This year our apple trees didn't bear any fruit. A frost during the week of blooms prevented the pollinators from doing their job. 

Bees don't come out unless its warm enough for them.

My little girls asked all summer when they could pick apples and I told them, I'm not sure if the trees will bear anything this year.... 

Now that we are heading into Fall, It's obvious that there isn't any fruit coming this year. 

Producing real spiritual fruit us something I'm incapable of on my own. But sometimes I still try to force it. Like a branch cut off from the apple tree lying on the ground trying to produce its own apple. 

"Just try a little harder. The fruit has to be coming soooon!" I tell me self, but it doesn't

No matter how hard I trt to squeeze out the fruit, it never even buds. No one is fed. 

No one is nourished. 

And I'm left tired, frustrated and discouraged. 

If you are questioning your ability to make an impact for God, I think we should stop for a moment. 

It's never been about our ability or our influence. 

It's about God. 

Instead of obsessing over living for God, what is we just live BECAUSE of God. The problem with living for God is that it quickly becomes about our efforts, our performance and praise. Living because of God is about HIM. It's about the Vine, the Life-Giver, Fruit-Producer. 

So open your heart. 

Dwell. 

Abide. 

Live in perpetual yes. 

He will move, sometimes through others more than you and sometimes through you more than others. 

But if we are remaining in Christ and living simply with a 'because of Him' mentality, all that will matter is that He is moving. 

Are you living because of Him? 

My prayer this labor day weekend is that we take moments to be open and dwell in the love of our God.

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