighting the good fight!
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:41 amGenena
Keller, TX
Thank you for your words of encouragement today. Love Fruit = People. People God loves. Let us never forget that.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 amI will meditate the whole day on just those first four words of prayer, “Readjust my heart, Lord”. Thank you!
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 amPerfect timing. Just a few weeks ago, a ministry I’m in launched a new phase of activity, and I had been experiencing a few of the “lows” you described in the Encouragement devotional. In this morning’s Bible reading, I had read the account of Elisha asking for and receiving a double portion of Elijah’s anointing (years ago, I had asked for the equivalent for myself in my ministry) – and about the “hard thing” he was requesting. I prayed for a renewed and refreshed spirit.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:46 amThen, your description of what the question, “Can I pray with you?” can bring, shifted my vision and did help to renew my strength, because I look back at the lives the Lord has let me touch by asking that same question. What a privilege!
I needed this reminder today. This season of my life is a busy one, and its easy to lose sight of what is truly important in the daily craziness. Thank you for these words of encouragement!
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:49 amThanks for the devotion!
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:52 amThis could not have been a more timely devotion for me today! I work in a Christian school and had a HUGE confrontation with my Boss yesterday. I definitely needed the reminder to focus on the fruit and not the personalities or winning my point. Thank you!
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:03 amThank you for the reminder of what we are here to do today. It gets lost in the busyness of life…and yet it is so simple. Thanks for the encouragement!
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:03 amWhat a great reminder today! I am in ministry at our church and we have had some “mountains” that keep appearing and keep wearing us out, but God is faithful and continues to give us strength and peace as we press on.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:19 amLoved reading your Encouragement for Today!
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:30 amWhen I think about what I want to do with my life, fulfilling hobbies or career, there is nothing I can think of that stirs my soul more than the thought of being a part of the transformation of the hearts/lives of women coming to know Jesus & becoming saved. I desire to be with God for etermity with my family & as many souls as God gathers in & allows me to witness & be a part of the promise that got us there.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:30 amThank you for sharing. I am in awe of how God uses so many resources to speak, to touch, to redirect us (me). I am a pastor’s wife and I do loose focus sometimes of what is really important. It is so easy to get caugtht up in the complaints, the negative. But it is so awesome to see or feel God’s touch on people lives, to see the real reasons we do what we do, share Jesus! Thanks again for the devo and sharing your heart! May God continue to bless you!
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:43 amThanks so much for your encouraging words today. A great reminder that it’s not always what we’re doing but why we’re doing it.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 amYour devotional from Encouragement for Today came via a young mom that serves with us in Women’s Ministry. Today I needed this encouragement. Drying my hair this morning I was so stuck in the muck and not sure how to help a very angry wife, who really doesn’t want help, but recognizes that she will have to have some, to get through the mess of an affair her husband had. Her anger right now is being misdirected, and I was absolutely stuck on how to minister to her. Thank you that you followed promptings and taught us well through this writing. My tender tears flow, I thank God for his mercy today.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:52 amThank you so much! We are in a difficult time in our lives – as it relates to church and we are searching for God’s will for our lives. My husband and I want to minister! We want to share God’s grace with others. Will you pray for us that God will direct our lives and we will be in the place that He wants us to be to work for HIM?
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:55 amThank you again,
Deb
Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us! All Glory and Praise to Him
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:57 amThank you for your encouraging words today! Seems like God always just gives us exactly what we need right when we need it with His living word. My prayer for months now has been that revival would break out starting in our own hearts, leading to the church and even the world. The Lord put on my husbands heart about a yr ago to start Celebrate Recovery in our church. This is a ministry for anyone with hurts, habits and hang-ups. Mainly focused on drug addictions but great for anyone. It’s been very challenging to learn all the material and kind of a scary thought but I have faith that God is in control and we are going to see numerous blessings and people’s lives changed through this ministry. It begins March 4th. Will you please just pray that God will be glorified and hearts and lives will be changed! I really feel a move of God coming over us..
In Christ,
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:03 pmMisty
Thank you for this, it was just what I needed to hear today!
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 pmAh yes. Readjust my heart, Lord. Don’t let me fall into a trap of wanting anything but fruit. Tucking that one into my journal for this week. Thank you Suzie!
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:28 pmI would love a signed copy of your book, to give to the young lady I am mentoring. I already gave her a copy and we are meeting every other week to discuss the questions. I told her I wanted one for me too, so I could read along with her. But I haven’t bought it yet! A “signed” copy would be very special for her, somehow making it more personal.
Thank you for your encouraging ministry!
thanks for this post, I need to be reminded it is the little things God ask me to do. I want to do what He’s called, right now both my husband and I are seeking God direction for us in serving Him
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:30 pmThank you so much for this enlightening post today. It was just what my heart needed today. I thoroughly enjoy waking up every day to your posts, it is a great way to start my day off just right.
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:05 pmI needed to hear this today! It’s people that are important, not my feelings and things. Thanks for the reminder. Your prayer is my prayer also!
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:10 pmThank you for the post. Especially in the prayer…”re-adjust my heart, Lord.”
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:11 pmBeautiful devotional and blog today, Suzi. Thank you for reminding us of these truths!
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:12 pmI have been reminded lately that it is not about me. Thank you for this reminder that it is always about the fruit!
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:06 pmI’ve come from a family that was always heavily involved in ministry. We were at church 4 or 5 nights a week serving, serving, serving other people. But now my parents are both burned out. They’re done–tired of carrying more than their own fair weight, tired of it not being enough, or tired of being betrayed when they need the chruch to support them.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:26 pmMy husband and I have started serving in our own church and this is one of my biggest fears. Burn out. Disgust. Frustration. Not with God but with His sheep. Losing sight of WHY I’n serving, and WHO it is that I am really serving.
Thank you for your encouragment to remember why and who we serve.
I have just stumbled onto your website accident and the way I did is only a God-thing! I’ve been struggling with where God wants me to do and I just can’t see His Will. I don’t know what is wrong with me. My life is really complicated right now and it seems that just trying to survive is the only accomplishment I can achieve; but surely there is more to life than that. I cannot say that I have any problems, great family, great husband, great job, great church…soooo why cannot I hear from God. So I guess I need a real big re-adjustment in my heart and not my head. Thank you so much for this message I really need to hear something more directional to get closer to the One and Only.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:26 pmThank you for your words of encouragement. My ministry at this stage of my life is to my family. To stay on task and not be pulled away by what the world seems to believe I need to be doing. My mission is to my family. To teach them Gods love and show them the grace that He bestows on us. Raising my children is truly a short season in my life that goes much to fast. I want to be the mom that stops and listens to my children and connects with them. I had to simplify my life when my third child was born. I had to step down from church commitments that some people didn’t understand. God has called me to a new mission field my family. One day when they have children of their own I pray that they too will love and serve Jesus.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pmThank you for this post. My son is a missionary in Slovakia for a year. Sometimes he gets discouraged but I told him he is opening doors that others can follow and lead people to Christ. He doesn’t realize it but his newsletters that he sends home impacts those of us at home who read them. We should support our missionaries both financially but especially prayfully. I would love to win a copy of your book.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:47 pmGreat devotional today! I’ve realized that I too need to start focusing on fruit. Thanks.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:52 pmI agree wholeheartedly. I had an opportunity today and tonight when I was praying with my children, I thanked God for that opportunity because it felt so good to just touch someone else’s heart and help them see Him and His wonderful, beautiful power.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:05 pmOh Father – readjust my heart!! Don’t let me fall into a trap of wanting anything but fruit. Let me pray and rejoice in the fruit of people finding you, finding wholeness, finding new life.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Thank you for your words today.
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:14 pmGreat message today!
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:24 pmYour message was a true blessing today! Thank you!
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:31 pmSuzie, I work in ministry with the International Mission Board. I work on the IT Help Desk, answering questions and helping people to become more self sufficient and more productive. For 4-1/2 years, I wanted to move into a training role. In Jan., that opportunity presented itself and I applied for the job. I NAILED the interview, but today, to my disappointment I was told that I did not get the job. Please help me remember to keep the MAIN thing, the MAIN thing, as we say here. A copy of your book would be great, because we are ALL a WORK IN PROGRESS.
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:16 pmThanks for the very timely reminder!
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:33 pmWow, this is so good. I needed a reminder of how what I do needs to results in fruit, the human kind! As a book editor, I am a natural introvert, and I need to be pushed to reach outside my little world and connect. I spent time encouraging a sister in Christ today. Thanks for the exhortaion to reach out and love others!
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 pmInclude me in on the drawing for the new book. I am glad to have found this blog, Suzie your are amazing. Thanks for making it an opportunity to win a book of yours. I really need it in my life at this time.
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:39 pmWould love to check out the book. Even without the drawing though, this post, and the devotional at Proverbs 31, were outstanding. Thanks for sharing from your journey!
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:48 pmThank you for this sweet reminder. My parents are both in FT ministry and I pray that each day they’d be encouraged even thought the “numbers” may not be great and the ministry has dealt its own fair share of surprises.
I’d love to have a chance to read your book as well.:)
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:38 pmThank you so much for this devotion today. It is what I needed.
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 pmMy family is my first ministry. First and foremost the most important.
I too have been struggling with getting distracted with the everyday frustrations and worries. Thank you for reminding me to keep looking to Christ and reminding me what is needed. My family has been heavy on my heart…what a short time we actually have with our children at home, and we must harvest the fruit while we may.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:13 pmThanks for your words of wisdom
Thank you for your encouraging words. I teach 5th graders in a christian afterschool program. We’re studying the Lord’s prayer. It was so shocking to me how many children do not know some of the basic bible concepts. I believe I’m to “churched” at times. Your devotion and blog post helped me to see these young people as precious children of God who he loves very much.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 pmGrace
Thanks for the reminder of what really counts…it’s easy to get caught up in the details of ministry and forget the purpose.
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:15 amI am so glad for God’s patience with the long process it takes to change my life into becoming the woman He desires me to be.
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:18 amthis devotion is such a reminder of what is eternal !
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:10 amThanks for sharing.
I love the fruit! This has made me stop to think of all the prayer requests we do at church and how sometimes it wears on me to see so many needs – I want to hear just as many fruit or more as I do needs. I am going to see if my Pastor can call out, after 1 month, of all the fruit instead of the requests one evening at church service – how powerful that would be!! Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. I am excited in becoming everything God needs be to be.
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:14 amThank you for the reminder today. I am going to share this with our ladies ministry leadership committee. Would love to read the book!
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 amBeing fruitful is what this life we’ve been given is all about. I love this message!
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:25 pmWhat’s really amazing is that the LORD keeps bringing this message up in my spirit. Thank you for being His vessel to reinforce this particular message to me.
Hugs in Him,
Kim
Thank you sweet sister for the challenge and the reminder of what we are truly “doing” in the ministry as we serve in the body of Christ. My husband Steve and I have been blessed and priviledged to teach together for 20 plus years and it’s easy to get bogged down in accountability of being the “teacher” of God’s Word and forgetting about the application of “binding up the wounds” of the hurting on our pews and in our classes. Thank you for being the voice of Jesus as a dear precious reminder of “Why I do what I do.” May God add His Richest Blessings to you and your ministry. Sandi Fortner, Knoxville, TN
February 24th, 2011 at 1:52 am