Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is John chapter 15

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Jesus is the one true vine. We who are followers of Jesus are the branches and we must stay connected to the vine in order to be fruitful. Abiding in Jesus is the key to the Christian life. It isn’t just difficult to live the Christian life apart from Jesus, it is impossible! Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.” 2 Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” As believers we grow and serve God effectively by abiding in Jesus. Notice in John 15 a progression of fruit bearing. Jesus mentions “fruit” then “more fruit” and finally “much fruit.” Bearing fruit for the glory of God is the goal of the Christian life. When we know God we love Him. When we love God we obey Him. When we obey God we bear fruit and, when we bear fruit we bring Him glory! To abide in Jesus is to abide in His Word. Jesus said, “You are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Abiding in Jesus also means abiding in prayer. Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” Sadly there are many churches and many Christians drying up and withering away because they fail to abide in Jesus. The term “abide” indicates a daily abiding. There is nothing more important to you as a child of God than your daily alone time with God. That is the secret to your spiritual success. God’s Word warns the wilting, immature Christian who fails to abide and bear fruit that the wood, hay, and stubble of their life will be burned up! 1 Corinthians 3:13 says, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

Prayer: “Dear Father, we praise Jesus the one True Vine! Help us to abide in Him and may our lives bear fruit for your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron