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Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Eric.
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Scripture
Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. – John 15:4 ERV
Devotion
What kind of fruit is being produced in your life right now? In Galatians 5 the Apostle Paul teaches us the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As you read over this list of spiritual fruits, it is easy to see how desperately needed each of these are in our world today!
How does the Holy Spirit produce this fruit? What if it seems like our life lacks some of these vital fruits? Should we try harder to love? Can we muster up more joy from within? Is there an untapped place of patience waiting to be released so we do not get frustrated so quickly? I believe John 15 holds some important insights into producing this good fruit.
Jesus commands His disciples to “stay joined to Him” in John 15:4. Some translations use ‘abide’ which means to remain, continue, stay, dwell, or reside. Jesus says no branch can produce fruit alone. The vine is the life-giving source of the branches ability to bear fruit. It provides the water and nutrients by which the fruit is produced. Without the vine, no fruit could ever result. Branches are completely dependent upon the vine.
The analogy that Jesus uses here provides a great illustration that lets us know that without Him, there is no ability to produce the spiritual fruit as listed in Galatians. We need to ask Christ daily for the grace to stay joined with Him in vital union to bear fruit.
One final illustration related to the sap in a tree may help us in this area. The sap inside a tree is a bit like blood inside the human body. Sap flows through a part of the outer tree trunk known as sapwood, delivering water, sugars, and nutrients throughout the tree. We can use the initials (S.A.P.) to remind us how to make our abode in Jesus.
S.A.P. stands for Scripture and prayer. This is the spiritual sap which keeps us vibrantly alive in Christ and enables the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in us. Through Christ we are given an amazing privilege to abide with Him. Why not start by reading and praying through John 15 this week?
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