Date: April 8, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who still abides in us. The key phrase for April is “Is Your Life and Walk Bearing Fruit?”

Saints and Friends, the Bible uses the metaphor of fruit to describe our outward actions and the condition of our hearts. The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in us, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the more evident this fruit will be (Galatians 5:16, 25). Jesus said, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16). This fruit has eternal benefits, so we must cultivate it.

In John 15:4-5, Jesus teaches us that we must “abide” or remain in him, just as a branch must stay attached to the vine to stay alive. As his disciples, we must remain connected to him to be spiritually productive. When we neglect our spiritual life, we become like a branch broken from the vine, and our lives become fruitless. We must surrender, communicate, and repent daily to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

In conclusion, staying intimately connected to Jesus is the only way to bear fruit in old age (Psalm 92:14), to run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31), and to not grow weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9). Our spiritual journey involves growing in our understanding of God, the world, and ourselves. It requires intentional effort, such as studying the Bible, obeying what it says, and trusting God. This lifelong adventure brings true understanding and a deep love for our Creator.

Remember, “…With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop