Read Galatians 5:16-25
Good fruit is difficult to find in winter in North Dakota.
It’s impossible to find from an unrepentant heart!
The Apostle Paul told the Galatians, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
The passions and desires which have been crucified are the very emotions, choices, and thoughts which occupied our hearts before the Spirit took up residence there.
How often do you allow them to creep back in?
You can tell when those old ways are sneaking back out of the grave when your produce is looking wilty and rotten. Patience have a bad spot? Goodness turning black? When the fruit of the Spirit starts to look like two week old bananas, you know you’re in need of repentance!
If your heart is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, then allow Him to sift and sort through your thoughts, choices, and emotions. The old ones have no place there anymore! They need to be thrown out.
Then, He will have room to cultivate the fruit that is luscious, healthy, and sustaining.
What are you doing to abide in the vine?
Producing fruit requires the constant maintenance of a vibrant relationship with Christ. What can you do to cultivate it today?
Sarah Dixon Young 