May 25 – Reading 145

MAY 25 – Reading 145

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | May 25

“PLANTING SEEDS OF LIFE”
(Proverbs 11:1- 13:25)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”— Proverbs 11:30

I often ask myself these questions:  What kind of legacy am I leaving, temporal or eternal?  Is my legacy the pursuit of personal accomplishments and accolades,  or am I truly committed to investing in others?  Proverbs 11:30 says our lives are like trees—and the fruit we bear isn’t just for us, but for others. Every act of kindness, every word of truth, every time we point someone to Jesus, we’re planting seeds of eternal impact. And the wisest among us? They’re not just good people—they’re soul winners.

This proverb paints a beautiful picture: when we live righteously—rightly connected to God and aligned with His ways—our lives become like trees that produce fruit, blessing others and nourishing the spiritually hungry.

• “The fruit of the righteous” represents the visible results of a godly life—our character, kindness, and testimony.

   

• “A tree of life” reminds us of something deeply biblical. The Tree of Life symbolizes restoration, healing, and eternal life from the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation.

   

• “He who wins souls is wise” shifts the focus to our mission—not just living right but leading others into life. Wisdom isn’t only about what you know—it’s about what you do with what you know, especially when sharing Jesus.

This verse aligns beautifully with the purpose of Transformation Life Church:

“Bring people to Jesus so they may live an abundant life.”

The abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10) begins with salvation, but it grows as people are discipled, healed, and filled with purpose. When we live righteously and bring others to Jesus, we’re not just doing “church work”—we’re cultivating life.

New Testament Connection:

• John 15:8 — “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.” (Fruitfulness is the evidence of a Jesus-centered life.)

   

• Matthew 28:19-20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Wisdom means being on mission.)

   

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “We are ambassadors for Christ… be reconciled to God.” (Soul-winning is not optional—it’s our calling.)

A Righteous Life That Points to Jesus:

1. Live with Purpose – Your actions, attitudes, and words can either repel or draw people to Jesus. Live in a way that makes people curious about your source of life.

    

2. Be a Life-Giver, Not Just a Life-Liver – Trees don’t eat their own fruit. The righteous life is meant to feed others, not just serve self.

    

3. Share Jesus Intentionally – Winning souls takes wisdom, patience, and love. Ask God for divine appointments and boldness to speak life (Acts 1:8).

    

4. Remember the Mission – At TLC, everything we do—from Sunday services to small groups—is to bring people to Jesus so they may experience the life God created them to enjoy – in this life and the next!

Simple Truth:
Wise people don’t just live well—they lead others to life. A righteous life is fruitful; the most excellent fruit is a soul won to Jesus. 

Reflection & Application:

• Is your life producing fruit that blesses others and draws them toward Christ?

   

• Who is in your life right now who needs Jesus? How can you wisely point them to Him?

   

• Are you actively living the purpose of TLC—not just coming to church, but being the Church?

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want my life to be a tree of life. Help me to live righteously, not for my own sake, but so that others may taste and see that You are good. Give me the wisdom to win souls, the courage to speak truth, and the love to reach people for Jesus. Let me be a part of bringing others into the abundant life You came to give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.