Making A Public Stand

After Jesus talked with the elders in the Temple at age twelve, we know nothing further of his life until He starts His public ministry.

“Years later, John the Baptist started preaching in the desert of Judea.  He said, ‘Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.’  John was the one the prophet Isaiah was talking about, when he said, ‘In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ …From Jerusalem and all Judea and from the Jordan River Valley crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the river.” Matthew 3:1-6 CEV

John and Jesus’ mothers were cousins. John was a few months older than Jesus. They grew up in different towns. They each had a God-given purpose; they each had a message to deliver. An angel told John’s father:

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. 14 His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. 15  Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born. 16 John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God…This is how John will get people ready for the Lord.” Luke 1:13-17 CEV

Get the people ready for the Lord!

“John told them, ‘I use water to baptize people. But here with you is someone you don’t know. 27 Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals.’ 28 John said this as he was baptizing east of the Jordan River in Bethany.

29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I told you about when I said, “Someone else will come, who is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born.” 31 I didn’t know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.

32 I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. 33 Before this I didn’t know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, “You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 34 I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.” John 1:26-34 CEV

John’s life had one purpose – to prepare the way for Jesus. Up to that time he had lived in the desert in basic obscurity but now, God had led him to a very public ministry. His message resonated in the hearts of people; they were looking for the Messiah. John wasn’t Him but he had a message about Him, “he is the Son of God”!

We also have been given a message to deliver.

“We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 CEV

John’s message announced the path that Jesus would take, the road to the cross. And now it’s time we go public and take the message of the cross to those around us!

Navigating in the Dark

Have you ever tried to walk in the dark? In someone else’s house? Or on a dark road in nature? It can be scary, unnerving at best. It’s always helpful and encouraging to have someone there to shed some light on the path.

I think that’s how Joseph and Mary must have felt. They were navigating through the darkness of tradition and propriety. Old Testament law said that the penalty of sexual intercourse before marriage was death and at the very least, worthy of being ostracized by the family.

Enter Joseph.

“This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David’s family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God’s Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding.

20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21  Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23  “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-23 CEV

There is no cross without a manger. No Easter without Christmas.

“Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31  and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus32  He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 CEV

 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 CEV

The angels came with a message, with direction, with hope and peace. Generally, their first words were “don’t be afraid”. Fear needs to be dispelled so that we can comprehend the rest of the message.

A child, a Savior, the Son of God is born. He IS Christ the Lord and He WILL save His people from their sins!

Jewish babies were born all the time, but none were like this one. He came from God’s right hand and He was miraculously conceived. He had a purpose.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God…26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord…33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35 So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.’” Luke 2:25-33 ERV

Here we have the young parents and the old, faithful servant of God. Young parents who have the responsibility of raising God’s Son. The old man, who knows how this child’s life will end. God is faithful to them both.

He is also faithful to us. He has promised to never leave or abandon us; He will shed light on our path, even in the darkest hours, and will provide light for our journey.

“…Everything that was created  received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone…” John 1:3-4 CEV

Because of the cross we never have to navigate the darkness alone!

Wisdom Chooses the Right Road

From time to time, we all make mistakes and fall for deception. Let me ask, has there ever been a time you said, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that; I should have done the other?”

It’s important that when we face situations where we just aren’t sure that we seek wisdom.

“Listen, Wisdom is calling. Yes, Understanding is shouting for us. Wisdom stands at the top of the hill, by the road where the paths meet. She is near the entrance to the city, calling from the open gates. “I am calling out to all of you. I am speaking to everyone.
You who are ignorant, learn to be wise. You who are foolish, get some common sense.
Listen, I have something important to say, and I am telling you what is right.My words are true, and I will not say anything that is wrong. Everything I say is right; there is nothing false or crooked about it. These things are clear to any intelligent person. They are right to anyone with knowledge. 10 Choose discipline over silver and knowledge over the finest gold. 11 Wisdom is better than pearls, and nothing you desire compares with her… What I produce is better than pure silver. 20 I lead people the right way—  along the paths of justice.” Proverbs 8:1-11, 19 & 20 ERV

We saw how Abraham got detoured and had a son with his wife’s maid, the result was jealousy and contention. King Saul, who was the first king in Israel, took a wrong path and instead of seeking God’s counsel consulted with a witch. The nation of Israel often went in search of other gods, only to find that there was only one true God and then they would repent and return to the path He led them on.

We read yesterday that the Bible is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. Jesus made the comment to his disciples that “I am the way (the path), the truth and the life”. He also said that He was the light of the world.

The whole book of Proverbs is written to give us wisdom and understanding by following God’s word. It’s easy to become deceived and take a wrong road when we try to do things on our own.

“So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you. 22 Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. 23 Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror 24 and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. 25 But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard.” James 1:21-25 ERV

“Listen, there is someone shouting: ‘Prepare a way in the desert for the Lord. Make a straight road there for our God…The Lord God is coming with power. He will use his power to rule all the people. He will bring rewards for his people. He will have their payment with him.
11 Like a good shepherd, he takes care of his people. He gathers them like lambs in his arms. He holds them close, while their mothers walk beside him.” Isaiah 40:3, 10 & 11 ERV

These words were written 400 years before Christ was born. These are the very words that John the Baptist was preaching when Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized.

God’s word is timeless, it is flawless, it is perfect and gives us wisdom and direction keeping us on the right road. It will always show us the right road to follow!

Giants in the Way

On the road to the cross there are problems; enemies to be confronted, giants to defeat.

God made a promise to the Israelites that He would be their God and they would be His people. He said He would bless those that blessed His people and curse those that cursed them.

My favorite verse is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 23 verse 19. A warring king had wanted the prophet to speak a curse on the Israelites. This is what the prophet said:

 Balaam answered: ‘Pay close attention to my words—19 God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises. 20 ‘My command from God was to bless these people, and there’s nothing I can do to change what he has done. 21 Israel’s king is the Lord God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.” Numbers 23:18-21 CEV

Because of Abraham’s relationship with the Lord, God made a promise to bless His people. It was an unbreakable promise. The ultimate blessing came at the cross when all people would be offered the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation through the death of Jesus. Until that time God’s covenant blessing was on those who trusted Him.

“You know that the Lord your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations.” Deuteronomy 7:9 CEV

That didn’t mean there wouldn’t be obstacles. It seems as though there was always a king, a nation, a man, who was trying to obstruct God’s plan.

We’ll take a brief look at a young shepherd, David.

“The Philistines had a champion fighter named Goliath, who was from Gath. He was over 9 feet tall. Goliath came out of the Philistine camp. He had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a coat of armor that was made like the scales on a fish. This armor was made of bronze and weighed about 125 pounds. Goliath wore bronze protectors on his legs. He had a bronze javelin tied on his back. The wooden part of his spear was as big as a weaver’s rod. The spear’s blade weighed 15 pounds. Goliath’s helper walked in front of him, carrying Goliath’s shield.

8 Each day Goliath would come out and shout a challenge to the Israelite soldiers… 10 The Philistine also said, ‘Today I stand and make fun of the army of Israel. I dare you to send me one of your men and let us fight.’” I Samuel 17:4-10 ERV

Each day the giant would taunt them. Each day the Israelites would cower in fear. But then came a young man who knew the promise of God.

 David asked the men standing near him, ‘What did he say?…Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?” I Samuel 17:26 ERV

David armed himself for battle not with armor and sword but with his confidence in the promises of God.

45 David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.’” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Are there giants standing in your way? Are they taunting you, trying to disarm you with fear? Be a David, show up to the fight in obedience to God’s word and remember “the battle belongs to the Lord”!

The Lamb

Today we will walk in the steps of the Israelites as they get ready to leave Egypt. Over 500 years have passed since Abraham and Jacob went to the mountain and God provided a sacrificial lamb.

In our story today, there is another lamb that needs to be sacrificed.

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph have all died. The Israelities, Jacob’s descendants, had gone to Egypt during a time of famine. Joseph had been promoted by the pharaoh as the second most influential man in Egypt. His planning had saved many from starvation but after he died the Bible tells us that a pharaoh who “didn’t know Joseph” began to rule and he was afraid of the Israelites, so he enslaved them.

God saw the plight of the Israelites and put a plan in motion for their salvation and deliverance. Enter Moses, the one who would lead them out of Egypt.

Moses had been raised in the pharaoh’s palace. He had been rescued as an infant by pharaoh’s daughter, but he lost his status in the palace, fled Egypt, became a shepherd, had an encounter with the Lord and returned to Egypt as the one who had been called to deliver God’s people.

“Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called the king’s grandson. 25  He chose to be mistreated with God’s people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. 26 Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 CEV

You’re probably aware of the story, “Let my people go” was God’s message. However, the pharaoh had a hard heart and no matter the severity of the plagues – frogs, locusts, darkness, hail, blood, blight of crops, animals dying, – he refused to let them go.

The final plague was the death of the first born in every household. However, God had a plan that would save and deliver the Israelites.

 So Moses called all the elders together and told them, ‘Get the lambs for your families. Kill the lambs for the Passover. 22 Take bunches of hyssop and dip them in the bowls filled with blood. Paint the blood on the sides and top of each doorframe. No one must leave their house until morning. 23 At the time the Lord goes through Egypt to kill the firstborn, he will see the blood on the sides and top of each doorframe. Then he will protect that house and not let the Destroyer come into any of your houses and hurt you. 24 You must remember this command. This law is for you and your descendants forever. 25 You must remember to do this even when you go to the land the Lord is giving you. 26 When your children ask you, ‘Why are we doing this ceremony?’ 27 you will say, ‘This Passover is to honor the Lord, because when we were in Egypt, he passed over the houses of Israel. He killed the Egyptians, but he saved the people in our houses.’” Exodus 12:21-27 ERV

The blood of the lamb was a sign of obedience and salvation for the Israelites.

Hundreds of years later Jesus was celebrating the Passover with his disciples, and this is what He said:

“When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, 15 he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer…19 Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!’ 20  After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, ‘This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement.'” Luke 22:14-21 CEV

A lamb, an innocent lamb, became a milestone, a sign post of direction pointing the way to the Lamb of God and the cross.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading faithfully and giving me the opportunity to share God’s word with you each day.

“Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things.” Luke 16:10 ERV

Yesterday marked a milestone!

100,037 reads

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7.5 years of daily postings

Untold number of new friends made, and prayers prayed.

Thank you for deep within my heart.

The Cradle to the Cross

The journey continues. Abraham and Sarah have both had name changes – God is calling them father and mother of many people and nations. Hearing this they both laughed; what was impossible in the natural was and is possible with God.

“So she laughed and said to herself, ‘Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, will I really know such happiness?’

13 The Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14  I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.’” Genesis 18:12-14 CEV

And so, it happened. I hope you will take time to read Abraham and Sarah’s story. It’s such an encouraging one. Neither of them was perfect but God used them anyway. In all of their waiting to have a child they had their share of missteps, but they continued to trust God. (Read Genesis 12-22, it’s a wonderful story)

“The Lord was good to Sarah and kept his promise.  Although Abraham was very old, Sarah had a son exactly at the time God had said. Abraham named his son Isaac,  and when the boy was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, just as God had commanded.Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, and Sarah said, “God has made me laugh.” Genesis 21:1-5 CEV

Little did Abraham and Sarah know the plan that God had for their son. Their son would be a signpost on the road to the cross. Before he was ever born their son was a sign of God’s faithfulness.

When God makes a promise, He keeps it.

” Abraham’s faith never became weak, not even when he was nearly 100 years old. He knew he was almost dead and that his wife Sarah could not have children. 20 But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God.

21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised. 22 So God accepted him, 23 just as we read in the Scriptures. But these words were not written only for Abraham. 24 They were written for us, since we will also be accepted because of our faith in God, who raised our Lord Jesus to life. 25  God gave Jesus to die for our sins, and he raised him to life, so that we would be made acceptable to God.” Romans 4:19-25 CEV

From Isaac’s cradle we can look forward and see God’s provision for our salvation. When we look at the cradle we can see the cross.

Detour & Course Correction

Disabled vehicle ahead. If you travel very often and use Waze or some other GPS navigation those are probably words you have heard coming from your travel assistant.

Is annoying because you know that you’ll need to slow down, possibly detour and then make a course correction.

We’re still walking the road to the cross with Abram this morning and we are about to encounter all three of the above.

“Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, ‘Abram, don’t be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly.’ But Abram answered, ‘Lord All-Powerful, you have given me everything I could ask for, except children. And when I die, Eliezer of Damascus will get all I own…The Lord replied, ‘No, he won’t! You will have a son of your own, and everything you have will be his.’” Genesis 15:1,2;4 CEV

That was the disabled vehicle. Neither Abram or Sarai were able to have children. Now here comes the detour.

“Abram’s wife Sarai had not been able to have any children. But she owned a young Egyptian slave woman named Hagar, and Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has not given me any children. Sleep with my slave, and if she has a child, it will be mine.” Abram agreed, and Sarai gave him Hagar to be his wife.” Genesis 16:1-3 CEV

This detour was a rough and rocky road. It had all sorts of bumps and hardships. Envy, jealousy, rebellion, contempt and desolation. Abram was 86 years old when this happened.

Now for the course correction.

“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him again and said, “I am God All-Powerful. If you obey me and always do right, I will keep my solemn promise to you and give you more descendants than can be counted.” Genesis 17:1-2 CEV

4-5  I promise that you will be the father of many nations. So now I’m changing your name from Abram to Abraham. I will give you a lot of descendants, and they will become great nations. Some of them will even be kings.  I will always keep the promise I have made to you and your descendants, because I am your God and their God.” Genesis 17:4-5 CEV

God wanted Abram to remember this new road he was traveling on and so He changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning Father of Many Nations. Abraham knew God could do anything but this, having a baby at their age, was a big deal.

“Abraham bowed with his face to the ground and thought, “I am almost 100 years old. How can I become a father? And Sarah is 90. How can she have a child?” So he started laughing…” Genesis 17:17 CEV

Now, jump ahead a few weeks and the Lord visits Abraham again, establishing his route.

10  One of the guests was the Lord, and he said, “I’ll come back about this time next year, and when I do, Sarah will already have a son.” Sarah was behind Abraham, listening at the entrance to the tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was well past the age for having children. 12  So she laughed and said to herself, “Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, will I really know such happiness? 13 The Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14  I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.” Genesis 18:10-14 CEV

Maybe life has been like that for you. At a younger age you had made a commitment to follow the Lord. You had been a “good Christian” but life had a way of taking you off course, leading you down a detour and far from what God had promised.

May I tell you, in spite of the detour God’s promises still hold true and He will bring you to a course correction and set you back on the right road!

Follow Me!

Those were the words that were heard by a man named Abram. He wasn’t anybody special; he was one of three sons. He was nine generations removed from Noah and sixteen generations from Adam.

(I know this doesn’t sound very interesting but bear with me through this brief history lesson.)

What I need you to see is that God doesn’t give up on His plans. He is diligent, persistent, aggressive and determined. Love never fails!

Of all the people on earth God chose Noah and nine generations later He chose Abraham.

“The Lord said to Abram: ‘Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you.’ 4-5 Abram was 75 years old when the Lord told him to leave the city of Haran. He obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and slaves they had acquired while in Haran.” Genesis 12:1-5 CEV

God is looking for those who will believe Him and obey. Noah obeyed and built an ark; Abram obeyed and left his homeland.

“Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen.  Because Abraham had faith, he lived as a stranger in the promised land. He lived there in a tent, and so did Isaac and Jacob, who were later given the same promise. 10 Abraham did this, because he was waiting for the eternal city God had planned and built.” Hebrews 11:8-10 CEV

If you read the story of Abram’s life, and I hope you will, you will see that he wasn’t perfect. He lied to the king of Egypt about his wife and there was family friction between he and his nephew Lot and still God used him. In fact, the Bible tells us that Abram was called the friend of God.

I like that.

My friends are near and dear to my heart. I treasure those relationships; God’s affection is so much greater than ours. Because men like Noah and Abram trusted God and were blessed by Him, we too share in those blessings.

“The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith.  And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham.  Long ago the Scriptures said God would accept the Gentiles because of their faith. This is why God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means everyone who has faith will share in the blessings given to Abraham because of his faith.” Galatians 3:6-9 CEV

Abraham has left us some important steps to follow on our journey to the cross. Following the path that God has planned for us will always bring blessings!

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Good Tree – Good Fruit

When the Lord wants to teach us a principal, don’t be surprised if we find it on every page in the Bible.

“A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. ” Matthew 7:17-18 CEV

We will always be in a state of fruit production. We are destined to be fruit producers. Sometimes are fruit can be a little sour because it is fully ripened but that doesn’t mean our fruit is bad. However, there are some trees that do produce bad fruit.

Take for example the ornamental orange trees that grow in Arizona. The branches are thorny, and the fruit is so sour that not even the wild animals will eat it. It looks beautiful hanging there on the branch, so inviting, but do not eat it.

Kind of reminds me of some people. They look good but once you begin to listen to them talk and see their actions you know they aren’t. Remember, we had already discussed the verses Jesus taught, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”.

The Apostle Paul had a similar warning in his letter to the Christians living in Corinth.

“Don’t be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.’”  I Corinthians 15:33 ERV

Such good advice. We need wisdom in establishing relationships and business associations. The following words come from King David; he made these statements about his closest advisors and friends.

“I will sing to you, Lord! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom. I refuse to be corrupt or to take part in anything crooked, and I won’t be dishonest or deceitful.Anyone who spreads gossip will be silenced; no one who is conceited will be my friend.

I will find trustworthy people to serve as my advisors; only an honest person will serve as an official.No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court. Each morning I will silence any lawbreakers I find in the countryside or in the city of the Lord.” Psalm 101 CEV

Such good advice.

 “If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces.” Matthew 12:33 ERV

I am so thankful that God’s word has given us “good seed” and the Holy Spirit is in us to produce good fruit.