"Fruit"

There’s wonder in the wisdom,

Of what the Good Lord does,

There’s timeless in the timing,

And that is just because,

He is faithful in refining,

Those who follow and who say,

They are going where He’s showing,

And surrender every day.

To the Vine that’s in God’s vineyard,

That He tends to and He prunes,

We’re abiding and we’re siding,

With His work until our blooms,

Bring forth fruit that lasts forever,

Just the way that He ordains,

We’re producing, introducing,

One and all to heaven’s gains.

So remember that the reason,

We’re transformed to Jesus’ ways,

‘Cause God’s power forms the flower,

That produces fruit and stays.

The impact of God’s contract,

With His Word that’s always true,

Breaks sin’s tether and forever,

Sets us free to praise and do,

The mission and the message,

That He saves because He gave,

His Son to be the only one,

To wash us with love’s wave.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NAS)

Jesus said that we were chosen to go and produce eternal fruit. Simply stated this means that our lives will have a spiritual impact in the lives of others that will change their eternal destiny. And that is why He is serious in His refining work in us. He will work in every trial to make us productive, and the most painful lessons are the most effective. He is transforming us into useful vessels, reminding us that it is only what He does through us that counts. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Abiding in Him means anything is possible.

Lord, help us remember to abide always in You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Robert “Shufly” Shufelt, used by permission. Thanks, Robert, and God bless you.