Day 15 of 21 Day Challenge
Day 15 shared by Jarod
John 15 has got to be one of my favorite passages of scripture, and one of the toughest to grasp. How do we abide in Jesus? He is the true vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, He will abide in us.
This is what God is telling me this morning.
Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The God of the universe wants to bear good fruit through us, the branches! We have a purpose. We are to bear good fruit. And how does He do that through us? He gives us the vine, Jesus to abide or “remain” in. When we stay connected to Jesus then we are able to bear good fruit.
Okay, so how do we remain in, abide in, stay connected to Jesus? Alright, our typical answer is to pray and read the Bible. These are great answers. Continue to read the Bible and pray. Sometimes I, myself can begin to do these things so robotically just so I can say I checked them off my list for the day. Staying connected to Jesus is constantly checking your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Ask God to check your heart. What or who are we finding our identity? If Jesus is your source, then there’s your answer.
Verse 10 Jesus tells us that if we keep His commandment we will abide in His love. His command; to love others as Jesus loves us. Love others. And not just the others who love us back. Love those who disagree with you. Love those who despise and reject you. Love the unlovable. May our hearts break over the things that break His heart.
We are nothing without the vine.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
John 15:16-17
