Jesus said, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: For without me ye can do nothing…. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples (John 15:4-5, 7-8).
Bearing fruit is doing the works of Jesus, consequently pleasing the Father. Hebrews 13:20-21 says, “Now the God of peace…make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight….” This is a clear example of God’s will for every believer.
Notice Colossians 1:9-10: “We…do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and piritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” The better you know God, the more fruitful you become through His power working in you.
Fruit bearing comes through prayer. Jesus always separated Himself from people to spend time in prayer. Spending time with the Father in fellowship and prayer kept Him in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Set aside time each day with your heavenly Father. Make the decision you will not allow anything to interfere with your quality time alone with Him. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the more you will act and think like Him. He has already given you His nature. Fellowshipping with Him will cause your desires, attitudes, actions and beliefs to line up with His. Then, when you pray, you will simply be voicing His will. The reality of God will burn into your consciousness. You will not be crying out to a God who is 92 million miles away. He will be right there—closer than a brother. As you draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to you ( James 4:8). No danger, no circumstance, no problem in this world can come near you with God Almighty by your side!
Fellowshipping with God will give birth to a deep, strong faith and trust in His ability. Your prayer life will take on new meaning. As a born-again believer, you have everything you need to succeed in this life. God is a winner! You are His very own child. You have been born again to win! When you pray in faith and confidence, all of heaven’s resources are at your disposal! Determine in your heart you will maintain consistent, intimate fellowship with God so your prayer life will be based on personal knowledge of Him.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
