Podcasts about fruitfulness

Today we return to Acts 6 and consider a powerful equation for fruitfulness in the Christian life: Readiness + Willingness + Opportunity = Fruitfulness. If any of these are missing, we become ineffective.

Continuing with the theme of the Holy Spirit, pastor Andy provides four more ways the Holy Spirit leads and speaks to His people.  In doing so, he invites Pam Hull to share some real-world experience in learning to be led by the Holy Spirit and what that looks like.  You don't want to miss this one!  

Josh Belt

The weekly sermon from Evergreen Community Church in Redland, Oregon. Today's sermon is from guest speaker and elder Eric Birch. 

This Sunday we're looking at the second of three paragraphs in Jesus' conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount.

Join us today as we continue our series on Fruitfulness, starting with Acts 1:4-8.

The Holy Spirit is a very under-appreciated part of God.  Mainstream Christianity practically ignores the topic of the Holy Spirit.  Yet Jesus said it would be the Holy Spirit Who He would send and enter our hearts when Jesus ascended back to Heaven.  Understanding the Holy Spirit is a vital part of walking in victory in this life.  Learn more about the Holy Spirit in this teaching, and especially how to recognize when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.  

How To Raise a ChildEphesians 6:1-4

Ps. Melissa uses the powerful story in Genesis of Jospeh to give hope that in the very place the heartache was caused—when we trust God with our pain and stay faithful—he can turn it into fruit.

Luke Cornelius - What were we made for? The coming of Jesus has changed the world, bringing in the fullness of the purposes of God, and we can be part of them in him.

Aneirin Glyn - How can we grow as Christians? In these verses, we see the wonder of what Christ has already completed in full for us, as well as how we can play our part in what God is now doing in the world.

Join us as we use Nehemiah 4:14 to dive into the topic of family, and what family is worth to you.

Jesus claimed to be God and the only way to salvation -- a claim that makes a lot of people, even pastors these days, uncomfortable because of the exclusive nature of that claim in an age when people consider truth as relative.  Learn in this teaching how we can be sure that Jesus is who He claimed to be, and how that applies to the subject of salvation.  You may have never heard it described this way before.  

If you've been tuning in lately, you know that we are in the midst of a verse by verse study through the book of First Thessalonians. We're back at it again today, and I invite you to turn to chapter three now To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

The Thessalonians knew they could count on Paul and that's what we're going to see today as we continue our ongoing study of First Thessalonians here on The Dwelling Place with Pastor Al Pittman. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

Hello, Kindly listen to the teaching titled THE SECRET OF FRUITFULNESS (John 15:5) by Ms. Nodrine Carol Mirembe from the Evening Devotion on Thursday, 15th May 2025

Jesus addressed several important life lessons in His farewell address around the table at the Last Supper.  The second life lesson Jesus serves up to His disciples is the command to love one another.  And before writing this off as just another worn out lesson on love, one should ask if the love of Christ has been personally mastered yet.  If not, there's more to learn.  And you may be surprised how a lack of love can go unnoticed and unaddressed in the life of the Believer, leading to a stale relationship with Jesus, a lack of joy, and lackluster results in prayer.  Prepare to bear more fruit by learning about the more excellent way.  

Asst. Pastor Melvin Gaines Unity Through Fruitfulness

Are you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness. 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout. ✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He promises to be with us. ✅ Fruitfulness flows from God, not just effort.Only God can make our work truly thrive and satisfy. Intersecting Faith & Life Are you busy building your own “house” while neglecting God’s? How can you intentionally make space for God this week—through rest, prayer, or obedience? What’s one step today to reorder your priorities toward Him? Further Reading John 15:1-8 Ecclesiastes 4:6 Isaiah 55

Sermon Text: John 15:1-8 Joost Nixon 05/04/2025

This month of supernatural provision is a month of manna being rained down from heaven. God is multiplying everything. It is a month of fruitfulness. Remember Jesus is the firstfruit who resurrected on Nisan 17 and we are the sons and daughters that come from Him. We are His multiplication. He broke the power of sin , death , and grave to release us from lack and deliver us into wholeness, fruitfulness & multiplication.This month we see a shift as the curse was broken at Jesus death, burial and resurrection , we are now in a garden that is full and complete. A place where we shift our mindset off of gain but instead to receive.In Exodus 16 the Israelites had to receive just what God gave while they were in the wilderness and He gave manna which is the bread of life ! Manna means “What is it” and it was delivered from the realms of life, it was pure, holy, tasted sweet like honey crackers, it was undefiled, and it was the fullness of Jesus. If you can be trained by God this month to subdue your flesh as he asked them to do on Shabbat you will enter a place where He will be your all.Read Exodus 16:27 -30 In this place everything, becomes easy and no struggle to gain. You live in a realm of faith where you know it's coming ! All that you need in every situation will be there. This is the identity He is trying to establish with the Israelites in the wilderness.It's like He's saying “Chill out - I've got this - stop trying to control it or manipulate it. That doesn't work in my garden. ” In His garden or heavenly places we steward in faith, this is a place where we ultimately know He has control over what belongs to Him and we're just helping Him tend it or till it. We are not really stopping anything or starting anything - we're simply in agreement with Him! We're in agreement with what He says and we obey Him from this place !Remember from 1 Samuel 5:22, ““Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,and to hearken than the fat of rams. “Read Deuteronomy 8 :3 Manna is the Word made manifest as Jesus was the Word made manifestWhen the Israelites ate manna they ate the Word. They partook of the completeness and wholeness of nothing missing or broken in Him!What is He saying to you this month ? Just do it ! I'll be there and I'll provide! Step out on faith !Read 1 Corinthians 15:20 We are the fruit of the first born Jesus and we are the evidence that His resurrection was complete!As we prepare for Feast of Shavuot or Pentecost , God is asking us to present ourselves as living sacrifices or fruit unto Him! He is multiplying and bringing order this month.Start the Month of Iyar with a copy of Dr Candice new book “365 Prophetic Revelations from Hebrew Calender”- go to www.Candice Smithyman.comhttps://amzn.to/4aQYoR0Classes START NEXT WEEK- Get signed up Now! - Join DREAM MENTORS and BECOME A CERTIFIED COACH!Do you want to be trained as good disciples or biblical life coach ? Do you need to experience transformation in your souls so you can be the best God is calling you to be. Go to www.dreammentors.orgFREE Zoom CALL with Dr Candice - It's time now to sign up for our next Ascension class and join Dr. Candice's Glory Road Community!Maximize Your Prophetic Potential monthly class is Wednesday April 30 at 10 am and 6 pm EST. Next one after that is Monday May 12 at 10 am and 6 pm EST. You can choose which one. Sign Up here —http://bit.ly/4gfRKXm

You Are Wired For Fruitfulness| FaithBoosters with Beatrice Byemanzi Bee3--Connect with Beatrice Byemanzi Bee3:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bee3ByemanziInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatricebye...Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bee3ByemanziPodcast Apps:Podbean: https://bee3.podbean.com/Apple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Anchor: https://anchor.fm/beatrice-bee3-byemanzi

John Ortberg invites us into a gentle, grounded reflection on Jesus' words from John 15:4–8 — “Abide in me.” It's not about trying harder or achieving more, but about learning to rest our minds and hearts in God's presence. John encourages us to let go of tension, notice where our thoughts dwell, and choose to place them in the love, peace, and life of Jesus. Fruitfulness, he says, begins on the inside — love, joy, peace, patience — and flows out from abiding, not from effort. With a quiet and humble image of the marsh hen building its nest on “the greatness of God,” John helps us see that we too can root ourselves in something steady and true, even in a messy or uncertain world. Today can be a quiet adventure in abiding.Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: DoTheSteps.com

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional05052025.mp3 The post Forgetfulness and Fruitfulness – Genesis 41:51-52 – May 5, 2025 appeared first on Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/forgetfulness-and-fruitfulness-genesis-4151-52-may-5-2025/feed/ 0 https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-

At Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, our own Rev. Frank Cone preached from John 21.

For the Church to remain truly apostolic, she must exercise the apostolate, which is the mission “to spread the Kingdom of Christ over all the earth.” Today's readings remind us that all members of the Church are “sent out” on a mission to proclaim the Good News. Most importantly, Fr. Mike emphasizes that charity, drawn from our unity with Christ, is the “soul” of the whole apostolate that leads us to bear fruit. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 863-870. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In our busy lives, we often lose sight of what truly matters—bearing fruit for God rather than simply staying busy. John 14:21 teaches that love for God manifests in love for others. While we may engage in good activities, we must ensure they fulfill God's purpose. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how easy it is to mistake productivity for fruitfulness, just as Martha was consumed with tasks while Mary chose to abide with Jesus. God is the vine, and we are the branches. True fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him, not just from doing His work. If our efforts lead to stress, pride, or anxiety, we are likely not growing spiritually. Many people are so caught up in ministry or service that they neglect their relationship with God. This is dangerous because it shifts our focus from Him to our own efforts.Busyness is often celebrated in today's culture, but scripture warns that it can be a distraction. Rest should not merely serve to improve our productivity; it should be a time to abide in God. We must ensure that our actions are motivated by love. Without love, our best efforts are meaningless. Love, at its core, is genuine care for God and others. True fruitfulness should be an effortless outcome of abiding in Christ. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we should be moved by the fruits of the Spirit to share the gospel. Our love for God deepens as we understand His love for us.God works so we can rest, and resting is an act of defiance against the false gods of busyness and self-reliance. Jesus left His throne to bring us into His kingdom, calling us to be faithful rather than to strive for immediate fruitfulness. God knows what we need and what is best for us. When raising children, we must ask whether we are teaching them to be busy or to be fruitful. Too often, we are simply in survival mode rather than guiding them to abide in Christ. Resting in the Lord allows us to slow down and reflect on His will. Service without seeking the Lord is harmful. Colossians 1:10 teaches that true fruitfulness comes from increasing in our  knowledge of God. To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, we must devote ourselves to knowing His heart.Abiding in Christ requires time. Like any relationship, our connection with God deepens when we invest in it. Never approach ministry or service without first communing with Jesus. Fruitfulness cannot exist apart from truth, and it cannot be separated from Christ. Ultimately, our goal is not to achieve visible results but to remain faithful, trusting that God will bring about the fruit in His perfect timing.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how in our busy lives, it's easy to mistake productivity for true fruitfulness, but Scripture teaches that abiding in Christ is what truly matters. As John 14:21 reminds us, love for God is reflected in love for others, and our actions should be rooted in His purpose rather than mere busyness. Just as Martha was consumed with tasks while Mary chose to sit with Jesus, we must prioritize our relationship with God over constant activity. While today's culture celebrates busyness, Scripture warns that it can be a distraction, and true rest should be a time to abide in God, not just recharge for more work. Without love, our efforts are meaningless, and true fruitfulness should be the natural outcome of a deep relationship with Christ. God calls us to faithfulness rather than immediate results, and when we prioritize abiding in Him, He brings forth the fruit in His perfect timing. Resting in the Lord allows us to slow down, reflect on His will, and teach our children to seek fruitfulness rather than mere busyness. Abiding in Christ takes time, and just as in any relationship, we must invest in knowing God's heart to truly walk in a manner worthy of Him.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

a) Greeting and Thanksgiving (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4)b) God's Justice and Mercy (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7a)c) The Coming Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7b - 10)d) Prayer for Worthiness and Fruitfulness (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

On today's podcast, we are decreeing a prophetic release upon you for all the areas of your life that are fragmented and you have not been able to be fruitful in.  The enemy has torn down many of the structures in our lives, and the Lord's grace is being released to bring fruitfulness back to us.   https://christian-center-store.myshopify.com/search?type=product&q=oil

-Jesus' Resurrection is the First Fruits of New Creation-New Creation is Already & Not Yet-Jesus is the Cornerstone of New Creation-Picture of New Creation (Isaiah 65:17-25)1. Old gone for good [17]2. Whole lot of joy! [18-19]3. Fullness of life [20]4. Fruitfulness in life [21-23]5. Known by God [24]6. Absolute peace [25]

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

Jesus didn't curse the tree because it was out of season—He cursed it because it gave the appearance of fruitfulness with none of the substance. He wasn't being petty—He was being prophetic.He was saying:Don't just look alive. Be alive.Don't just talk the talk. Walk in truth.Don't be leafy with no fruit—because faith without fruit is just foliage."Be Fruitful". by VASHAWN MITCHELLwww.BibleDeliverance.org

In this episode, Coach Tom gives you practical tools to become more self-aware, freer on the inside, and more aligned with God.When you are feeling out of sorts:Pay attention to it … Sometimes the tell is how you are feeling … pay attention to your feelings/bodyClarify itRecognize its impact on your peace in Christ and experience of the Fruit of the SpiritSome of the symptoms might be:  Overthinking Noise on the insideA Sense of Isolation & DisconnectRemember, if you are in Christ, Fruit of the Spirit … His Peace is already in you (Gal. 5:22; Col. 3:15)1.    Ask yourself how your thoughts are impacting all the fruit of the Spirit in you2.    Agree with God's perspective3.    James 5:16 confess your sins … Hamartia … missing the mark, fault, failure, guilt4.    Pray for each other that you may be healed__________________________You can connect with Coach Tom at:https://greaterformation.com/Email: Tom@GreaterFormation.com P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are two ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here2. Work with me:I can help you Clarify, Plan, and take Bold Steps into Your Future. Book a Free 30-Minute Clarity and Fruitfulness Session with me: Click Here

Weekly sermons from City Lights Church based in Greeley Colorado. Featuring head Pastor Kurt Chamberlain and other guest speakers.

Series: N/AService: Sunday Morning WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Mike Brenneman

There's something striking about how Jesus moves through the gospels, especially in Mark 11 & 12. He doesn't flinch or get thrown off by manipulation—He's not playing their game. Every test from the religious leaders only exposes their hearts.   In this episode, Whit and Casey talk about the fruit our lives produce, letting go of the performance, and returning again and again to the quiet voice that calls us to relationship over routine.     Show Notes:   Check out the message: Devotion, Religious Performance, & Fruitfulness in God - https://youtu.be/aCogSqwquYQ

Pastor Whit continues our teaching series, The Gospel of Mark.

Acts 18:1-28 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Acts 18, we see that God is faithful, and the gospel is fruitful even amidst opposition. God sovereignly provides gospel partners like Aquila and Priscilla, turning negative circumstances, such as Emperor Claudius's expulsion of Jews from Rome, into opportunities for ministry expansion. Despite initial rejection by the Jews, Paul's ministry bears remarkable fruit, reaching unlikely converts like Crispus, the synagogue ruler. Furthermore, God protects Paul through the unlikely means of Roman governor Gallio's indifference, granting Paul freedom to preach without fear of persecution. Ultimately, Acts 18 emphasizes God's faithfulness in preparing new laborers, as evidenced by the rise of Apollos, who was discipled by Aquila and Priscilla and powerfully carried the gospel forward.

A.W. Tozer once wrote in The Knowledge of the Holy, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our understanding of God influences everything—including how we handle what He has entrusted to us.In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells a story that reveals how our perception of God directly affects our stewardship. Three servants are given different amounts of money while their master is away. Two invest what they receive and are rewarded for their faithfulness. The third, however, buries his portion out of fear. His failure wasn't just financial—it was a failure of understanding his master's character.A Misunderstanding That Led to FearAt first glance, the punishment of the third servant might seem extreme. After all, he didn't lose the money—he simply didn't invest it. But Jesus' parable isn't just about financial stewardship; it's about how we see God.The third servant viewed his master as “a hard man” (Matthew 25:24), someone to be feared rather than trusted. His words reveal the issue of his heart:“Master, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground.” - Matthew 25:24-25His fear of failure led him to inaction. Instead of seeing an opportunity, he saw a trap. Instead of seeing generosity, he saw harshness. And because of that, he did nothing.This is the danger of a wrong view of God. When we perceive Him as an unrelenting taskmaster, we shrink back—afraid to fail, hesitant to step out, reluctant to engage with what He has given us. We bury our talents—whether our time, resources, or gifts—assuming He is more interested in punishment than partnership. But Scripture reminds us:“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” - 1 John 4:18Faith and Trust Lead to FruitfulnessIn contrast, the first two servants acted in faith. They saw their master as someone worth serving, embracing their responsibility with joy. They took risks, multiplied what they had been given, and were met with their master's praise:“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” - Matthew 25:21The master's reward wasn't just about productivity—it was an invitation into deeper joy. Their faithfulness wasn't about money; it was about trust. They trusted their master's goodness and acted boldly.Many struggle with obedience because they see it as a burden rather than an opportunity. But the faithful servants understood something key: what they had been given actually belonged to their master, and stewarding it well was a privilege.Jesus invites us to partner with Him in His work, not because He needs us, but because He delights in working through us. Paul describes this beautifully:“For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.” - 1 Corinthians 3:9We are not slaves cowering under a harsh master—we are co-laborers in His kingdom. When we understand this, our perspective on obedience changes. Giving, serving, and using our gifts for His glory are no longer seen as obligations but as privileges.Living as Faithful StewardsThe real tragedy of the third servant is that he never truly knew his master. His false perception led to his inaction, and his master's response is sobering:“Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” - Matthew 25:30This warning isn't just about stewardship—it's about our hearts. If we live in fear and refuse to trust God, we will miss out on the joy of His kingdom. In fact, I would venture to say that when some meet Jesus, they may not hear, “I never knew you,” but rather, “You never knew Me.”But if we truly know Him, we will step forward in faith, eager to invest our lives in His work.God invites us to see Him as He truly is—loving, generous, and trustworthy. When we do, we won't shrink back in fear—we will step forward in faith. Like the faithful servants in the parable, we will hear His words of joy:“Well done, good and faithful servant.”Let's live as stewards who know our Master—trusting in His goodness and investing in His kingdom with boldness and joy.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My daughter has $20,000 in credit card debt across five cards. With her husband incarcerated, she's struggling to make the $800 monthly minimum payments. I'm looking for a way to help her consolidate the debt and get a lower interest rate so she can start paying it down.We've been offered a good price to sell our 14-year-old business, but I'm concerned about the capital gains taxes we'll owe. Besides investing in our IRAs, are there any other strategies we can use to reduce the taxes we'll have to pay on the sale?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineThe Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life by A.W. TozerCross InternationalChristian Credit CounselorsNational Christian Foundation (NCF)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Numbers 34-36; March 11 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we continue our journey through the Bible on this 63rd day of the year. I'm Hunter, your Bible reading coach, here to guide you through scripture and into a deeper relationship with the one who is the living word of God. Today, our reading takes us through Numbers chapters 34 through 36 and Mark chapter 11. We'll explore God's instructions to the Israelites about dividing the land and cities of refuge, and listen as Jesus interacts with His disciples, performing miracles and teaching profound lessons in the Gospel of Mark. Later, we'll reflect on how we are called to participate in God's life, and engage in a time of prayer, seeking God's guidance and peace. Thank you for joining us today as we invest in the most valuable part of ourselves – our soul. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together, experience the encouragement of Scripture, and remember that you are always loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jesus speaks to the tree, and Jesus speaks to his disciples. Strange thing to speak to a tree. If you caught me speaking to a tree, you might think that's strange, and you would be right. It is. And Mark tells us I love this part. The disciples heard him say it. So Mark circles back to this moment the next day, and what happened there was still lingering in the air, apparently. After seeing it, the tree withered there the next day. They have to bring it to Jesus' attention. They say, Rabbi, look, the tree, it's withered. And Mark tells us this in verse 22, then Jesus said to the disciples. So Jesus speaks to the tree, and now he speaks to the disciples. And I think there's a connection here in this story of the two things Jesus is saying to both. To the tree, well, he's not happy with the tree. He curses it, in fact. It seems unreasonable for him to be so displeased with the tree. I mean, it is just a tree. Mark tells us it was not the season for figs, but still the tree is being called out. Why? I don't know. It's a mystery. But maybe maybe it has something to do with the fact that it had no fruit. Right? I mean, Jesus says that because it had no fruit, or Mark tells us it had no fruit. It wasn't being what it was meant to be and do. The creator of that tree has come walking by, and he's looking for fruit. You would think that the creator of all the trees, of all things, would have the prerogative to have some fruit from the tree that he has made where and when he wanted it. But the tree is not cooperating with the creator when he comes. So it came to be what it was, cursed and withered, because it failed to respond and participate with the creator who made it and was asking for some fruit even out of season. The next day, Mark tells us that Jesus speaks to his disciples. No trees today. And to his disciples, he says this, have faith in God. The creator is walking with his disciples and he says, do and be who I created you to be. Participate. Cooperate with me. It's my prerogative. I made you. So be and do what I ask you to. Does it seem unreasonable or impossible for a tree to produce fruit out of season? Not if the creator asked you to do it. Does it seem impossible for you to tell this mountain to be thrown into the sea? Well, not if the creator asked you to do it. Does it seem impossible to forgive someone? Well, not if the creator has forgiven you and made you his own. Not if he's asked you to do it. The life of the disciple is a life of participation with God. Jesus isn't trying to teach us to have magic trick faith. Faith isn't about doing parlor tricks. Faith is a response to the creator who is asking us to participate in his life, to be and do what we were created to be and do. And then he says this, so when you pray, when you are participating in my life, forgive. This is what the creator has created you to do and to be, forgiving. You are forgiven, loved, a disciple of God. Now participate with the life of God and do what he says. And when we do that, life might become strange to onlookers, but it will become so much bigger, so much freer, so much more full of life. And that's the prayer that I have for my soul, that I will be and do what the creator has asked me to be and to do. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son, and that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL