“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”” John 15:1-5
Stay Connected
Five verses. Vine and branches need to remain together for fruit. Much fruit. Not dry, sour grapes. But rich, tasteful, yummy fruit.
What happens when the branch is not connected? It shrivels. It loses moisture. Becomes dry. Eventually the wind forces the branch to break off from the main trunk. It dies.
But when the branch remains connected. It receives nourishment from the vine. It continues to grow. It produces quality fruit.
Stay connected. A simple analogy with powerful implications.
If very little or no spiritual fruit is being showcased through your being, what does that tell you?
Are you intentionally connected with Jesus? Is HE the center of your life? Do you communicate regularly with HIM? Do you invest your time and energy to develop and maintain a relationship with HIM?
Think of the closes friend or family member you know and have a healthy relationship with. How did you get there? How have you maintained that relationship over the years?
It takes times to nourish and build healthy, trustful connections with others. Jesus states life is fruitless apart from HIM. His Father God prunes the lives of those who are not producing quality fruit. As long as we stay connected with HIM; fruit will be produced.
Godly fruit is a byproduct of receiving the proper nutrition. Through Jesus you do. Thus, focus on HIM. We pursue truth, so we can come to know HIM better. We intentionally learn HIS ways, so we can capture the lifestyle that leads to a more productive life. We stay connected with HIM and others who are connected with HIM so we may all flourish like HIM.
HE is the reason there is life. It’s not how much you know, but who you know. The Bible points you to Father-Son-Spirit. You may know Scripture, but do you know HIM who inspired the words. You may know right from wrong, good from evil, and light from darkness. But do you know HIM whose character is reflected throughout all creation?
You may know something about someone because others told you or you read it somewhere. But you only come to know someone when you spend time sharing life together.
So, ask God you want a greater connection with HIM. You want to share your life with HIM as HE shares HIS life with you. Learn to walk in HIS presence daily in everything you do. Stay connected with HIM by whatever means it takes. Be intentional. Be purposeful. Stay connected.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version only available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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