Monday, 18 December 2023
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
If you want to accomplish spiritual goals that God has placed on your heart, you must learn to live close to Jesus!
What does Jesus mean for us to take away from this word picture where he is the vine and we are the branches? The branch depends on the vine for everything — its growth, its energy, its life, its nutrients. In the same way, you cannot bear spiritual fruit unless you are getting your energy and life from your living, daily relationship with Jesus.
Abandon all other things that compete with Christ for your source of life and energy and meaning. Prune whatever takes your attention from him. Focus yourself on your relationship with him and allow him to live in and through you.
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