Not every field produces a bumper crop. Some do far better than others. When I lived in Western Kansas, the farmers could make fairly accurate predictions as to how fruitful their harvest would be. Some of the predictions had to do with the quality of seed, some had to do with the quality of the soil, some had to do with the amount of rain they received. Multiple factors played into it, but every year, the ultimate yield was a big discussion among famers.
Bottom line, seed planted in the good soil will produce fruit. Some will show a greater yield than others. I see some Christians, some families, some churches, even some denominations that tend to bear more fruit than others. What are the contributing factors? They are varied, but often I notice that the most fruitful are not the most gifted. I notice the most fruitful are often those that have the greatest dependence on Christ. Not the exalted, but the humble. Not strong, but those that recognize their weakness putting no confidence in the flesh and great confidence in Almighty God.
Prayer Prompts and Discussion Starters:
- Some Christians are more fruitful than others. What are some of the contributing factors that cause some Christians to be more fruitful than others?
- What can you do to assure a bumper crop of fruit in your life?
- What can increase the fruitfulness of your church as a whole?
- What are some Kingdom prayers we should be praying for the churches in our nation and around the world? Be specific.
- Record your insights below.
:) Now that's an easy one :) Jesus told us how to bear (more) fruit: John 15:1-17
ReplyDelete"If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.[...] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."
The 'secret' is to read the Word, read the Word and read the Word, 'eating' as much as we can of it (Matthew 4:4), meditating it (Joshua 1:8) and speaking it (e.g. 1 Peter 4:11).
Thank you Lord for your Word! Thank you for giving me the love for your Word! Halleluia!
You're absolutely right! Several years ago, while studying John 14-17 in depth (for a period of several months) the Lord showed me a glimpse of the fruit that He brings as a result of abiding in Him. Fruit such as discernment, authority in speaking His truth in counseling others, fruit such as sensitivity to His Spirit, and immediate obedience.
ReplyDeleteI was utterly blown away by the fruit He produced as a result of my abiding in Him. I didn't have to manufacture any fruit - He did it as I abided in Him. Just as He promised.
Oh, Lord, help us abide in You.
yeah, jim! what you say is so true: and god answers ALL our questions through his word: whether we're teenagers, young adults, single mom's/dads, husbands, wives, grandparents ...
ReplyDelete