November 17, 2017

“I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” John 15:5 Christian Standard

Because you can do nothing without me: It is such a simple statement .. easily overlooked .. dismissed even. How many endeavors will you undertake today without Christ? Does he really get top bidding for your schedule .. the way you treat others .. the meetings you have planned .. phone calls .. errands run .. and even those moments when no one is around? It’s not that you forgot him. It’s more likely that all those little things you do seem beneath his attention. Does He really mean for you to include him in everything? When Christ is your real life, you realize that everything you do  .. work and words .. are all opportunities for giving thanks with your heavenly Father. The world wants you to think or act like all these daily actions are unrelated. Jesus promises you that all that you do with him, has a forever connection. It doesn’t matter if you can’t see how all your plans fit together. The most important truth he wants you to see and know is that you are doing all these things with him. It’s not your effort that produces fruit. You’ll produce some kind of fruit. It’s just whether that fruit shows you are a follower of Jesus .. or you’re following your own plan.  Sometimes concentrated effort is required. Jesus places the greatest emphasis on abiding in him .. walking with him .. working with him .. and living life with him in everything. Fruit growing is the Father’s specialty. He doesn’t intend for you to bear the weight of producing fruit. He knows how fruitful you will truly become when you are walking and abiding in Christ. Have you made time to place everything in his hands today? It only takes a moment …

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 Christian Standard