DCLM Daily Manna 14 October 2026: Fruitful Followers
KEY VERSE: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).
TEXT: JOHN 15:1–8
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
Many years ago in St. Louis, United States, a Christian engaged a reputable attorney. At the end of their interaction, the Christian looked at the lawyer, and said: “I’ve often wanted to ask you a question, but I’ve been afraid to do so.” The lawyer concerned asked the Christian client: “What do you want to know?” to which the Christian replied: “I’ve often wondered why you’re not a Christian.” The lawyer replied: “I know enough about the Bible to realize that it says no drunkard can enter the kingdom of God; and you know my weakness!”
“You’re avoiding my questions,” continued the Christian. “Well, truthfully, I can’t recall anyone ever explaining how to become a Christian”, the lawyer submitted. Picking up a Bible, the Christian read some passages showing that all have sinned and are under the condemnation and judgment of God, but that Christ came to save the lost by dying on the cross for their sins. The Christian ended, saying: “By receiving Him as your Substitute and Redeemer, you can be forgiven. If you’re willing to receive Jesus, let’s pray together.” The lawyer agreed, responding to the Christian’s prayer with these penitent words: “O Jesus, I am a slave to drink. One of your servants has shown me how to be saved. O God, forgive my sins and help me overcome the power of this terrible habit in my life.” Right there he was converted.
The Christian had just brought forth a fruit. Each believer is like the corn on the cob, and the stalk is Christ. Every fellowship of believers represents the cob. Christ deservedly expects each corn on His cob to bring forth hundreds, if not thousands, of fruits. It is the law of increasing returns. It’s not about the number but the quality of fruit the believer is adding to God’s barn.
This is what our text today is about. It summarises God’s expectation of reward from Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation. As we go out on our daily business, the glory of God becomes our priority and focus. Fruit bearing becomes a spiritual goal for the believer who is alive in Christ Jesus. We must never lose sight of why Jesus died for us. We must give room for evangelism and sharing of the good news to all – our friends, neighbours, business clients and our family members. This makes God happy. It validates our discipleship and furthers the main purpose of the kingdom of God.
The lawyer that a Christian led to Christ was the famous American theologian, minister, and writer, Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, who later edited the best-selling annotated Bible bearing his name. There are hundreds of Scofields in our society today waiting in the wings to know how to receive salvation in Christ Jesus. We must never permit our fears to keep us from glorifying God through fruitful evangelistic work by leading knowledgeable, though spiritually-ignorant sinners to Christ until His vineyard becomes full.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: To be fruitful, pick up your Bible and talk to someone about Christ today.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Revelation 4–6.
DCLM Daily Manna 14 October 2026
