27TH SEPTEMBER
John 15:1-5
“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 the spiritual goals that God has placed in your heart, you must learn to live close to Jesus!
What does Jesus want 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 can’t bear spiritual fruit unless you’re 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 from your life whatever takes your attention from him. Focus yourself on your relationship with him, make that relationship THE priority in your life, and allow him to live in and through you.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
What is taking the priority away from your relationship with God? Do you need to prune it?