Have you ever wondered why so many people who claim to be Christians struggle to bear fruit? They may attend church, may hear the Word of God taught, may be in a small group and yet there seems to be little to no growth. When this happens that person usually becomes apathetic believing that continually sinning is just normal. Maybe they become frustrated believing that there is no hope of ever being able to live for Jesus. Either way, being apathetic and frustrated in a walk with Jesus Christ is not fruit-bearing.

Jesus tells us that the answer for a believer who wants to bear fruit is to hear and to understand His Word. There is NEVER a problem with the Word of God. As a Christian, the Word of God is paramount for growth as we abide in Christ. Unfortunately, in our culture we often take God’s Word for granted. We may think because we have many different copies of the Scriptures and have frequently been to church that we already know enough. We may even consider our activity and service for Christ something that is more important than hearing and listening to God’s Word.

The truth that Jesus tells us in this parable is that there is nothing wrong with the Word of God; just the heart of the person who is listening. Jesus makes a promise to the person who listens and understands His Word that they will not only produce a harvest, but that it will be thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold more than where they started. This is not a promise to a specific individual but to any Christ-follower. God knows that by hearing, trusting, and obeying His Word that you can be more for Him than you ever dreamed possible. If you are lacking a zeal for the Lord and you are not seeing God use your life perhaps you have not been seeking God through His Word with a desire to obey Him.

Here’s my encouragement to you today if you want to grow and produce fruit:

1. Find a church that preaches and teaches the Word of God

2. Spend daily time in your own study of God’s Word.

3. Write down the application that God shows you and obey Him.

As you grow in your understanding of God through His Word and respond in obedience, you will grow in your fruitfulness in His Kingdom. Prayer Dear Jesus, open my heart today to the truth of your Word. Help me to hear, understand and obey you. I desire to bear fruit and want to be used by you. I believe that my greatest satisfaction will be in listening to and loving you. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit today as I allow the Living Christ to work in and through me. Amen.

PRAYER

Jesus, I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for giving me life in You and purpose in this world. Today I pray I would abide in You and find my fulfillment and satisfaction in You. I am so grateful for Your love for me, and I want You to continue to remain the number one priority in my life. Amen.