Fruitful Lips & Lives

"Thank me throughout this day for My Presence and My Peace...As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropriate My richest gifts." (340)
"Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name. Don't neglect to do good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices." Hebrews 13:15-16
This passage makes me ponder the "fruit" of our lips. Much like seed time and harvest reflect the seasons of nature so it is with our words. When we plant seeds that curse, complain, belittle, argue or gossip the "fruit" of such lips is a harvest of bitter fruit. Being thankful, forgiving, encouraging and kind allows us to remain in His Peace and Presence producing a bountiful harvest of blessings.
When thinking about my own conversations I am challenged to produce "fruit that confesses His name." It's quite amazing how fruitful lips tend to lead to fruitful deeds that inspire fruitful lives where "doing good and sharing" are common...and "God is pleased with such sacrifices."
Yes, thanking God and choosing to be gracious can sometimes seem like a huge sacrifice, but the benefits are huge, too.   It produces a bountiful harvest that certainly pleases and definitely nourishes, for sure, for now and forever!
Choosing to be more Thankful & Fruitful...dmc