\u201cRemain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.<\/strong><\/em>\u201d John 15:4<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Many feel like they never measure up; they are disappointed in themselves.<\/p>\n The Christian life is union with Christ. Jesus explains this mystery in John 15<\/strong> <\/span>\u2014 that He is the vine and we are the branches and that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It doesn\u2019t matter how much effort or focus we muster up or how many self-help books we read; our fruitfulness only comes from our intimate connection with Christ.<\/p>\n Breathe a sigh of relief. Being fruitful isn\u2019t about trying harder. It\u2019s all about abiding in Christ: relying on His word, depending upon His power and strength, obeying His voice and instructions, and most of all, remaining in His love.<\/p>\n Rather than pushing ourselves to change or to be more fruitful, the effort we are called to make is to feed on His word and to love and obey Jesus. He is the Gardener. He prunes our lives so we can be more fruitful. He is committed to remaining in us. He knows that apart from Him, we can bear no fruit. He is committed to bringing much fruit from our lives for the Father\u2019s glory! We are loved just as much as the Father loves Jesus.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love\u201d<\/em> (John 15:9<\/strong><\/span>).<\/p>\n Jesus proved His love for us by giving His life on our behalf. He calls us His friends. He has chosen and appointed us to bear fruit that will last.<\/p>\n Lord, thank You for calling me friend, for choosing and appointing me to bear much fruit for the Father\u2019s glory. Help me to remain in and abide in You. Feed me with Your word, fill me with your life-giving power, transform me from the inside. Make me more like you. Have your way; help me to love You by obeying You! Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n By Donna Mitchell<\/a> \u2022 How to be<\/a>\u00a0Saved<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0You Are Loved<\/a><\/strong>\u2013 by Gail Rodgers<\/p>\nPeople try so hard in life \u2014 to change, to be successful, to impress others, to stay in control.<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span><\/h3>\n
Used by permission<\/p>\n\nFURTHER READING<\/span><\/h3>\n