The Upper Room devotional reflection for Wednesday, October 19, 2022, comes to us from Earlie Pasion-Bautista of Isabela, Philippines.
7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8NRSV
FRUITFUL GRACE
One morning I arrived at church before anyone else and had to wait. I decided to harvest mansanitas from a tree in front of the church and began reflecting on God’s grace. I started to view the tree, with its red, green, and pale orange fruits, as a symbol of God’s grace. No one planted this tree; it just sprouted here. But it shades the church foyer and provides fruit for the children who come to church. For some time now, only a few people have come to church because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet even with no one to water it, this tree has continued to grow and bear fruit while also offering a home to many birds and insects.
God has sustained the tree, and the tree sustains the lives of others. What an image of grace! The tree is blessed as it blesses others. When I am blessed to be able to pick fruit form the tree, I share it with my two children waiting at home. My firstborn has asked me to bring home the fruit every Sunday because it makes him feel as if he and his brother also went to church. Although my children miss going to church, through the mansanita fruit, I am able to extend a bit of God’s grace to them.
Friends,
Take a moment to reread Earlie’s reflection and recognize that God has chosen to partner with you to be a blessing to those around you.
--Pastor Anthony
Prayer:
God our provider, teach us to know your grace, even through the smallest fruit that you provide in your creation. Amen.
-- Earlie Pasion-Bautista
Prayer Focus:
Those who are homebound.
Thought for the day:
What images of God’s grace do I see in my community.