Let's talk about fruit...

Imagine a well pruned orange tree full of fruit. 

Now imagine a poorly cared for tree that is scraggly, out of control and yielding sparse and inconsistent fruit. 

Who doesn't want to be fruitful?

This morning I was reading John 15 and am reminded that GOD WANTS US TO BE FRUITFUL probably for two reasons: 1) it glorifies Him, builds His Kingdom, draws others to Him and 2) we will be happier and more fulfilled if we are fruitful. 

(vs 1-2) I am the vine, my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so that they will produce even more. 

(vs 4-8) Jesus encourages us to REMAIN JOINED TO HIM AND HIS WORDS so that we will be more fruitful. 

(vs 9-17) Jesus reminds us of his great love for us and that He wants us to remain in that love which will bring us joy. He goes on to remind us to love each other and that we can be his friend if we obey and remain in his love. 

PART 2 - Let's look for fruit...

Gal 5:22 "...when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will product this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control."

These fruits are the result of remaining joined to Him, in His love, knowing His word and obeying His call on our lives to remain in Him and love one another. Let us do that more and more today.