Journey: 30 Days to a Close Relationship With Godಮಾದರಿ

In today's reading, Jesus is teaching his disciples what it means to be one of his followers. He's specifically talking about living a fruitful life full of good works for his glory. He uses a metaphor that would have been familiar to his listeners.

Just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit unless it's connected to the tree, so we as Jesus' followers cannot do good works unless we are connected to him.

Notice it says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." This doesn't mean you can't do good, but rather, we can't do good for God apart from staying connected to Jesus.

There's a lot of good in the world, but the question is, is the good you're doing honoring to the Lord? As you connect with Jesus, his power will flow through you, just like all the necessary nutrients needed to bear fruit in a tree. Branches can't help but bear fruit as long as they're connected to the tree. In contrast, if it's not connected to the tree, a branch cannot bear fruit no matter how hard it tries.

The same is our reality as Christians. We must stay connected to the source who alone can work through us to do good works that honor God. Following Jesus is where we can find true satisfaction.

Imagine taking all your concerns, tasks, deadlines, and fears, and putting them into a mental box. Close the box and lock it. Now just focus on the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, my attention is on you. All my concerns are locked away in a box. Right now, nothing is going to get my time but you. All I want is you, so today, lead me in your truth. Guide me down your path, and teach me your ways. Thank you for what you're going to do. Amen.

Memory Verse: “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)