ABIDING IN HIM

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“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 (NKJV)

This verse lets us know that without Jesus we are incomplete, lost and without purpose. It is our vital need to remain connected to the Lord. To be in His presence, to hear His voice, and to drink of His Spirit keeps us strong and purpose driven.

Why is it that so many struggle to fully commit to a relationship that is dependent on the Holy Spirit? Do we inquire of the Lord before we make any major decisions in life, or do we just take action according to what makes sense in our intellect? To trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding is to remain connected to the Vine.

God’s Word is the source of our wisdom, provision and protection. Sometimes we think that we can do things better, in our own strength, rather than being fully dependent on God. According to scripture, it’s impossible to be fruitful apart from our relationship with Him. When we are constantly in God’s presence and follow His will, we will become who He intended us to be.

How do we remain in Him? How can our spiritual lives thrive? We have to take the time to pray, to study and meditate on His Word on a daily basis. It’s only in the Secret Place that we obtain the abundant life in Christ Jesus. His love and compassion will begin to flood our spirit. Only then will we experience growth and flourish in all areas of our life.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
This reminds me of a beautiful fig tree in the front yard of my parents’ house. Every year it gives the most wonderful and delicious figs. My dad prunes the tree every year after all the figs have been harvested. This year, my siblings and my parents were so excited about how much all the branches of this tree have flourished. I can only imagine how proud our Heavenly Father is when we flourish and are fruitful in all areas our lives because we remain in Him. Let’s stay connected to the Vine daily. (Patti Matanza)

TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I declare that as I abide in Him, I will flourish! I will live my life according to His Word and not do things in my own strength! I’ve been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives but Christ Jesus who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Lord, I ask for Your wisdom, guidance and strength so that I may flourish into whom You have called me to be.”

TODAY’S BIBLE READING

    • Old Testament: Isaiah 37-39; Proverbs 25:1-14
    • New Testament: Luke 23:1-12; Hebrews 8:7-13

ABIDING IN HIM