In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. (John 15:5, MSG)

Beloved, the word of God above admonishes us to bear more fruit as believers, in every area of our lives. When there is a disconnect from the Vine, unfruitfulness and abuse are inevitable. Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches, hence our fruitfulness is dependent on knowing God, His plans, and His purposes for our lives. That way we are not easily tossed around by the wind of the world. The songwriter said, and I quote, "When I know You, I'll find me."

A Story Worth Pondering

Let me share the story of a well-known Nollywood star who shared her experience online. She was a chorister in a very big church, who brought down the power of God while ministering. She said a word of knowledge was passed across to her not to drink alcohol at all. She then confessed that she tasted the alcohol, and since then she knew the power and presence of God had diminished from her life. Peradventure she was supposed to compose a song that would draw men and women to God, essentially bearing fruit, and even more fruit, in God's vineyard.

On the contrary, she lost it by disobeying the instruction from God that was peculiar to her. Beloved, without Him we are nothing. We may experience some movements which may not lead to any real progress in life. As a woman who really needs to flourish, I enjoin you to assess your life at the place of prayer, and ask God some questions about your life, especially when you're experiencing stagnation.

Abiding Is the Secret

Jesus was deliberate when He said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5, KJV). Notice the order. Fruit does not come first; abiding comes first. Many of us are striving to produce fruit through activity, through busyness, through our own strength, when what God is really asking for is abiding: staying joined, staying connected, staying surrendered.

He also said, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2, KJV). Pruning is not punishment. It is preparation. God cuts away what is unnecessary so that what remains can flourish.

Tell Jesus, "Master, speak, oh speak to me." If there is a disconnect, pray yourself back to connecting to your first love, the Vine, the Husbandman, and His name is Jesus Christ. I ask you, are you bearing fruit at all? If not, then reconnect with your Maker. He alone can make the best out of your life, because He is the Potter and you are the clay. And if you are bearing fruit even now, there is still enough room for you to bear even more fruit.

Song

Give me grace to flourish, abundant grace to flourish. Give me grace to flourish, Your grace is enough for me.

I enjoin you dearly, beloved, make time to study John chapter 15. Let the word of God speak expressly to your heart, and let the tillage and the pruning begin. I decree and declare that your life will experience a divine turnaround that will launch you into greater heights, and motivate you to flourish in every area of your life, in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Points

Father, reconnect every disconnected branch of my life back to You, the true Vine, in the name of Jesus.

Lord, prune away everything in me that hinders fruitfulness, and let me bring forth fruit that remains, in the name of Jesus.