August 21 | John 15:1-2, 5

““I am the true vine and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me not continuing to bear fruit he removes, and every one that keeps bearing fruit he prunes for the purpose that it may bear more fruit.…I am the vine; you are the branches. One who continually abides in me and I in him, this one keeps on bearing much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15: 1-2, 5)

Jesus used a lot of farming metaphors to explain spiritual truths. As He gathers that Thursday night before his death on Friday with His disciples they understood that they can’t survive without being connected to Jesus.

Jesus told His disciples they cannot live without Him. He is the Vine and God the Father prunes every branch in Him that doesn’t bear fruit. As Jesus’ disciple, you are His branch. If you don’t bear fruit in your character and deeds God will remove you from Jesus.

You must be productive in your walk with Jesus. He expects to see your character changing to be like Him. He expects to see you do things that glorify Him. With every thought, word, and action you either show you either glorify Jesus are not.

You abide in Jesus, remaining and having life, when you stay connected to Him. Only when you stay connected to Jesus can you do anything of eternal value. Jesus is your Source for effectiveness that lasts. We all want to have a legacy. Only Jesus can give you that.

Action Step: Remain in Jesus to be effective for God’s Kingdom. Stay connected to Him and God will transform your character and actions to glorify Him.

Jesus, keep me attached to You. I want to bear fruit that glorifies You in everything I do. Make me powerful and effective as I live for You.