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

 

Spring in the south is coming quickly. We have already begun to see trees and shrubs blooming and early spring flowers put up from the ground. This time of the year you can observe your trees and look for branches that don’t have buds on them, those you know have died and are no longer needed for the health of the tree. Its best to cut and remove them so the tree doesn’t waste any time trying to send nutrients to a dead limb.

 

Jesus’ illustration in today’s verse is very similar to plant pruning. His children must stay connected to Him in their every day life by reading and heading scripture, walking away from sin, talking to the Lord through prayer throughout the day and most of all serving Him through actions His Holy Spirit prompts within you. By doing these things, you abide in the vine and God will continually provide you the spiritual nourishment you need to generate Godly fruit in your life and the life of others. You can do nothing as long as you stay disconnected from Him.

 

What is the benefit of staying connected to the Lord? “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.” God blesses obedience and He will bless you when you remain rooted in the word of God and live for Him on a daily basis.

 

Take time today and examine your life to see if there are any areas of your life that aren’t rooted in God’s vine and cut them out now so you can continue to grow in your walk with the Lord. “By this My father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8  Friend, go and bear much fruit! God bless!