We must focus on the encounter of the moment. We must approach it as the first and only opportunity. And we must only plant a seed, and not the grown plant. God does the real work. Amen.
We can't help but veer off course occasionally, It's a consequence of original sin. We all need redirection to varying degrees. Frequently we are God's instrument for those we encounter. How we live our lives speaks louder than our words quite often. Amen.
Let's be honest, we're quick to find fault (the splinter) in others. But, if we stop and evaluate our self we by grace of God may find a similar fault (the beam.) While we may help someone close to us there may be double the fruit. Amen.
As branches of the "One True Vine," we are called to be fruitful. But what does that look like? It certainly doesn't mean always being sugary sweet. Jesus said things that challenged people to take a hard look at themselves. Sometimes our fruit may be to do the same. Amen.
Everything in this world comes at a price. Our redemption came at the ultimate price. We need to pay in for our sanctification for ourselves and others. We only have to pay with love, mercy, and the time God has given us. Amen.
Let us not take today for granted. God gave it to us. And brothers and sisters will do things for us; some great and mostly small. Thank God routinely throughout the day and neighbors as you encounter them. Amen.