These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11
Have you ever grown grapes? If so, you have experienced the treasure that a row of vines against a fence can yield. Whether for table grapes or tasking yourself with making your own wine—or in some cases, vinegar—you know what is needed to produce the best fruit. You recognize they need full exposure to the sun, they need pruning and regular watering, and you are careful to clean up fallen leaves, fruit, or debris.
Jesus likened your relationship to Him as, among many other things, a vine and branches. To produce the healthiest fruit in your life as a believer, you need daily, continual exposure to the Son of God. You understand that He will need to prune you of thoughts, habits, or activities that are not productive. You realize that you require the water of the Word of God as well as the Water of Life. You participate in the Lord’s cleaning up of your life by regularly confessing and repenting of anything He reveals that hinders His purposes. As you remain aware that you are attached to the Vine, these things become easier and even joyful—you are abiding, because He is your very source of life. With these cultivated practices, you will gladly bear rich fruit for the Master’s use and to His glory.
As you pray today, intercede on behalf of believers in America today to focus on their Savior and Lord and not become distracted by the cares and worries of the world around them. For yourself, ask the Lord to help you develop a stronger sense of being a branch abiding in the True Vine, Jesus. Pray for those Christ-followers serving in government to keep themselves fixed to their Source.
Today’s Verse: John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 15:1-11
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
