Hi Ladies,

Unlike this fruit-filled fig tree, in Matthew 21, Jesus caused a fig tree to wither and die on the spot because it bore no fruit. Then He explained to the disciples who questioned His actions, that they too could do the same and more. “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Instead of being unproductive, this incident illustrates that you must live a fruitful life by fulfilling whatever tasks our Lord has called upon you to do; otherwise what purpose do you serve? Secondly, it issues the call to have faith and banish doubt from having a place in your life.

Since we’ve already dealt with the subject of doubt, let’s consider the fruitful life and how it applies to your potential marriage.

BEARING FRUIT

Did you know that the directive to bear fruit covers every area of your life? You have the ability to reach optimum perfection in everything that the Father has called you to fulfill. And this also includes health and beauty, areas that are essential in attracting the man that God intends to share your life.

Your physical appearance is a cornerstone of your appeal to others because it is the first thing people notice about you. For most of us, it’s normal to be concerned about how we look. We generally want to present our loveliest self to others, and our Father fully supports our efforts in this. The Scriptures are filled with beautiful ladies, attractive not only in spirit but physically as well. You too present yourself to potential partners in life, friendship or business every time you step outside your door. Being a raving beauty isn’t required, but looking and being your best matters a great deal.

Caring for your health and your God-given beauty conveys a positive, confident image. If you make the effort to be as attractive as possible, those actions send a visible message about your mental state. Everybody goes through a “pajama day” occasionally when we don’t bother to fix up, makeup or dress up, and that’s not a problem. But if that lack of attention is consistent in your life, it’s a warning sign that should be examined.

It may indicate deeply rooted problems, including rage, hostility, depression or rejection. These are negative patterns which can signify that you are internalizing grievances rather than lashing out at the perceived perpetrator…you are only harming you. Self-destructiveness is not vengeance because it is wasted emotional energy, being spent on a person who should not merit so much of your concern.

God has given our bodies as earthly tabernacles for Holy Spirit…we are His temples and He expects our sanctuaries to be treated with respect. When you clean up, polish up and beautify your body, this caring for self brings honor and glory to your Creator. When you add necessary weight loss, healthy eating habits, and physical exercise, the Lord will likely reward you with a stronger body, mental well-being, and even your full measure of years to complete the tasks you’ve been placed on earth to accomplish. This is not vanity – vanity is the sin of self-importance. Feeling good and looking nice is not a sin. As ladies, we can delight in the fact that we are our Father’s most excellent design, a precious, feminine woman. Honor that fact by making the most of it.

The Bible, of course, has the last and best Word. I Corinthians 6: 20 directs “For you have been bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.”   You do this by keeping your godly temple pure, healthy and beautiful to radiate your true excellence. The purpose here is not to entice a mate, but to be everything that our Father intends for you to be. The glory is His, but the benefits are all yours.

Vacation time! Back on Wednesday, the 9^th. Joy and Shalom!