Fruit, From Mom

John 15:1-8  I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.  Remain in Me and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.  Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from Me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be grated!  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.  This brings great glory to my Father.  

The "fruit" that the heavenly vinedresser (gardener, our heavenly Father) looks for is "Christlike-ness."  To be like Jesus.

Fruits of the Spirit:  Galatians 5:22-23  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our live: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We are to strive to be like Jesus - to have His characteristics.

From me.

Bearing fruit for the Lord.  This is a concept I struggle with.  I still battle the "not good enough" syndrome in my mind.  I mean, you hear of people evangelizing, talking to strangers on a train or in a diner about Jesus, leading friends or family to Christ.  Brothers or sisters in restricted nations sharing the Gospel with storekeepers, people they meet in a park, all at great risk to themselves.  And then there are the people who have the uncanny knack for service, sensing needs and jumping right in to meet that need....Then I look at my life and say to myself, "Well, what the heck am I doing?"  Perhaps some of you readers feel the same way.

And I hear the Spirit's reply deep in my heart.  "Remain faithful."   Continue working with the Lord to produce the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23, no matter how slow or fast the progress is.  No matter the setbacks...just keep going.  Do the things His given me to do, and do them with excellence.

Use the gifts He's given, and let the fruit bearing be the Lord's responsibility, in the Lord's time. Simple things like handing out a Bible tract, caring for a family member, sending out Daily Devotional magazines to friends, Spirit lead prayer, writing a blog, donating money, food....whatever you do, do it with a heart to honor God and He will be faithful to bring fruit from it.

We are to bear fruit.  But we can do nothing without staying in Jesus.  And that is the key here.  The more time I am with Him, the more I know what He wants me to do, and if it's God ordained to do then it is God ordained to be fruitful.  In me and in those around me.  He is amazing.

Thank You Lord for the encouraging words of the Spirit.  "Be Faithful."  I love the times when a God visit comes as I am writing this blog.  For some reason that just makes me smile.  You are so wonderful and funny Lord.  I thank You for the desire in my heart to want to be fruitful, and bring glory to You. That desire is there by Your design.  I'm  so grateful that we can come into Your presence everyday, to just be in touch with You, to sit with You and rest, and get our strength for the day ahead.  Lord, help us to remain in You as we go out today, listening for Your voice in order to be the fruitful children You desire.

Ask the Lord to show you the areas of Your life that are producing fruit, and those that are not.  And look for the small, places you are being a blessing.  Be encouraged by them!