Always look for fruit!

Some of you may know that God has been taking Horizon on an amazing journey of transformation and renewal.

Along the way (and into the future) there have been many scary situations and unknowns where as a leadership team we have been uncertain of the way we should go.

We have not wanted to make a mess of things but equally , and more importantly for us, we do not want to miss out on God!

So we have truly taken our hand off the steering wheel and let God direct our steps.  We have "tried" some things we felt right and allowed some ministries we were uncertain of - and then assessed the fruit of it all.

I have to say 20/20 hindsight is very assuring!

But honestly, do we really understand what God is doing or what the Holy Spirit can do?  And understand it enough to filter everything in the church through "our" understanding?

I know I don't!

So fruit is an important sign.  Even if the teaching appeared sound - what was the fruit?  Equally if my "flesh" squirmed a bit with the "style" of ministry, can I discount it if God shows up and there is lasting fruit.

I'm starting to find this when talking to people about their future, their issues.

What is the fruit in their lives?  They may have the strongest convictions about an action or opinion, but if there is no fruit or bad fruit then they are just wrong.

I have seen so many lives changed in the past 12-18 months that I cannot ignore what and how God is moving.  Life, joy, a passion for God, attendance and generosity improving because people are meeting God - encountering Him in our meetings and in their homes.

Our Lead Pastor, Tim, is a great teacher and inspirational man of God.  Even he would admit that it's much better when God turns up!  There is more fruit.

So my thought for the day is to look at the fruit of what is happening.  Look at the fruit in peoples lives more than what is coming out of their mouths.

God said a good tree can only produce good fruit - and by our fruit we will be known.

If there is Godly fruit in what you are doing - keep going.

If there is no fruit or bad fruit for goodness sake CUT DOWN THE TREE!

A little "Godly pruning" now will reap a great harvest in the future.

But do you want good fruit or are you satisfied with what you have now?

How hungry are you to SEE Godly fruit in your lives.......