And Into the Orchard

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 NIV

Holiday travel left a few gaps along the pews this sunday morning, but spirit-filled singing poured into every corner of the sanctuary. There is nothing more heartwarming than the experience of spontaneous joy while worshipping together. Not working in ministry leaves the majority of my time being spent in the secular world, getting lost in the rest of God’s garden. Thorn bushes tug at my sides in an attempt to pull me away and vines creep their way around my ankles; and in all my sin, I stumble, falling flat on my face. But on sunday morning, it’s like standing in the warm sun and gentle breeze of an open field of grain; a freedom only found in the forgiveness of Christ.

That joy should not be limited to the confines of sunday morning, it should spread across the orchard, like wild flowers springing up among the weeds. While continuing to grow in Christ, loving him and getting to know him, Christ also grows within us. Our time in fellowship with each other is a source of encouragement and inspiration. With prayer, praise and thanksgiving we walk beyond the poisoned apple…And Into the Orchard.