Fruit

October 7th – John 15:4

John 15:4

A branch doesn’t have to work hard to produce fruit all by itself. It simply has to stay connected to the source that gives it life. That’s what Jesus is asking us to do. To make our home in Him and stay connected to Him.

In today’s world, that can be hard. We have so many things competing for our attention. Our phones are constantly calling for us, social media fills our minds with other people’s lives, and the worries of everyday life can leave us feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. We can get so busy trying to keep everything together that we forget we were never meant to do life apart from God.

But Jesus also says, “and I in you.” We aren’t simply trying to stay close to God while hoping He notices us from a distance. He remains in us. Through His Spirit, His truth, His love, and His presence, He works within us. He changes our hearts, shapes our character, gives us strength when we are weak. And produces fruit in our lives that we could never produce on our own.

So today, let’s stay close. When life gets busy, stay close. When you’re discouraged, stay close. When you don’t understand what God is doing, stay close. When you’re joyful and everything seems to be going well, stay close. Remain in Jesus, and He will remain in you.

October 7th – John 15:4 Read More »

October 3rd – Luke 8:15

Luke 8:15

There’s something special about planting a garden. You put a tiny seed into the ground, cover it with soil, water it, and then you wait. You don’t see much happening at first, but underneath the surface something is beginning to grow. And in time, that little seed begins to produce something beautiful.

Jesus uses this same picture to teach us about our hearts. God’s Word is like a seed, and our hearts are the soil. We can hear His Word every day, but hearing it isn’t enough. We have to receive it, hold onto it, and allow it to take root in our lives.

But sometimes our hearts can become hard or crowded. Worry, disappointment, fear, and the hurts we carry can take up so much space that we leave very little room for God’s Word to grow. Or to reach the places in our hearts that need it most.

The good news is that God can change the soil of our hearts. He can soften what has become hard, and make room for something new to grow. Yet just like a garden doesn’t produce a harvest overnight, spiritual growth takes time too. Time for God to work beneath the surface to strengthen our faith, change our hearts, and teach us to trust Him one day at a time.

October 3rd – Luke 8:15 Read More »

October 1st – Galatians 6:7

Galatians 6:7

There’s something beautiful about a harvest. We see the fields filled with golden grain and the trees heavy with fruit. But we don’t always think about what happened long before the harvest arrived. Someone had to plant the seed, tend the soil, water it, and patiently wait for it to grow.

Our hearts are much the same. Every day, we are planting seeds through our thoughts, words, choices, and the things we allow to take root in our hearts. Some seeds are planted intentionally, while others find their way in without us even realizing it. And over time, those seeds begin to produce something in our lives.

But what are we planting? Are we planting faith or fear? Trust or worry? Kindness or criticism? Are we filling our hearts with the truth of God’s Word, or are we allowing the worries and distractions of this world to take root?

The beautiful thing is that it’s never too late to start planting something different. God can help us pull out the weeds, soften the hard places, and make our hearts good soil for His Word. We may not see the growth right away, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

So let’s be intentional about what we’re planting. Let’s fill our hearts with His Word, nurture our faith, and make room for the kind of fruit that reflects Jesus. And as we do, let’s trust God with the growing.

October 1st – Galatians 6:7 Read More »

September 23rd – John 15:5

John 15:5

Sometimes we think growing means trying harder, doing more, and being strong enough to handle everything on our own. But Jesus gives us a very different picture. A branch doesn’t struggle to produce fruit by itself. It simply stays connected to the vine.

We have to let go of the need to control everything, fix everything, and depend only on ourselves. And to stop trying to grow through our own strength and learn to remain connected to Jesus. Because when we’re connected to Him, He changes us from the inside out. He grows patience where there was frustration, peace where there was anxiety, faith where there was doubt, forgiveness where there was hurt, and strength where we once felt weak.

Sometimes the very thing God is asking us to let go of is what has been keeping us from growing. That’s why we need to stay close to Jesus, trust Him, and allow Him to do the growing in us. So today, let go of self-reliance. Let go of control. And let go of trying to do it all on your own. Stay connected to Jesus, and let Him grow something beautiful in you.

September 23rd – John 15:5 Read More »

June 14th – John 15:5

John 15:5

Waiting on God can be one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. When our prayers seem unanswered and God’s timing doesn’t match our own, we’re often tempted to take matters into our own hands. We convince ourselves that we know what’s best, or that if God isn’t moving fast enough, we need to make something happen. But how often do our plans fall apart when we run ahead of Him?

Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Like a branch separated from the vine, anything we try to build in our own strength will eventually wither. What may look promising at first can quickly turn to ashes when God is not at the center of it. True fruit, lasting fruit, only comes when we remain connected to Christ and trust Him enough to wait for His direction.

The good news is that God’s delays are never without purpose. While we’re waiting, He is often working behind the scenes. He’s busy preparing our hearts, shaping our character, and arranging circumstances in ways we can’t see. Instead of running ahead, may we learn to stay close to the Vine, trusting that God’s plans are always better than anything we could accomplish on our own. The safest place we can be is not ahead of God or behind Him, but walking beside Him, one faithful step at a time.

June 14th – John 15:5 Read More »

December 8th – John 5:15

John 5:15

Christmas is a busy season. So it’s easy to get wrapped up in decorating, baking, and buying, forgetting that the real joy of the season flows from staying connected to Jesus. Just like branches need the vine to stay alive, we need His presence to stay steady, peaceful, and full. When we try to do everything in our own strength, we feel tired, rushed, and overwhelmed. But when we slow down and draw close to Him, His peace settles our spirit and reminds us why this season matters. Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. It’s about remaining in Christ’s love, even while the house is messy and the schedule is full. And when our hearts are tied to His, even small moments like wrapping gifts or washing dishes become meaningful. Without Jesus the lights feel empty and the celebrations feel hollow. But with Him, everything has purpose, warmth, and life. And that’s the beauty of Christmas. Staying connected to the One who came so we could truly live.

Reflection Question:
Where in my busy Christmas season do I need to slow down and reconnect my heart to Jesus instead of relying on my own strength?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me stay close to You in every moment of this season. When I feel rushed, tired, or distracted, draw my heart back to You. Teach me to rely on You daily and let Your peace and joy flow through me so my life reflects Your love. Amen.

December 8th – John 5:15 Read More »

October 5th – John 15:16

John 15:16

It’s humbling to realize that Jesus chose us not because of anything we’ve done, but simply because of His great love. And out of that love, He appoints us to bear fruit that will last. Not the kind that fades with time or loses meaning when life shifts, but fruit that carries eternal impact. The world tells us to chase success, approval, and comfort. Yet all of that fades like autumn leaves. God calls us to something deeper. To live lives that leave an eternal legacy.

When we stay connected to Him, His presence overflows through us in ways that truly matter. In kindness that brings healing, faith that strengthens others, and love that draws hearts closer to Christ. We weren’t created to live small, forgettable lives, but to reflect God’s goodness wherever we go. Our legacy isn’t built on achievements or titles. It’s written in the lives touched and changed because we remained rooted in Him. And when our story is told, may it be said that we walked closely with Jesus and bore fruit that pointed others to Him. The kind of fruit that lasts forever.

October 5th – John 15:16 Read More »

September 26th – Luke 6:44

Luke 6:44

Just like an apple tree can’t grow thorns, and a grapevine can’t produce figs, our actions, words, and attitudes reveal what’s rooted deep within us. If our hearts are grounded in Christ, the fruit that shows will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But when we allow worry, bitterness, or pride to take root, the fruit that comes out looks very different. And it’s not the kind that draws others closer to Jesus. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to the True Vine, letting His Spirit nourish us daily. And that’s what I want to do. Become a tree that provides shade for the weary, sweetness for the searching, and strength for those who need hope. Every moment, every word, and every choice is a seed planted toward what will eventually grow. So today I ask myself, “Am I producing fruit that honors God and blesses others?” Because the harvest of my life is telling a story. And I want mine to tell the story of God. Of His love, unmerited grace, and gift of eternal life!

Reflection Question: What kind of fruit is your life producing right now, and does it point others toward Jesus?

Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me to stay rooted in You so that my life overflows with fruit that glorifies Your name and blesses those around me.”

 

September 26th – Luke 6:44 Read More »

September 24th – Hebrews 13:15

Hebrews 13:15

Hebrews 13:15 reminds us that praise is like fruit. It’s something beautiful which grows from a heart rooted in God. Offering the fruit of praise isn’t just about singing on Sundays, or thanking God when life feels good. It’s about choosing to honor Him in every season. True praise is powerful because it’s not dependent on our circumstances. It flows from knowing who God is. Sometimes that means lifting our voices in joy. Other times it means whispering thanks through tears, declaring His faithfulness even in the waiting. Praise shifts our focus from our problems to His promises. It silences the enemy’s lies, and fills our hearts with hope. When we make praise a lifestyle, we carry God’s presence with us into every situation, changing us from the inside out. The fruit of praise not only blesses God, it softens our hearts, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that no matter what we face, He is still worthy, still good, and still on the throne.

Reflection Question: What’s one thing you can intentionally praise God for today, even if life feels hard?

Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me to continually offer You the fruit of praise. Teach me to worship not just in the good times, but in every moment, trusting that You are always worthy.”

September 24th – Hebrews 13:15 Read More »

September 22nd – Colossians 1:10

Colossians 1:10

When I read about walking worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit in every good work, it reminds me that following Jesus is not just about believing, it’s about living. Fruit in our lives isn’t measured by what we know, but by how His Spirit shows through us in the everyday. It’s the gentle patience we extend when frustration sets in. Or the kindness we give to a stranger who may never return it. It’s the forgiveness we choose, when holding a grudge would be easier. And the love we offer when the world says to protect ourselves instead. Sometimes we think fruit means doing something big for God. But often it’s the small, quiet, hidden choices that please Him most. We don’t force this fruit. It grows when we stay connected to Jesus, the Vine. The Spirit transforms our impatience into gentleness, our fear into peace. The closer we walk with Him, the more natural this fruit becomes. And every act of faithfulness points people to the goodness of our God. This is what it means to live a life that truly honors the Lord.

Reflection Question: Where is God calling you to bear fruit in your daily life right now

Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me stay rooted in You so that my life naturally overflows with fruit that brings You glory in every good work.”

September 22nd – Colossians 1:10 Read More »