Facing the Giant of AddictionSample

Fruitful life 

‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.’ John 15:8 NKJV 

Do you want to know the will of God for your life? Listen: ‘I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain’ (John 15:16 NKJV). ‘But what if my branch is barren and my basket is empty?’ you ask. Listen: ‘Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away’ (John 15:2 NKJV). ‘Does that mean I lose my salvation?’ you ask. No, Jesus was speaking about branches ‘in Me’, proving that it’s possible to be ‘in Christ’ yet not be fruitful or enjoy the abundant life He wants you to have. The Greek word for ‘take away’ is airo, which means ‘to lift’. New branches have a tendency to trail along the ground. But they don’t bear fruit there. When the rain comes they get muddy and mildewed, sick and barren. So, does the vinedresser throw them away? No, they’re too valuable for that. He goes through His vineyard with a bucket of water, looking for fallen branches, lifting them out of the dirt, and washing them. Remember His words in John 15:3? ‘You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you’ (NKJV). Once they’ve been washed, He lifts them, wraps them around the trellis, ties them securely, and pretty soon, they’re thriving. What a picture! Whether you’ve fallen into the dirt or you’re just living beneath your potential, God won’t throw you away. No, He’ll lift you, cleanse you and help you to flourish again. Why don’t you talk to Him today? 

Prayer Point:

Lord You have chosen me to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. What a privilege! Lord, it’s Your Word that prunes and cleans me – so help me to listen to what You’re saying to me. It’s Your life flowing through me that makes me fruitful – so help me to remain focused on You. Father, I want to bring glory to You by bearing much fruit. Amen.