I thought of a slightly different slant on this recently whilst trying to remove a few saplings growing in our lawn from a nearby bush. I kept digging a fairly thick root which ran under the grass and when eventually pulling it out, measured it at 2.25m along with 3 other offshoots each about half a metre!
To bear fruit for Jesus we need to be well-rooted in him and his word; but, equally, sin not dealt with can be like my root running a long way under the surface!
Wow – thank you JH for your comment; you have painted such a vivid picture of our lives. Oh to be so rooted in Him, with roots that run deep, long and with offshoots!
It’s a sobering thought to think of sin left unchecked, wreaking havoc under the surface. Thank you for giving us that imagery to ponder and pray over.
I am glad that l am connected to the true vine. I realise that it is not enough just to be connected, but more importantly to produce excellent fruit. In this season let us soak up all the nutrients needed from the vine, so that others may be recipients of our good fruits.
Oh thankyou, I love this so much, it is so good, drawing from Him. In my readings today Col 3:22-23 and Jer.32 verse 18 and 19 brought me right back to your thoughts on bearing fruit. I need to be doing this more.
Yes Edith, I know that I need to be doing this more too. I’m confident that I will, as ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.’ Matthew 5:6 (New King James Version)
Hi Carol, thankyou. How precious to abide, remain, dwell in Jesus and his love and that he abides in us. Without him we can do nothing. I need to make sure I remain in him to bear much good fruit and glorify the Father. I’ve just started watching the recent episode of Gardener’s world and Monty Don begins by speaking about the fragrance of the fruit. It struck me that we are to be the fragrance of Christ in our fruitfulness, all part of the richness of good fruit. Also while I was sweeping up fallen leaves in my boss’s garden the other day the sound of the rain falling on her grape vine leaves was so beautiful, both comforting invigorating, and made me think of the Holy Spirit’s work in watering, blessing and invigorating us to bear lasting fruit. Thankyou, it’s so lovely to share God’s word.
Thank you Edith for painting such a beautiful picture of ‘Holy Spirit’s work in watering, blessing and invigorating us’.
Oh that our fruit would not only look good, but have a sweet smelling fragrance too, that draws others and points them towards Christ.
There is a reason that we are supposed to connect to the true vine. As we connect and tap in we draw from the source . They say the apple never falls far from the tree. What fruit am I producing. The true vine , good fruit….as I see that tree and the true vine I continue to press in an press on.
My Friend…your God inspired thoughts are an inspiration…. thought provoking……you are planting good fruit
‘The apple never falls far from the tree’ – I love that analogy in this context!
Let’s be resolute to stay connected to the vine, so that we can continue to draw from the only source that is able to sustain us in, and through whatever we face…
May God bless you abundantly as you press in and on.
Interesting Carol.
My garden has many different fruit trees, cherries, apples orange, lemon. Peach and olive trees. A variety of fruit producing different vitamins. Variety is important to nourish the body. It all started in a garden. God has chosen us for different reasons, to nourish the body of his people, in the way he chooses. The gifts given to us freely, to nourish his kingdom. We are a variety accepted by God to be obedient to his call. What an awesome God we serve.
Oh wow Michele – that’s a variety for sure! Thanks for sharing your take on this; I pray that others will indeed be nourished by the fruit that we produce.
I thought of a slightly different slant on this recently whilst trying to remove a few saplings growing in our lawn from a nearby bush. I kept digging a fairly thick root which ran under the grass and when eventually pulling it out, measured it at 2.25m along with 3 other offshoots each about half a metre!
To bear fruit for Jesus we need to be well-rooted in him and his word; but, equally, sin not dealt with can be like my root running a long way under the surface!
Wow – thank you JH for your comment; you have painted such a vivid picture of our lives. Oh to be so rooted in Him, with roots that run deep, long and with offshoots!
It’s a sobering thought to think of sin left unchecked, wreaking havoc under the surface. Thank you for giving us that imagery to ponder and pray over.
It is a blessing to know that we can draw strength from each other, as we each seek to bear fruits that will enhance the Kingdom.
Amen!
I am glad that l am connected to the true vine. I realise that it is not enough just to be connected, but more importantly to produce excellent fruit. In this season let us soak up all the nutrients needed from the vine, so that others may be recipients of our good fruits.
‘Soak up all the nutrients’ I was picturing this as I read it – how wonderful!
Thank you P for painting such a vivid picture. I decree and declare that will be the case.
God bless you.
Oh thankyou, I love this so much, it is so good, drawing from Him. In my readings today Col 3:22-23 and Jer.32 verse 18 and 19 brought me right back to your thoughts on bearing fruit. I need to be doing this more.
Yes Edith, I know that I need to be doing this more too. I’m confident that I will, as ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.’ Matthew 5:6 (New King James Version)
Hi Carol, thankyou. How precious to abide, remain, dwell in Jesus and his love and that he abides in us. Without him we can do nothing. I need to make sure I remain in him to bear much good fruit and glorify the Father. I’ve just started watching the recent episode of Gardener’s world and Monty Don begins by speaking about the fragrance of the fruit. It struck me that we are to be the fragrance of Christ in our fruitfulness, all part of the richness of good fruit. Also while I was sweeping up fallen leaves in my boss’s garden the other day the sound of the rain falling on her grape vine leaves was so beautiful, both comforting invigorating, and made me think of the Holy Spirit’s work in watering, blessing and invigorating us to bear lasting fruit. Thankyou, it’s so lovely to share God’s word.
Thank you Edith for painting such a beautiful picture of ‘Holy Spirit’s work in watering, blessing and invigorating us’.
Oh that our fruit would not only look good, but have a sweet smelling fragrance too, that draws others and points them towards Christ.
God bless you.
There is a reason that we are supposed to connect to the true vine. As we connect and tap in we draw from the source . They say the apple never falls far from the tree. What fruit am I producing. The true vine , good fruit….as I see that tree and the true vine I continue to press in an press on.
My Friend…your God inspired thoughts are an inspiration…. thought provoking……you are planting good fruit
‘The apple never falls far from the tree’ – I love that analogy in this context!
Let’s be resolute to stay connected to the vine, so that we can continue to draw from the only source that is able to sustain us in, and through whatever we face…
May God bless you abundantly as you press in and on.
Interesting Carol.
My garden has many different fruit trees, cherries, apples orange, lemon. Peach and olive trees. A variety of fruit producing different vitamins. Variety is important to nourish the body. It all started in a garden. God has chosen us for different reasons, to nourish the body of his people, in the way he chooses. The gifts given to us freely, to nourish his kingdom. We are a variety accepted by God to be obedient to his call. What an awesome God we serve.
Oh wow Michele – that’s a variety for sure! Thanks for sharing your take on this; I pray that others will indeed be nourished by the fruit that we produce.
God bless you.