Stay Connected

I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. –John 15:5 NIV

Speaking to His disciples about producing fruit that glorifies the Father, Jesus used a familiar scene—a vineyard. He painted a picture of the vital need to stay connected to Him, explaining that a grapevine is composed of roots and a trunk, which supply nourishment to its branches. If a branch disconnects from the vine, it no longer receives the sustenance needed to produce fruit. This clarified the meaning of His words, “apart from me, you can do nothing.” To thrive, you must abide. To abide, you must remain vitally united to your life-giving source. Separated from Jesus, you can do nothing for God’s Kingdom. But with Him, all things are possible. Choose to abide, to remain in Him. Acknowledge Jesus’ Lordship. Regularly renew your relationship through prayer and reading His Word, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Declare God’s majesty and goodness. Accept His love. Experience His love. And love others as He has loved you. Jesus, as the vine, provides the nourishment. Your job is to stay connected to Him.