Apples
Apples  "Common Apple" "Wild Apple"  (Malus sylvestris)

 Apples on a Tree in Fall

You will know them by their fruits.  Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?  In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus you will know them by their fruits.  Matthew 7:16-20 (NRSV)

            In autumn apples hang from the branches of the trees.  We expect to see the fruit on good trees.  The trees have drawn nourishment from the soil, been watered by the rain and pollinated by insects.  Good fruit results.
            We are given nourishment when we read and hear God’s word.  God cares for us and through God’s power we “bear good fruit”.  We are helped to use our time, abilities, and possessions to help others.
            As leaves are raked under fruit trees think of the kinds of “fruit” produced by God’s presence in your life.

Dear Lord,
Help us to bear much fruit.  In your name we pray, Amen