July 17

Bear Fruit

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last." John 15:16

What an amazing thought: we did not do the choosing it was Christ! He set his heart upon us and we responded, not the other way around. When you are feeling insignificant, remember the words of your Master, "I chose you!" It is a wonderful honor to have been chosen for service by the King. Once asked to serve, we had better take that service seriously. What is it that Jesus asks of us? He says we are "to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last." He has appointed us and now how do we fulfill our commission? First, we must make daily communication with the Master a priority. Without His instructions, we will not know how to proceed each day. Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first" His kingdom, meaning we need to make Him our first priority. When we spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word, we will find direction for our life. This is the integral key to remaining in the vine, to abiding in Him. Without that lifeline of Christ, we will wither and die. Ultimately, we are to bear fruit. Galatians 5:22,23 tells us this fruit is made up of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is surely fruit that will last. It is fruit that will make a difference; fruit that will be seen by others and will draw them to the vine. Jesus chose us, we choose to abide in Him and, when we do, we will bring forth fruit that will last.

Dear Master Jesus, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you and to bring forth fruit. Help me to remain in you. Life is so hectic and so often you get pushed aside for other activities that seem more pressing at the moment. Forgive me for that, and help me to make you my priority. Help me to seek you and your kingdom first and remember your promise that all else will fall into place if I make you my first priority. Help me to abide in you, that I might bear fruit that will last. Amen