Comments on: Why So Little Fruit?

By: Linda B.

Linda B. — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 16:51:11 +0000

Right now, I am depending on the Lord to help me with a big issue but I don’t feel His

presence in this. It’s an issue going on for a good long time and still is not settled. I still try to

rely on Him as He knows my situation and the problems that come with it as there is no

change and it was never caused by me but a couple of other people starting it.

And is it wrong to want more income for myself? I am trying to improve that for myself.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:28:17 +0000

I’m currently in a bad situation in my marriage. My husband was diagnosed bipolar and he is verbally and emotionally abusive and suffers from delusional jealousy. For many years I have stood by him because if my covenant commitment of my marriage vows. Lately, I have been seriously considering leaving him. The Lord reminded me of the Bible verses where Moses interceded on behalf of Israel even though they did not acknowledge their sins nor were they repentant. I believe God is asking me to die to self and intercede on behalf of my husband. It is a hard place to be. My flesh wants to take the easy way out. I think about other saints that have had to endure, Corrie ten Boom comes to mind. But in her situation, she did not have an option of walking away. Other saints have stayed on missionary callings enduring hardship for the sake of Christ. I thought I was an intercessor for my nation, but how can I do this when my immediate family needs me to stand in the gap for them? Feeling pretty helpless right now, guess God is bringing me to total dependence. The pruning is hard, but looking forward to the future fruit.

By: Kendall Albright

Kendall Albright — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 02:33:12 +0000

I love this poem.

The Master is seeking a harvest in lives
He’s redeemed by His blood;
He seeks for the fruit of the Spirit,
And works that will glorify God.

Nothing but leaves for the Master,
Oh, how His loving heart grieves;
When instead of the fruit He is seeking,
We offer Him nothing but leaves.

Mrs. H.S. Lehman

By: Clare Watts

Clare Watts — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:20:46 +0000

Some years ago I had a tropical fruit farm. One thing we were always watchful for were “wild suckers” which had to be cut off immediately they were spotted. These are wild branches that grow up from the base of the tree. They are fleshy, and usually green, grow straight up, mostly have MUCH bigger, healthier leaves than the main tree, NEVER produce fruit, but only draw off the nutrients of the tree that are drawn away by them that would go into producing big, healthy fruit on the main fruit-bearing branches. They have to be removed as soon as possible.

I see this like us. If we are not willing to grow and mature over the years as God wants us to, we will NEVER produce fruit, and be pleasing and productive to the Orchardist, but just “look good” – perhaps even appear healthier than the real deal. He WILL cut us off and toss us into the fire to be burnt.

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 23:21:13 +0000

Thank you Chip for continuing to talk about the preeminence of Christ and the cross! I have found recently not many want to talk on these, and the conversation ends. I really appreciate your willingness to keep talking!!!

By: Lynne Clark

Lynne Clark — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 07:39:09 +0000

that is so true Chip, we as believers (myself definitely included) want all the good stuff, the power, the gifts etc, but not willing to die to our old ways, which is very hard at times, but not impossible, I am learning that more and more as I go in this walk. God bless you, thanks for sharing this truth

By: Mario C. Alleckna

Mario C. Alleckna — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 14:12:36 +0000

Truth: “…they desire the Life of the Lord, but not His Death.”

By: Garry Ballard

Garry Ballard — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 11:19:37 +0000

Every hour, everyday!

By: Garry Ballard

Garry Ballard — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 11:17:59 +0000

In reply to G. Christian. Amen, well put!

By: sherry

sherry — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:25:52 +0000

Chip,

Yes!! This is the heart of the matter!!. The first few sentences is all I ever heard being taught the entire time I was in church. The last part of the second paragraph may be somewhat taught but it is never ever applied in elders lives nor those they teach. Most people only do what they see others do. This is why there is so much worldliness in the church. For the most part people truly don’t know how to die to self and pick up their cross of suffering. This is why the body has no power to over come death because they rely on self efforts not the power of the Holy Spirit. The True Power will be Spiritual based on Truth not physical based on the flesh.