For those of us who enjoy home grown tomatoes, watching them grow in this sunny summer weather is a joy. We train or prune the climbing green branches to encourage more fruit, then watch yellow blossoms appear, then tiny green tomatoes start developing as we watch patiently for any bit of color while anticipating the joy of picking the fully sun-ripened red fruit. 

I can see our LTCC family just like that healthy, plant growing in the Son! Jesus described it this way in John 15:1-4a, and 11.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you…. v.11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

We are and have been in the perfect environment for healthy growth and the opportunity for bearing spiritual fruit within our LTCC family. God has us right where he wants us;  abiding in him as we intensify prayer, growing in our relationship with the Lord and with each other, giving of our time, talents and treasures to build his Kingdom and increasingly going to help others follow Jesus.

Last Sunday we were reminded to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1Timothy 4:7b-8

It’s true that while God is getting our new pastor ready for us, God is also getting us ready for him. Let’s keep praying for our pastoral search team as they carefully and prayerfully take the necessary time and diligence to get it right.  We trust God’s perfect timing to find our new Pastor, since fully ripened fruit is worth waiting for!