+DEV+ Branching Out

Date: June 7, 2010 9:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Branching Out

Branching Out

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Scripture Focus: John 15:1-8

My schedule is usually filled with places to go, people to see, and things to do-and not enough time to do it all. Sitting still is rarely on my agenda. Does that sound familiar?

But Jesus Christ taught His disciples that the simple act of remaining or abiding in Him is the first step in becoming fruitful for His kingdom. Jesus said that He is the Vine, we are the branches, and God the Father is the Gardener. Branches draw life and nourishment from the vine's trunk and will die if they are separated from the vine. So too, we must remain connected to Jesus by spending time in prayer and in His Word, and obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptings as we apply what we learn on a daily basis. Our Heavenly Gardener will care for us and prune us to produce abundant fruit.

This means making a conscious choice to rest and remain in Christ. The Lord reminds us in Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." It is a choice of our will, but the result is fruitfulness that will last for eternity.

Insight: How do you respond when God "prunes" you to increase your fruitfulness? Evaluate your fruitfulness for Christ and any areas of your life that require pruning.