Being Fruity

Do you know any fruity people? Before you answer that let me define what I mean. The “fruity” I’m talking about are those people who are so connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ, their lives produce lush spiritual fruit that others simply cannot miss.

Pastor Raymond is one “fruity” guy that I met earlier this year. His story is one of miracles. The Father literally picked him off the streets, dramatically healed him, and transformed him into a godly husband and father. He rose up the ranks as great leader in the fire department and upon retirement became a full-time pastor.

I’ve seen the fruit of his life in the people he has loved and discipled well. Whenever you’re around him you feel this overwhelming love, joy and peace. He truly is a man on fire and filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

One of the churches he pastors meets at Ocean View Care Center. The congregation gathers outside and battles the elements. This week Oceans Ministries was able to supply roofing materials because of gracious givers in the States. Pastor Raymond provided the manpower to build the covering for the courtyard. This roof will not only bless the children at the care center during the week, but also bless those who worship on Sunday.

I’ve told Patty that when I grow up I want to be like Pastor Raymond. He doesn’t strive to serve his community out of obligation but rather out of knowing a Good Father loves him and yes the fruit just oozes out of him. He can be leading a group of children in a song or fastening beams either way he is boundlessly and abundantly producing fruit for others to enjoy.

Last week in our community prayer time we took the 9 fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 and assigned a fruit to each person in the room. Corporately we asked the Lord to release that fruit in our lives and in our community. It is no secret that our community, country and world is in desperate need of fruity followers of Christ Jesus. We trust that this powerful time of prayer produced some fruit within each of our lives and into the community here in Fish Hoek!

Can I challenge you in your personal prayer time or in your family devotions to take one of the 9 fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and each day ask the Holy Spirit to produce that fruit in your life as you grow deeper into Jesus the True Vine. Jesus taught us in John 15:8 that our goal in life is to produce fruit, in fact so much fruit for others to eat and enjoy that our Father in Heaven will be glorified.

Lord Jesus make us fruity!!!!