Fruit of the Spirit

     The fruit of the Spirit is not a coconut - or a banana, or a watermelon, or a strawberry, or a grape - what a fun way for Charlotte and Jordan to explain what God's Holy Spirit through belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior can do for each one of us!  Today, Charlotte took a bright yellow banana, and as the children told her about all of the "bad things" that we tend to do (lie, disobey, cheat, etc.), she wrote each sin on the banana.  Afterward - yuch - the banana was so nasty looking!  But as she explained what God's forgiveness through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection does to cleanse our hearts, she slowly peeled the banana to reveal a beautiful, white piece of fruit.  That was such a great and vivid illustration of what God can do in the life of a repentant sinner!  And THREE CHILDREN PRAYED TO RECEIVE CHRIST.
      Hey, God shows up in miraculous ways.  Its no secret that the food pantry has been in dire need for many weeks.  July was the largest month of need in recent history, and each week, as the end of the final food distribution day approached, the cupboard was literally bare.  But each week, someone or some church group has been impressed upon by the Holy Spirit to provide - and we have had just what was needed.  Never once did a family come for food when there was not any for them.
     Then yesterday happened.  Once again, a sponsoring church came through with a lot of food - enough for next week and maybe even more.  But last night, I received a call.  A person who wishes to remain anonymous has directed a friend of the ministry to purchase a bounty of food, and has donated the funds to do so - well, just look at the shelves now!  And that's just a small portion of what he has directed to be purchased.  So...... never doubt that our God is faithful to provide JUST IN TIME!