Personal Perspective - Audra Lewis, Share Fair/Events Coordinator for RLM

Several years ago, I learned the neatest lesson. We received some pears that were supposedly "the best ever", so when they came I could not wait to dig in! I took out the best looking pear, cut it open and took my first bite. I was so disappointed. It tasted okay, but I was certainly not impressed. I put them aside with much disappointment, and did not intend to try them again, but...a few days later I changed my mind and cut another one. Oh boy, juice started to drip everywhere. It was so good! It really was the best pear I ever ate!

 In the parable of the sower, Luke 8:11 and 14 says, "Now the parable is this, the seed is the Word of God. And that which fell among the thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection." We may have fruit in our lives but over time the fruit can be "choked out by cares, riches and pleasures of life.” We must remain in the Word and allow God to bring our fruit to perfection. We are not perfect but God can work through us, if we are willing, to accomplish His good and perfect will. (Romans 12:2). Reading God's Word regularly helps renew our minds. We may read or hear the Word and the seed may be planted, but what do we do with it? Our purpose in life is to allow God to bring our fruit to perfection so His will may be accomplished, and He will receive all the glory! We must persevere and strive to know God in order for the seed to grow. 2 Peter 1:6-8 says, “for this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God wants us to continually seek Him so that we may grow in "increasing measure". If we have fruit but it is not ripe, we need to seek God in order for it to reach its potential. Only God can bring the fruit to perfection, through our willing hearts.

 Share Fair is this Saturday!! Did God give you a dream, but you aren’t sure what direction to take, or how to begin? I encourage you to attend this one day conference, where you will be refreshed and encouraged to fan into flame your God given gifts. You will receive ministry tools and ideas to move forward. Learn how to bring forth the fruit (the gifts God gave you) and perfect them. God is working in each of our lives. We serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Come and see what He has for you and your team this Saturday!

Photo courtesy of Breanna Hansen

Share Fair is this Saturday! For more information go to sharefairministry.org.