Do you remember a time in your life when you were only able to eat the fruit that was in season where you lived? I remember getting oranges in my stocking at Christmas because we could get them shipped up from Florida to Michigan and, oh what a treat that was when the snow was on the ground.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus says: “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

According to Jesus, bearing fruit knows no season or climate. But He also says that when we become His disciples we will glorify the Father by the fruit we bear…and apparently that begins with abiding in the love of Jesus. If you look at the picture above you will see the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness(sometimes listed as Generosity), Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. These are the very fruits that Jesus intends for us to bear, and these fruits are, indeed, always in season. These fruits become apparent when we are abiding in Jesus which allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through us (thus the Fruits of the Spirit). Think of it this way: anytime these characteristics are apparent in our lives, it is the Holy Spirit at work, lest we would want to take credit.

How is it going for you in the fruit bearing department? Are you abiding in the love of Jesus these days? Is your life open to the Holy Spirit and therefore fruitful? Are some areas of your life more fruitful than others?

In John 15:16-17 Jesus says: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

You are chosen.

You are appointed to go and bear fruit.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit that you bear will last.

When you bear this fruit, the Father will give you what you ask in Jesus’ name.

All of this is so that you love one another. Because God is Love, and I (Jesus) love you.

Let’s be clear. Jesus does the heavy lifting in this process…but you must be a willing and obedient follower. Jesus chose you, but He cannot use you to bear fruit if you are doing your own thing or ignoring the Holy Spirit or denying Christ with a life that is incongruent with the will of the Father. Are you ready to surrender to Jesus and abide in Him so the Fruits of the Spirit become apparent in your life?

Ways I can help you abide in Jesus and bear fruit

Individual Spiritual Direction

Individual Harp Therapy/Meditation

On-Demand Holy Yoga classes with focus on the Word

Spiritual Wellness Community Membership (for women)…now is a great time to join as we are embarking on 9 months of focusing on The Fruits of the Spirit. We begin in February with Love! And, new members receive 1 month free so invite your friends to try it out with you!!

Ways you can seek to abide in Jesus and bear fruit

Meditate in order to tune in to the Holy Spirit

Pray

Spend time daily reading the Word of God

Worship regularly

Invite a friend to join you for accountability

Buy a Gift Card for a friend (now available on the website) to join you in the Membership Community or for Holy Yoga classes

IN OTHER NEWS…

The countdown is on…March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday, will be my last day as a parish pastor…I will be retired as of April 1 after 26 years of serving as a pastor in 5 different congregations!! No fooling!!

That will open up my schedule to be able to provide more ministry through Angel Strings Ministry (angelstringsministry.com)…things like adding more Spiritual Hacks to my YouTube channel, having time to record more On-Demand Holy Yoga classes for availability on the website, holding house church worship in my lovely Koinonia Shed (possibly including streaming) when I am at my retirement home on the Big Island of Hawaii, and hopefully offering more Live Options online as well as starting a Podcast!

If you have any ideas that you would find helpful for you in your spiritual journey, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to respond to this email or text me to set up a time to chat (517-610-1131). I really do use your ideas! Focusing on The Fruits of the Spirit in our Spiritual Wellness Community Membership was suggested by a couple of you!! You matter to God and to me!

Love and prayers for each of you,

Julie Parsell

Spiritual Wellness Guide