Luke 6:45c  “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”

This statement convicts me.  In fact the larger context of verses 43-45 is very powerful.  Jesus is talking about being a “fruit” producer.  He uses the illustration and example of good trees and bad trees and the type of fruit that comes from each one.  A good tree can not produce bad fruit and vice versa.  And a tree is known by what it produces.  Lemon trees produce lemons, apple trees apples, etc.  I would be really confused if I went to a cherry tree to pick cherries and found oranges.  My expectation is cherries and if it is a good, healthy, vibrant cherry tree, I am going to get cherries.  Jesus equates this with the condition of the heart.  A good person produces good deeds and that comes from a good heart.  An evil person produces evil deeds and that comes from an evil heart.  And whatever is in my heart determines my words, my actions, my attitudes, the fruit I produce.  Before Jesus my heart was evil, sinful, selfish, and dark.  But after Jesus, asking him into my heart and life, he was able to change me and produce good fruit in me.  I’m not a good person in my own strength and ability, but thankfully because of Jesus, my sin is forgiven, my heart is changed, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am able to produce good fruit.. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.  It is when I remember that Jesus is in my heart and he is cultivating good in me, that I can produce the kind of fruit that my Master is expecting to see.

What is in my heart?  Jesus.  Do I still struggle with the sin and the evil and the challenges of this world?  Totally.

But thank God, Jesus is pruning me, cleansing me, and helping me to be a producer of fruit that honors and glorifies Him.

Lord help me with the areas of my heart that I try to hold onto and produce in my own effort.  Cleanse me today of the sin in my life that I struggle with.  The evil that at times can be so challenging.  Thank you that you are producing your fruit in my life and please Lord give me the ability to daily ask the question…  What is in my heart?  Help me to guard my heart and to constantly give my heart, my life, to you.

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