Today’s Encouragement is, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.” John 15:5a NLT
Produce Much Fruit –
We don’t really want to think about this. No one really enjoys evaluation. Evaluation time at work is a distasteful chore, for both parties. Self-evaluation isn’t much better. But there is a big difference for those of us who believe in Jesus!
The fruit of our lives is determined by remaining in Jesus. It is not the result of our hard work, our skills and expertise, but it appears and grows naturally, unavoidably, and effortlessly… when we remain in Jesus!
Most of us think of the fruit of our lives as our family, our accomplishments, relationships, and what we have built. But Jesus is speaking about spiritual fruit. And Paul clarifies this. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23a NLT. This is the spiritual fruit of a life that remains in Christ.
These fruits are not attainable by our own efforts; only remaining in Jesus, in an honest relationship with Him, given time, can produce such fruit in our lives.
As we remain in Jesus, He causes these characteristics to grow and become the predominant results of our lives. The greatest results of any life, anytime, anywhere.
Father, we continue to be amazed by Your kindness and love. That You would bless us with a growing relationship with Jesus that produces within us such beautiful results. Thank You, Father.
You Have Been So Good To Me
Paul Baloche
https://youtu.be/XTrgqImWxYU?is=AEXhFEU6Rc60Nz4w