"Much" Fruit

Scripture:

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit….Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:1-4 ESV

Observation:

The vine and branches analogy is a reminder of total dependence on the Lord. There is no life in a branch without the flow of the Vine’s life. Just as a branch separated from the vine will dry up and die, so apart from Jesus there is no life or fruitfulness. Father God, as the vinedresser, “prunes” each vine, not as a punishment, but to make it more fruitful.

Application:

Jesus urges me to “abide” and live in Him. Why? So I can fulfill my purpose and be all I can be as a fruitful branch. How amazing that Jesus wants to live in me and produce fruit through me. I am not able to produce lasting fruit unless I receive my life, my strength and my purpose from and through Jesus. So how can I make sure I’m living in Him? By reading His Word, “feeding” and meditating on it, and taking time to communicate with Him all during the day.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times when I’ve made decisions, done things, and worked on my own, I need Your life, Your strength, and Your direction. Let Your life flow in me. Fill me with Your Spirit. By Your Word, prune and shape my thoughts, my actions, my plans. Produce fruit—much fruit—in my life that will bless those around me. Thank You for being the Vine of my life. Amen.