Today's Reading:
Numbers 24:1-25:18
John 15:1-27
Psalm 43:1-5
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses:
John 15:5-8
5
"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. 6 If
anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away
and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and
burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Insight:
Living
in relationship with Jesus is essential to becoming a person who
glorifies God. In the same way a branch must be connected to the vine in
order to produce fruit, I must live in connection with Christ. If I
am abiding in Jesus, my life will bear fruit that is consistent with
Jesus. Loving as Christ has loved is the best evidence that I am
abiding in him. Bearing the fruit of Christ's love brings glory to God.
Response and Action:
I
will do all I can to abide in Christ. I will look to Jesus for the
guidance, the power, the nurture, and the transformation I need to love
as he loves. I will be intentional about seeking Christ through
prayer, study, obedience, community, worship, and service. I do not
want anything to threaten or diminish my connection with Jesus, and so
I will put those things aside and ask God to prune away those dead
branches that stifle my wellbeing and fruitfulness.
O
God, thank you for the fruitful life I am able to live through
Christ. Help me to stay connected to Jesus. By the power and grace of
his Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me, that
I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways to the glory of
your name. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 11 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Resources:
The Fruitful Life
by Jerry Bridges
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