As I mentioned in my last post, I often pray that God would allow me to bear more fruit, and that the fruit would last.  This has led me to reflect and pray on the question,

“IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO SEE THAT MORE FRUIT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME?”

Probably the most important answer to that question is that ultimately it is God’s activity in a person’s life that bears fruit of any kind, especially fruit that remains.  Jesus made it clear,  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  

In the past, I have tended to interpret this to mean that I need to stay in a close relationship with Jesus, and then he will give me instructions what I need to do in order to bear more and better fruit.  I still believe that is true, but I am also realizing it means that I need to PRAY that He would bear fruit in people lives.

Because of being unable to live in India full time, we are stuck being 1000’s of miles away.  What can we do? The answer comes back loud and clear, “I WANT YOU TO PRAY”!

MY GROWING CONVICTION IS THAT PRAYER IS ONE OF THE SIGNIFICANT MEANS GOD USES IN BEARING FRUIT THAT REMAINS.

Here are two things that I am praying:

• I pray that ______ would spend quality time in your Word, that your Word would be powerful and active in their lives, and that you would give them ears to hear what you are saying and a heart to obey.
• Holy Spirit, I ask that you would be active in _______ life and cause your fruit to be formed in their life so that they would become more and more like Jesus.

A QUESTION TO REFLECT ON: WHAT ARE SOME PRAYERS YOU ARE PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE YOU MINISTER TO?