From Pastor Tom - Secrets of Fruitfulness

Most people are interested in productivity.  But did you know that the Bible does not use the word “productivity”.  Instead you’ll find the words that speak of “fruitfulness”.

            “…I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…” John 15:16

 God wants us to have a productive fruitful life which produces GOOD FRUIT.  God’s word warns us to examine the quality of our fruit.

            “…every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot             bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good        fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”  Matt. 17:17-20

Here are four conditions that are essential for bearing good fruit.

1.  You must have a strong root system.

God says there’s no fruit without the roots.  The roots supply the nutrients through the tree to the fruit.  Each one of us must ask “Where does my source of strength come from?”  Our answer should be God.  Jesus says it this way:

“I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

2.  You must eliminate the weeds in your life.

The weeds in your life are anything that hinder or limit your spiritual growth.  Weeds are the things that choke your relationship with God and prevent you from further growth.  Weeds are dangerous because it takes no effort at all to grow them.  You don’t have to cultivate weeds.  It does, however take a lot of effort to remove them.  But if they are not removed they will hinder your fruitfulness.  See Matt. 13:7

3.  You must cooperate with God’s pruning in your life.

What is pruning?  Pruning is cutting off dead branches and living ones in order to stimulate growth.  Pruning is essential for increased productivity.  It is not optional.  If you’re going to be productive, God will put you through times of pruning.  See John 15:2

4.  You must wait for the harvest.

Growing fruit takes time.  It doesn’t happen automatically.  You don’t plant a seed in the ground and harvest it the next day.  It’s common sense: seeds take time to grow.  See Matt. 24:45

May God Bless

Pastor Tom