Daily devotional · September 10
Staying Connected
““I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.”
Jesus offers a garden picture at the end of his last evening with the disciples. He is the vine; we are the branches. A branch does not produce fruit by straining harder. It simply stays attached and lets the life of the vine flow through it. John 15:5 says that apart from him nothing lasting can grow, which sounds heavy until we see it is really an invitation to rest. The Father, the gardener, also prunes, and pruning can hurt. Yet its purpose is more fruit, never punishment. Many of us try to serve God while running on empty, then wonder why we feel dry. Remaining means staying near through prayer, scripture and honest conversation with him throughout the day. Today, choose a simple anchor, such as a short prayer whenever you unlock your phone, and let each interruption remind you to stay connected.
Also read
“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Prayer
Jesus, true vine, keep me close to you. Let your life flow through me and bear fruit that lasts.