Luke 12:22-32 (NIV)
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Additional scripture references: Luke 1: 6-7 NASB, 1 Samuel 1:11, Psalm 84:5, Hebrews 11:13-16
We’re called to live a fruitful life. Our fruit isn’t a result of our own striving, but rather a life surrendered to Jesus. In recognizing the truth of God's goodness and taking intentional steps towards modeling our lives after the gospel, we tap into a power beyond our comprehension. Despite the presence of grief and challenges in our lives, God remains unwaveringly good. Our Earthly journey presents us with a unique opportunity to know God as our savior and to offer praise, even amidst our suffering. As we pursue a life of eternal fruit we can lean into these keys along the way: prayer, practice, and pilgrimage.
Our power comes from partnering with God in prayer
A fruitful life starts with prayer. Like any relationship, conversation and time spent together, strengthens the bond. In the same way, prayer, like a conversation with God, brings us near to the heart of the Father. We can praise God in the mundane and miraculous parts of our day, knowing that our prayers produce fruitfulness.
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Through prayer and supplication we can find encouragement that God is working on our behalf. As we choose to follow him daily, we put our faith into practice, trusting him in the middle. We are people that don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk, as we decide daily to live a life in surrender to Jesus.
We bear fruit through prayer, through practice, and lastly through pilgrimage. In scripture, we read of the Jewish people whose daily disciplines led them to pilgrimages. Three times a year they set aside time to journey to Jerusalem. Their faith moved them to value the journey. On the journey with Jesus, we are also pilgrims passing through, heaven bound here on Earth. The fruit we bear has an eternal impact. As we continue to build lives that honor Jesus, let us never forget our peace doesn’t come from a situation, but a person! No matter what season of life we find ourselves in we’re called to bear fruit — not temporary, withering fruit, but fruit that lasts.
Practice putting your faith into action by serving our city, this Saturday, May 20th at I Love My City — an opportunity to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus through community service projects.
Sign up to serve at vouschurch.com/ILMC.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
You’re invited to worship night with new VOUS Worship music! All are welcome.
Sunday, May 26
6:00PM
VOUS SoMi + VOUS City
We’re less than 50 days away from VOUSCon! Gather with thousands of like-minded leaders. Be equipped and empowered for the journey ahead.
June 20-22
Miami, FL
As we create an atmosphere that glorifies God, we create space for Him to move. As servant leaders, we carry the culture. Because we value Con, we invest in it.