Blessings,
MONDAY ENCOURAGEMENT
A few years ago, my sweet sister and brother-in-law gave me a fruit tree. I love seeing the lemons and limes hanging from its branches, but it certainly didn’t start out that way.
I remember the first year. I watched and waited, but nothing appeared. The second year was the same. Then my hubby started giving it fruit-tree fertilizer. Gradually, as we fed it what it needed, little blooms appeared. Beautiful little flowers! And then we saw one tiny bud that looked like a lime. Then two!
I was so excited. But much to my surprise, that was all it produced that year. Two little limes. Boy, was I picky about using those two limes! I wanted to save them for a special occasion. How funny is that?
Over the next few years, the tree began producing more. First five, then seven, and this year, nine! One fell to the ground, which was a sad moment, but I have loved watching this little tree grow. With the right fertilizer, water, sunlight, and care, it began to flourish.
Today, it looks a little tattered. It has just been through a move, and it needs some pruning. But even after all it has been through, limes and lemons still hang from its branches.
As I looked at my tree, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in John 15:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)
Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. He is our source of life.
Just as my little tree needs nourishment to grow, we need to remain connected to Jesus. He invites us to know Him, to seek Him through His Word and prayer, and to spend time with Him. Not simply because of what He can do for us, but because He loves us and desires a relationship with us.
In John 15:9, Jesus says:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (NIV)
I love that word, remain. The original Greek word carries the meaning of abiding, continuing, or staying. It is not about visiting occasionally. It is about continuing in a relationship with Him.
And then there is the pruning.
In John 15:1–2, Jesus says His Father is the gardener who prunes the branches so they become more fruitful. My little tree needs pruning, too. Some of its branches need attention so it can keep growing.
But what has stayed with me most is how that tree looks today. It is a little tattered from its move and doesn’t look quite as beautiful as it once did.
But it is still bearing fruit.
Isn’t that a beautiful reminder? Life can be hard. We go through changes, disappointments, and unexpected circumstances. Sometimes we may feel a little tattered ourselves. But even in those difficult times, we can remain in Jesus, draw closer to Him, and let Him use our lives to bless others.
John 15 is packed with so much truth. As Jesus draws nearer to the cross, He shares these beautiful words with His disciples. Knowing what lay ahead, He reminds them of His love and the importance of remaining in Him.
And then in John 15:16, Jesus tells His disciples that He chose them and appointed them to bear fruit that will last.
I think about God’s incredible love. That He would send His one and only Son so that we could have eternal life and a personal relationship with Him is sometimes more than my mind can comprehend.
He wants us to know Him. To remain in His love. To walk with Him and allow Him to work through our lives.
The thought that the God of the universe loves us that much, that He invites us into a personal relationship with Him, is astonishing.
And it leaves me speechless.
Father, we thank You. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Him to die for us, that we may have eternity with You. Your love for us is beyond our comprehension, and Your desire to have a relationship with us through Your Son is beyond words. Today, let us worship and thank You for choosing us to abide in You and bear fruit… the fruit that lasts. Amen
Hugs and Blessings,
Rhonda
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Sources & Scripture
Scripture References: John 15:1–2, 5, 9, 16 (NIV); John 3:16 (NIV)
Greek Word Study: Men? (????) — to remain, abide, continue, or stay. Used in John 15 to describe remaining in Christ and His love.
Source: Strong’s Greek Lexicon, G3306; Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.
NIV Copyright Notice: Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
