We bear fruit when we stay connected to Jesus!
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit” (John 15.5a, CEB).
We can’t produce fruit on our own. We produce fruit by staying connected to God. Jesus said, “you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me … Without me, you can’t do anything” (John 15.4,5b).
Jesus’ words also include a strong warning …
He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit … If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. (John 15.2,6)
Thankfully, God does everything possible to help us bear fruit. Jesus said, God “trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit” (John 15.2). Jesus also said, “My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples” (John 15.8). Fruit pleases God.
O God, thank you for all you are doing in and through your Church all around the world. Thank you for inviting us to participate in what you are doing!
Thank you, Lord, that you do not leave us to do the work in our own power. We rely on your power because without you, we can do nothing of eternal significance. We cannot bear fruit unless we stay connected to you!
Lord, we want to be a fruitful Church! Please help us to stay connected to you, to be faithful to you, and to follow the leading of your Spirit. As we do so, help us to bear much fruit for your kingdom, and for your glory! Amen.
(Here’s a list of things I’ve been praying for the Church: awakening, transformational leaders, urgency, hope, health, compassion, action, unity, power, favor, endurance, trust, discipline, courage, vision, provision, humble & hungry, patience & persistence, unpredictable & uncontrollable, receptive hearts, growing disciples, and movement).