“I am the vine you are the branches”
An encouragement from Pastor Mark Wagner 
 

Jesus’ words seem simple.  “I am the vine; you are the branches.”  This lesson from the natural world reveals a fundamental connection to the source of life in the vine.  Who couldn’t understand this?  When it comes to our spiritual lives as believers, Jesus is the vine.  We are the branches.  We will never grow without a relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus continues, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”  What do you make of our Lord’s declaration?  For your Christian life to bear fruit, you must remain in Him, and He must remain in you.  There is no doubt that He is willing, but are we willing?  We must stay connected to the vine for our sustenance. 

Sometimes we may believe that we have the power for Christian living in our own strength.  We battle the temptation to rely on our strength instead of Christ’s. But how much will be accomplished through this method?  Listen to the following phrase: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” All our best-laid plans will not produce fruit without the Lord. We must have Jesus.

Today, take the opportunity to remain in Him.  Stay connected.  Drench yourself in His Word – in His love.  The result will be a growing life with much fruit!