February 2023
Nougat 5
Apologies folks, Mathematical errors previously
It’s corrected now
For many, people, barrenness is a very real problem; one which they find hard to open up about. As we prepare to reflect on today’s Holy Nougat
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 NLT
Inasmuch as we find it challenging to find ourselves physically barren; many of us are loathe to admit that we are spiritually barren. What is this we ask? – Well, it is a condition that results from us bearing no fruit. So what is fruit in the spiritual world? I can and will begin with The Fruit – ie the Fruit of God’s Spirit.
So a not so fast self-check is quite in order now. Remembering that fruits have different stages of maturity: unfit – ie diseased or malnourished (0), nothing (1); blossoms (2), buds (3), green fruit (4), fit fruit (5), ripe fruit (6), and germinating fruit – ready for planting; which is our desired end (7). As we reflect on the elements of the Fruit of God’s Spirit, let’s prayerfully and honestly discern whether we are fruitful in that area (0-7)
Fruit category Score
Love
Joy
Peace
Long Suffering
Goodness
Gentleness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance (Self Control)
God’s desire is for us to score 63, ie a 7 in all categories. Anything less is room for improvement. Some of this is about spiritual growth (in terms of time), but much more so about spiritual maturity (in terms of relationship with Jesus). What is important is our willingness to be pruned and our ability to stay (ie abide) in the vine.
We. Cannot. Survive. For. Very. Long. Away. From. The. Vine! Nor. Will. We. Bear. Healthy. Fruit!
That’s why we need to remain in Christ; for from Creation, that is our Purpose. (More on that tomorrow.) May we be open about our fruitfulness and all be bearing healthy fruit.
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May all we seek be found in Christ