Author: Kevin Burrell

In northern California, vineyards are known for their ability to produce varying amounts of fruit—some yielding more, and others producing much more—depending on factors like vine care and environmental conditions. The process of pruning and nurturing the vines is essential for maximizing fruit. Interestingly, vineyards are categorized into three main types: “fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.” Each category reflects the vineyard’s cultivation practices and the quality of the grapes produced.

In John 15:5, Jesus makes a profound statement. Read it very closely:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

When you read John 15, you will notice the progression of life producing…

Fruit. More Fruit. Much Fruit!

This means a believer’s life is not static—it grows. God’s desire is not that we simply survive with little evidence of faith, but that our lives overflow and produce the character of Christ.

However, we get to choose. Living a “Much Fruit Life” depends on how deeply we choose to abide in Christ, how surrendered we are to His Spirit, and how willing we are to allow Him to prune us so we can grow in spiritual maturity.

The “fruit” Jesus speaks of is not our gifts, talents, achievements, or good works. It is the evidence of His character alive in us. Paul names this fruit clearly in Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

These nine attributes are what make Christ’s character visible to others through us. Every choice we make, every word we speak, every response we give has the potential to either draw people to His character—or drive people away from it.

Listen closely: To produce a “Much Fruit” life, you must continually abide in Jesus by spending time in His Word, leaning into daily prayer, and keeping your eyes fixed on Him, walking toward Him in obedience each day. It is not about trying harder in your own strength; it is about staying connected to the Vine. Remember, the branch never struggles to make grapes—the branch simply stays connected to the vine, and the life of the vine flows through it.

When you choose to surrender your will to God’s will, He prunes away what hinders your spiritual growth. The pruning may be uncomfortable at times, but it makes room for exponential growth.

The world does not need more Christians who look like the culture; it needs more Christians who are producing the character of Christ.

Live a “Much Fruit” Life.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

One early Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get up and get ready for church. He replied, “I’m not going.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, the people in the church don’t like me, and two, I don’t like them.”

His mother replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. Number one, you’re 45 years old, and number two, you’re the pastor.”

All humor aside, reluctance in life will lead to:

• Missed opportunities

• Stagnation

• Strained relationships

• Increased anxiety

For the prophet Jonah, his reluctance to obey God’s call led to the following:

• Storm at Sea: Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command caused a violent storm that endangered not only his life, but also the lives of the sailors.

• Being Swallowed by a Great Fish: As a direct result of his disobedience, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights in its belly, experiencing the consequences of his choices.

• Delays in God’s Message: His disobedience delayed the delivery of God’s dire warning to the people of Nineveh, potentially risking their destruction.

• Personal Suffering and Humbling: Jonah experienced fear, isolation, and deep reflection, which ultimately humbled him and brought him back to obedience.

Jonah was a rebel on the run:

• In Jonah chapter 1, we see Jonah running away from God (Disobedience).

• In Jonah chapter 2, we see Jonah running toward God (Repentance).

• In Jonah chapter 3, we see Jonah running with God (Grace).

Listen Closely:

Make no mistake! Please do not miss the following point:

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go—keep you longer than you want to stay—and charge you more than you’re willing to pay.”

Sin and disobedience always produce consequences.

Reflection

I encourage you to ponder the following questions in your own life:

• Are you running away from something God is calling you to do?

• Are you living in willful sin and disobedience toward God?

• Are you showing compassion to others, even when you think they don’t deserve it?

• Are you willing to obey God even when the task is outside your comfort zone or feels too difficult?

Never forget: The pain of discipline is always less than the pain of regret. God redeemed Jonah, the running rebel, with His amazing grace—and He will do the same for you.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

In the Texas Hill Country, heavy rains have turned roads into rivers, destroyed homes, cut off entire communities, and changed families forever. Emergency crews continue working nonstop, using boats and helicopters to reach people still trapped by the flood. Among those helping and serving is Jonathan McComb from Corpus Christi, TX. He is part of Texas Search and Rescue, a volunteer group that responds to disasters across the state.

Jonathan’s mission with “TEXSAR” is deeply personal. Ten years ago, he and his family were swept away by a flash flood on the Blanco River in Wimberley, TX. He survived after being carried more than 10 miles downstream, though badly injured. However, his wife Laura and their two children, Leighton and Andrew, did not survive. Thirteen people were killed in that 2015 disaster, but Jonathan McComb was the lone survivor.

In that same flood, his 4-year-old daughter, Leighton, was never found—a fact that continues to drive him today. Now, ten years later, McComb has remarried and has a 5-year-old daughter who knows his story. Before leaving for this latest search, he explained to her why he needed to go: “That was a tough, tough hug when I left her on July 4th to come out here to help and serve others who are in desperate need, but she understood.” For McComb, his work is not just about rescue—it’s about serving, helping, and redemption.

Listen Closely: The story of Jonathan McComb is a reminder that true leadership, grounded in service, is marked by humility, empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Great leaders understand that true influence is not about authority, power, position, or personal gain, but about lifting others up, meeting their needs, and creating environments where people can thrive through having a heart to serve.

They prioritize service to others before self. They inspire trust. They foster loyalty. They bring hope. They build stronger teams. A “servant-first” mindset transforms leadership from a position of power into a calling of purpose. Don’t miss this principle: Your success in life will be measured not by personal accolades, but by the growth, empowerment, and success of those you are leading, influencing, and serving.

Don’t believe it?

Just ask Jonathan McComb.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

We live in a culture that often measures leadership by competency: your talent, your skill level, how well you can perform, produce, and deliver results. Skill and talent are important; however, God’s blueprint for leadership begins somewhere entirely different.

Don’t miss this:

In 1 Timothy 3:1–2, Paul describes the qualifications for a church leader. Yet these same qualifications apply in coaching, scouting, and even to corporate CEOs. What’s striking is that the first several requirements in this passage have nothing to do with skill, talent, ability, or competence. Instead, they focus entirely on character and relationships.

• Character

“Above reproach,” “faithful,” “self-controlled,” “wise,” “good reputation.” These speak to who you are when no one is watching, how consistent your integrity is, and how well you steward the trust others place in you. Character is the foundation of influence. Without it, the platform collapses.

• Chemistry (Relationships)

“Enjoy having guests,” “faithful to his wife.” Leadership isn’t just about leading or managing people; it’s about liking people. It’s about loving people. It’s about genuinely caring for people. A leader who can’t connect with others will struggle to inspire them. They don’t prioritize getting to know their team members. They’re distant. They’re absent. Kindness, empathy, and genuine care for those you lead are non-negotiable.

• Finally, Competency

“Able to teach.” Skills matter, but they come after character and chemistry. A leader can have incredible ability, talent, and skill, but without integrity and relational trust, that ability will have no lasting impact.

1. Character – Who you truly are before God.

2. Chemistry – How you care for and connect with people.

3. Competency – What you can do with excellence.

Listen closely: All leaders are different. There is diversity. However, all great leaders lead with character (who you are when no one is looking) and chemistry (relationships). Failure is inevitable, but when you build your leadership around character and chemistry, your leadership won’t just impress—it will endure, with lasting impact and sustained influence.

Character—Chemistry—Competency
Three qualifications that lead to lasting impact as a leader.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Growth is important! Whether it’s physical, spiritual, relational, or occupational, growth matters. When I was a young boy, my mom had a specific wall in our home with marks on it where she would measure my physical growth from year to year. It was the same drill before the beginning of every school year—a reminder that growth should be natural.

When new parents have an infant, they make regular visits to the pediatrician. There are always two measurements the doctor checks: height and weight. If the child is not growing proportionally, something is physically wrong.

In a similar way, the same is true spiritually for a Christian. Case in point:

Watching my friend, Los Angeles Angels scout Brandon McArthur, grow spiritually has been nothing short of encouraging and inspiring. Week after week, month after month, and year after year, I’ve had a front-row seat to Brandon’s intentional pursuit of spiritual growth in Christ. He has consistently placed himself in environments that challenge and stretch his faith, choosing to be where growth can take root and flourish.

His commitment to spending time in God’s Word, in fellowship with other believers, and in prayer is evident—not just in his discipline, but in the transformation of his character and conduct. Aiming for progress, not perfection, I’ve watched him move from the simplicity of spiritual “baby food” to the richness and depth of spiritual “solid food,” feeding on the truths of Scripture in a way that strengthens him for life’s challenges.

Brandon’s journey is a living testimony that growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through a willing, intentional heart and a faithful God.

Listen closely: God uses an infinite number of vehicles to help you grow. There is no “one-stop shop” environment that leads to instant spiritual maturity. I’ve never met anyone who became spiritually mature overnight. It’s a painstaking process that God takes you through over years—sifting, sanding, shaping, and molding your character and conduct to look more and more like Him. Often, these times include waiting, failing, falling, losing, and being misunderstood—each one calling for extra doses of perseverance. Unsure if it’s all worth it?

Just ask Brandon.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Have you ever been angry at God? If we’re honest, I believe most of us have experienced those emotions at one time or another in life. Although Jonah was one of the greatest evangelists, he was angry.

He wasn’t just mildly upset; he was bacon-grease furious at God’s mercy. After (reluctantly) preaching to the city of Nineveh, Jonah saw the people repent and turn from their wickedness. But instead of rejoicing, he resented God’s compassion. Jonah didn’t want God to forgive them; he wanted them judged and punished. And so, he sat outside the city, sulking under the burning sun, emotionally and spiritually distant from the heart of God.

But even there – angry, bitter, and disobedient – God met Jonah right where he was.

God caused a plant to grow, offering Jonah shade and physical relief. It was a small comfort, and Jonah was “very grateful.” It’s striking: Jonah was more grateful for a plant than for the salvation of an entire city. It’s safe to say Jonah’s heart was angry, self-centered, bitter, and resentful. God had enough!

Then, just as quickly as the plant appeared, it was gone. God “arranged” for a worm to destroy it. The worm was no accident—it was divinely appointed, just like the plant. And in that moment of severe discomfort, God got Jonah’s attention.

Why? Because Jonah cared more about his own comfort than the eternal souls of others. The plant was never just about shade. It was a tool in God’s hand to reveal what was in Jonah’s heart.

God often uses unexpected things to get our attention. Sometimes it’s a blessing – a “plant” that brings temporary relief or comfort. Other times, it’s a loss – a “worm” that strips away everything we’ve been relying on.

The “Plant” may be:

• A job you wanted

• A job you love

• A relationship that gives you stability

• A dream that seems to finally be coming together

The “Worm” may be:

• An unexpected disruption

• A sudden loss of a loved one

• A closed door

• A disappointment that hits deeper than you expected

Listen closely: Just like in Jonah’s life, God isn’t being cruel to you. He’s being kind. He’s trying to show you something. Often, it’s His gentle but clear message:

“I care more about shaping your character than preserving your comfort.”

What is your “Plant”?
What has God provided that has brought you comfort or relief recently?

What is your “Worm”?
What has been “eating away” at that comfort, and is it possible that God is using it to get your attention and wake you up to something deeper?

C.S. Lewis said:

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

It was 4 a.m. on July 4, 2025. The lives of people in Kerr County, TX; Mystic Camp; and many surrounding counties throughout the vast Guadalupe River Hill Country changed forever in the blink of an eye when devastating floodwaters decimated everything in their path. When the floodwaters receded, the grief remained.

Yet we are left searching for words. How? Why? Parents lost children. Children lost parents. Grandparents lost grandchildren. Communities lost neighbors. Siblings lost siblings. Friends lost friends. Husbands lost wives, and wives lost husbands. Hearts broke across the nation as we watched the images flash across the TV screen. And perhaps you, reading this, are among those who now carry that grief.

It is in moments like these—when the weight becomes too great, the questions too many, and the answers too few—that the cry of King Jehoshaphat becomes our own in
2 Chronicles 20:12:

“O God, we do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.”

There are no right words to soften sorrow. But there is a holy truth we cling to: even when the floods of life rise, God remains sovereign. Even when God appears silent, He is not absent. He is not unaware. He is present—in the chaos, in the silence, and in the grief.

Scripture reminds us again and again that the Lord is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He collects our tears in a bottle, and each one is recorded in His book (Psalm 56:8). And He walks with us through the waters (Isaiah 43:2). He does not always stop the storm, but He promises to stand with us in the middle of the storm.

Floods are not limited to natural disasters. Floods come in many forms: grief, loss, depression, sickness, betrayal. And when they do, they threaten to drown our hope. We can feel as if all hope is lost. However, in Christ, we find a Rock that is higher than the waters (Psalm 61:2). We find an Anchor that holds on to us.

Listen closely: the people of Kerr County, TX, and beyond now face the long and painful journey of rebuilding. And the truth is that some of you reading this devotional do as well. Your floods may be invisible to others, yet devastating nonetheless. It’s in these times, as painful as they may be, that I encourage you to lift your eyes and hearts to the One who sees, who knows, and who loves you with an unshakable and unconditional love. Lean into the God of heaven—even if He appears silent in the moment.

What floodwaters are you enduring in your life today? Whatever they are, shift your gaze upward—even if just for a moment. He will never leave you, and He will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Luke 6:40 is an incredibly important verse that is often overlooked. To be completely transparent, I overlooked it myself. However, twenty years ago, that changed in my life.

Again, consider the words of Jesus:
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

Jesus is telling us that we can be fully trained disciples. Of course, “fully trained” does not mean perfect (the apostles make that perfectly clear). This became a “wow moment” for me. As followers of Christ, we are called to be “fully trained” and to “make disciples.”

Jesus spent three years training twelve men to continue His mission of disciple-making. There was no Plan B. Plan B was Plan A! These twelve young men had gone from “untrained” to “fully trained.” They were “all in.” And now, they were ready to display the “character and conduct” of Christ and to “Be and Build” disciples of Christ—and the world was forever changed.

Over twenty years ago, I committed my life to becoming a “fully trained” disciple of Jesus and to “make disciples.” It was non-negotiable. No more riding the fence. No more being half in and half out. Every year, I committed to leading a discipleship group for athletes and/or coaches—teaching them, leading them, and discipling them to become “fully trained” disciples.

Below is a powerful testimony from a Head Football Coach:

“The Coaching with Impact discipleship group, led by Kevin Burrell, had a profound impact on me as a person and a coach. Week after week, month after month, I learned about the ‘Character and Conduct’ of Jesus. Learning how Jesus led, influenced others, and prioritized building relationships was eye-opening to me. I thought I did it well, but wow—had I fallen short. This study has both encouraged and challenged me to go beyond what I was doing as a Christian coach. I now clearly understand the Great Commandment and Great Commission, and what we are called to be and do every day as a coach to build God’s Kingdom.”

Listen closely: I encourage you to be all in! You have one life here on earth. You get one chance to invest your life in others—by leading them, teaching them, and training them to become “fully trained” disciples of Jesus.

Live your life with the end in mind.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

There are seasons in life when the weight of waiting feels unbearable.
Ever been there? I certainly have.

You’ve prayed.
You’ve hoped.
You’ve obeyed.
You’ve tried to stay strong.

And yet, the breakthrough hasn’t come. The door remains closed—or worse, invisible.

But here’s an amazing truth tucked into Revelation 3:8:

“God sees you.”

He sees the quiet obedience.
He sees the tears no one else notices.
He sees the moments when you wanted to give up, but chose to trust Him instead.

He knows you’re tired.
He knows your strength is waning.
And He honors your faithfulness—even when all you could do was whisper a prayer or lift your eyes toward Him in weary hope.

God doesn’t ask for perfection.
He asks for trust.

And in your trusting—even when you feel weak and unseen—God is working. He is sovereign. He is directing your steps, even through the confusion and the ache of delay (Proverbs 16:9).

The waiting isn’t wasted.
It’s a refining fire, shaping your heart, building endurance, developing your character, and preparing you for what’s next.

But through it all, you work while you wait.
Don’t miss that.

Then, in His perfect timing, God says, “Now see what I’ve done.”
He opens a door—not just any door, but one that no person, no system, and no setback can shut.

That’s the kind of door only God can open.
It’s not earned; it’s given.
It’s not forced; it’s revealed.

Listen closely:
If you’re in the waiting today, God is working. Do not lose heart.
He sees your faithfulness.
He honors your endurance.
He delights in your trust.

Your waiting is not the end of your story—because He is the One writing it.

It’s the setup for a door you can’t open on your own—a door that no one will be able to shut.

So lean into this truth today:

God is rarely early.
He is never late.
But He is always right on time.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

In our backyard stands a birdhouse. As the first rays of sunlight peek through the trees, a female bluebird stirs in her nest. The day begins not with rest or leisure, but with unbridled devotion from the new bluebird parents. From dawn to dusk, they tirelessly search for food—worms, insects, caterpillars, and more—anything to nourish their tiny fledglings. They make countless trips all day, fluttering back and forth between the wild and the nest, delivering provisions straight into eager mouths.

However, their care doesn’t stop with feeding. The male bluebird stands guard, alert to every sound and shadow: a rustle in the grass, a predator hawk lurking in nearby trees. He flares his wings and sounds an alarm, ready to fight, to flee, to protect at all costs. His devotion is constant, unwavering, and sacrificial. The young may not understand all that both parents do for them; however, their care surrounds the fledglings every moment of the day.

In a similar way, our Heavenly Father watches over His children. From the moment we rise to the time we lay down—and even in our sleep—God provides for every need, seen and unseen, known and unknown. We may not always recognize His hand, but He is always working: shielding us from dangers we never knew approached, providing for our every need, and nourishing our souls in ways we cannot measure.

Listen closely: Unlike the bluebird, who must rest when night falls, God never sleeps. His eyes are on you 24/7, 365 days a year. His care never ceases. He hears your cries, knows your fears, and anticipates your needs. Just as the fledglings trust in the provision and protection of their parents without worry or toil, you also should rest in the care of your Heavenly Father.

Let the bluebird be a simple yet profound reminder: if God has written such nurturing love into the instincts of a small bird, how much more has He poured into His love for you? His eye is always on you—because you are the apple of His eye.

What are some ways God has provided and protected you that you only realized in hindsight?

Pause today and thank Him for His unseen hand in your life.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.