VineBranchGrapesWe may sometimes be stirred by a very real wonder as to why we have produced such a small amount of spiritual fruit in our lives (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control – Galatians 5:22). The lack of fruit is really not as mysterious as we might think.

What if the sun did not rise tomorrow or the next several days or the next several weeks? If its life-giving rays were withheld from the orchards, what would be the production of their fruit? What if the clouds refused to release their nourishing and cleansing rains for weeks on end? Would not the result be nothing less than strain and barrenness upon the land? It is that simple for the soul as well.

May we not withhold the life-giving rays of the Son, nor the refreshing and cleansing nourishment of His water by keeping His holy and precious Word unexamined! Only by abiding in weekly, nay daily personal planting and watering can we guarantee continuous production of His spiritual fruit in our lives. Are you lacking Jesus’ daily power and peace? Is self-control dried up and love lacking any ripeness in your heart and mind? Then let the Light of Jesus rise up within you, casting out the shadows each and every day! His promises are not void. The Lord will keep His end of things. May we simply and daily abide in Christ!

Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5