13/8/09                   ABIDING IN THE VINE          

 Scripture – John 15:4  “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.”

 Observation – The key to fruitfulness is to abide (remain) in Jesus. It is the branch that bears the fruit, but only as it abides in the vine. Abiding in the world (system) in the flesh (our desires) – accomplishes no fruit for the kingdom of God. We abide in Him by allowing His words abide in us, by listening, by holding fast to Him.

Application – This section of scripture is of paramount importance to every Christian. Abiding is not automatic. It is something we must choose to do. It is a decision of the will. It is a daily decision. In fact it is a continual decision. Abiding should be like breathing eating and drinking. If we fail to breathe, eat and drink we die (naturally). If we fail to abide and fail to allow this words to abide is us, we die (spiritually).

 Prayer – Lord, I choose to abide in you this day. I choose to listen, to watch and to obey you. May this word abide in me throughout the day. Strengthen me according to this word.