The Proof

John 15:8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

How does a tree bear fruit? It certainly will not bear fruit if we cut off the branches every time we see a bloom.  The only way is for the branch to be connected to the trunk so that all the nutrients extend to the branch, where the fruit hangs low and ripe.

We can do nothing apart from Him.  And all that we try to do will fail, unless we are connected to him.

We all strive so hard to “bear fruit” by being good, going to church, being kind to others, and all of these things are great.  But those actions in and of themselves don’t produce anything but weariness!

Staying connected to the trunk, where the roots run deep, just means staying in the truth, soaking up the Son, and drinking with our mouths open wide.

It’s then that what we do will be a result of where we’ve been, and it won’t result in weariness, but rather ripe juicy fruit – beautiful to behold.

Is your branch empty and dead, about to fall to the ground?  Ask Him to renew your strength, and then drink deep, soak in his love, and watch the fruit and the green reappear…even in the dead of winter.