9.29.2026 - Karla Whitman
Tuesday September 29
John 15:1-17
Work in us and through us influences the Kingdom of God.
God needs to work in us in order for us to produce fruit. We know that, as Christians, we should be producing the fruits of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, loyalty, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The work done through us reveals this fruit to others. But how do we produce fruit if not through work, effort, and time? It takes many years for a tree to grow from a seed to a sapling to a big tree with deep roots. In fact, some trees – like Sequoias – take a lifetime or two to reach their full size!
We are like plants, cultivated over time. Just as sunlight, water, and nutrients help plants grow, there are things we need for our growth. We need time spent in the Word. We need time spent in prayer. We need meaningful time spent with friends and mentors.
In John 15:1-17, we are compared to branches of a vine, and the vine is Jesus. In verse 2, He states that branches that do not produce fruit get cut off, while branches that do get pruned. Branches that produce fruit are attached to the Vine.
We are called to abide in Christ, the Vine, so that we will not be the cut off branches. Through proximity with Christ, the Holy Spirit works within us and God begins a refining process, with seasons of growth and seasons of pruning. God cultivates us, leading us to produce those fruits of the Spirit.
Those around us see those fruits, which leads to the growth of the Kingdom.
Our job, then, is to keep ourselves well nourished by spending time in the Word, spending time praying, talking with God, allowing the Spirit to take hold of us.
Some of you regularly do these things. Keep it up! Others find themselves struggling to find time. When I was younger, one of my teachers told me that she prayed every morning in her car, on her way to work. That was how she managed to fit in prayer every day. Some achieve this by setting aside a specific time and place for prayer. Some go on daily hikes.
What has helped me this past year is keeping a notebook of prayers, something I was urged to do many years ago. Rather than try to remember to do it at home, I carry a small notebook in my purse for this purpose. Among other things, this record of my prayers helps me to look back on those that have been answered.
Our lives will always be busy. We make sure of that. Our culture makes sure of it. The devil makes sure of it. We cannot let ourselves lose sight of what truly matters– a strong relationship with Christ. Put in the work, and ask the Lord for discipline in that matter. Ask, and He will provide.