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,” John 15:1-7.
Reflection:
The last thing on my mind when I’m pulling up weeds and trimming back overgrown plants is John 15. Yet, the analogy John recalls in today’s passage provides a vital spiritual message. Jesus is living water, a well which gives birth to spiritual life. The lesson is simple: abiding in the vine by staying connected to Jesus via Bible Study, prayer and worship. Those that abide in the vine bear spiritual fruit.
Prayerful Action:
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples, John 15:8.
Jesus had specific expectations for His disciples, Matthew 16:24-27. Like a coach of a championship team, players are challenged and pushed to reach their full potential. Jesus provides the pros and cons of abiding in the vine and failing to do so. While Jesus longs for all of His disciples to bear spiritual fruit, the choice is up to each individual. As the month of June is about to fade into July, choose wisely by abiding in the Vine.
Song of the Day:
While we all fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, abiding in Jesus sometimes means crawling back on your knees, Matthew 11:28-30. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to abide in the Vine of Christ.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 