Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
7 30 2025
“The Fruit of Change: A Call to Spiritual Planting”
Sometimes, we wall off the healthy voices in our lives—the mentors, the godly friends, the convictions. We ignore the choices that would actually help us grow. But without a vision—without direction—can we really expect to be happy or succeed in anything of lasting value?
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” —Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
What’s the fruit of your life? How often do you take inventory?
What’s the fruit of your life?
In your relationships?
In your goals?
In your character?
Are you bearing fruit that reflects Christ
or have compromise, distraction, and busyness taken root instead?
We often dilute ourselves with the pursuit of work, pleasure, or even just the next task. Some of us have lost ourselves in something—or someone—and feel trapped. Some of us carry a spirit of lack, a quiet belief that we are destined to fail. (I hope you heard that. It is a spiritual attack!) But we serve a God who calls things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17). The supernatural does control the natural. The question is: Are we living like that’s true?
Where does repentance come into play in our lives?
Are we thinking deeply at all, or just living on autopilot?
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” —Colossians 3:2
I believe many men struggle to pause long enough to reflect deeply. They go through the motions, enjoy their days as best they can, but rarely take time to think about anything of real substance. Sometimes it’s too hard, too uncomfortable—or they just don’t know how to put it into words.
But Scripture tells us that every thought matters:
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 10:5
So what are your thoughts producing? What kind of fruit is growing in the garden of your mind? I believe that neutral fruit is not fruit at all. What are you planting, intentionally, to help you produce God’s fruit? TV, romance novels, sports…what fruit do you expect from growing 90% of your seeds in that garden?
Are you bearing peace, love, and joy—or frustration, anxiety, addiction, and self-gratification?
Addiction isn’t just about pornography. It can be anything we turn to for relief: food, spending, anger, lust, or control. If the fruit of your life tastes bitter—maybe it’s time to change your seeds.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” —Galatians 6:7
Ask yourself:
- What am I doing to make someone else’s life better—without being paid for it?
- What am I planting with my words? My habits? My time?
- How random—or intentional—are my acts of kindness?
Or are they so random that they were only fleeting thoughts that never materialized?
It’s time to declare war on selfishness.
“Follow the way of love…” —1 Corinthians 14:1
Love is more than a feeling. It’s a choice. It’s a verb. It’s a daily action. Especially on the days when you don’t feel like it.
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” —Colossians 3:14 (NLT)
Just as you select your clothes each morning, you also need to put on your spiritual attire—your armor, your character, and your mindset.
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” —Colossians 3:12 (MSG)
Take 15 minutes to get spiritually dressed each day. Start with the Word of God. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in planting seeds of love, forgiveness, and obedience, not just for you, but for others.
“If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” —Romans 8:13 (NIV)
The transformation begins with one decision:
Choose this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15)
My Declaration:
Today, no matter my physical condition.
Today, no matter the mountain I am facing.
I choose love.
Today, I choose a breakthrough.
Today, I choose to be accountable.
Today, I choose the fruit of the Spirit over the ways of the world.
Today… me and my house will serve the Lord first, and the rest will fall where it may, but I will serve Him who has my best interest at heart, and He will never leave or forsake me. Today, is the day the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it… even if it’s a sacrifice of praise!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Toy1hiDSfJU
Who you say I am Jenn Johnson
