Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 April 2025

Reading From Luke 6:27-49

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

—Luke 6:43-45

     The world around me is a confusing and chaotic mess of people of all varieties from different backgrounds, mentalities, and cultures all with wildly different levels of spiritual understanding and maturity.  For those of us who have been born again, we have the flesh and the Spirit within us battling for control.  When I allow the flesh to win, bad fruit is produced.  When I yield to the authority and control of the Holy Spirit, excellent fruit comes forth in my life. 

     How do I produce good spiritual fruit?  I believe that by planting the good seed of the Word of God in my heart and mind, my spiritual health will improve and the output of my life will be balanced, healthy, righteous and good.  I can do this by reading, studying, meditating on, and praying the Scriptures as I put biblical principles into practice in daily life. 

     A helpful passage that comes to mind is Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  The garbage in, garbage out concept is a pragmatic one and thankfully the opposite is also true, that if I put good things in, good will come out. 

“Holy Spirit, You are welcome in my heart, mind and life.  Remove impure thoughts and desires and anything that does not please Heavenly Father.  Replace the aspects of my life that do not honor You with more of Your Presence and power within me.  Bless me with wisdom and strength to resist temptation and do Your will.  Empower me to surrender to You more fully.  Show me what that looks like on a practical level.  May I exude Your love and holiness each day.  In the Name of Christ Jesus I pray these things.  Amen.”

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

—Romans 12:2