Passage of the Day:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 “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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples, John 15:1-8.
Reflection:
I was a follower for the first 15 years of my life. Due to sever stuttering, I didn’t have many friends so I followed anyone who would befriend me. While I didn’t know it at the time, one of my only roller-skating friends was the major drug dealer in my junior high. When I reached high school, most of my friends were athletes on the cross country and baseball team. However, after I became a Christian, my friendships shrunk. Although I was disappointed at the time, I slowly became more interested in abiding in Jesus.
Prayerful Action:
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:9-10.
Retracing Your Steps:
I learned in college that I have an addictive personality type. Whether it’s eating, drinking or sports, I have a bad habit of binging, unable to control or stop myself. After nearly dying of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding reception, I made the decision to stop drinking. Rather than continue down this destructive path, I replaced the urge to drink with writing. While writing can be a lonely hobby, as I share stories of my faith journey, I sense the Holy Spirit urging me to abide in the abundant life of Christ.
Song of the Day:
The more I abide in the abundant life of Christ, the less I care about what other people think about me. Although it would be great to be loved by more people, my goal is the please the Lord, not the world. If you’re feeling down today, remember that you have Me and Jesus.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 