1 Sam. 30-31; 1 chronicles 10; Matt 12:

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. Matt 12:33


In these readings we see three people pointed out. David who is in trouble again his wives and the families of his army have been taken away by one of his many enemies. Even his own men are ready to stone him. He calls upon the Lord to tell him what to do and he not only gets his family back but becomes even more famous and wealthy. On the other hand we find Saul at the end of his life. Completely destroyed and still does not call on God for mercy. Instead he kills himself to keep from falling into the hands of His enemies. In 1 chronicles 10:13-14 it says Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” Finally we find Jesus locked in battle with the Pharisees again who actually call Him “Beelzebub” (Satan) as he cast out a demon from a man. The truth is you cannot judge the mind of a man you judge a man by the fruit of his life. Fruit of the Spirit comes from a tree that lives and nourishes itself on the Mercy and Grace of the living God. Most people would say there is no fruit to a man hanging on a cross. A man that claims of himself ”I have never done one good thing in my life” Except that he says to the man (God) next to him on that cross “Lord when you enter your Kingdom remember me.” He at the end of his life (unlike Saul) planted the roots of his tree in the “River of life” and fruit sprang up eternal.

May God bless you and keep you firmly planted in His mercy and grace at the River of life

Pastor Jack

Next reading 2 Sam. 1; Ps. 140; Matt 13