A troubled young man once told Pastor Ray Stedman, “I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I want to be a good Christian, and I try hard, but somehow I just never seem to make it. I’m always doing the wrong thing. I just can’t live like a Christian.”
Pastor Stedman pointed out a Douglas fir tree to the young man and said, “What are the qualities this tree suggests to you?” “It’s strong and it’s beautiful.”
Pastor Stedman said, “Exactly! Beauty and strength. Isn’t that what you desire for yourself too? Where does it get its beauty and strength?”
The young man said, “Well, from the roots.”
In John 15, Jesus also used a plant to teach His disciples a similar lesson (v.1). He described the disciples as being branches springing from Himself—the vine. Can a branch bear fruit by itself? Nope. It needs to draw nutrients and water from the vine. Jesus was making the point that the secret to bearing fruit doesn’t lie in the strength of our determination, but in our being grafted into the Source of life.
In verse 7, Jesus gives us this promise: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
Now this verse is not an open invitation to pursue our own selfish desires. But it presents the truth that when we pray we draw from God the needed resources to produce fruit. Verse 8 states the result of answered prayer: “When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father.”
Want to be spiritually strong and beautiful? Remain in Jesus and depend on Him! He will definitely answer the requests of the child of God who is bearing fruit by His living power.
More:
• Psalm 1:1-3
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
Next:
In what ways have you been leaning on your own strength for spiritual growth? How will you produce fruit by Jesus’ power today?
hitchsix on October 9, 2009 at 9:49 am
The problem with the flesh is we tend to stay within our comfort zone. Relying on Jesus takes constent
prayer and dwelling in his word. It takes ignoring your feelings and seek Jesus through his word and pray until you feel is presence. I am aware that I need to die everyday to ( pride, jealousy, impatence, selfishness, covetness, self control and so on ). I need to talk to God all the time. I see strength and power coming slowly in my life. God knows us and will alow what is nessary for us to grow. Sit back and allow Him to work in you through Jesus.
Danya on October 9, 2009 at 11:13 am
Response to hitchsix. I totally agree with you. Being a christian is a life long journey. We all struggle to be like Christ everyday and it is a process that never stops. We have to be patient with ourselves and not give up when we fall and not let satan fill our minds with thoughts of “I can’t do this”, “I can’t ask God to forgive me for this again.” We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get back into the word. So hitchsix, I’m right there withy you!
kelvin on October 10, 2009 at 2:25 am
I myself has this problem lust over women. Five years, since i got saved. Yet, i still can’t help but lust and lie. But I am pretty sure about one thing, God is ever ready to forgive me every time i fail not because i’m good but of the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. My sin has forever forgive. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become righteousness of God in Him” (2 co5:21)
Every time, i fail i proclaim 2 co 5.21. Until a month ago, God show me why Joseph can ran away from his master’s wife. simply becos he DECIDED not to do her, of cos he also fear the Lord. That’s delivered me from the bondage!!
I realised that journey with God took a life time. We might be saved but changing is a process. that’s what repentant means; changing our mind set. That’s took time. Good news is our God is a patient God.
that’s why i guess Gospel called Good news : ) Praised the Lord Almighty!