Fruitful Living With Courtnaye RichardSample

Day One – Staying Connected to the Vine

Scripture tells us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. And it’s so true! In John 15:5, Jesus tells us, “Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus is the vine. So in order for us to live fruitful lives, we must stay connected to Him.

Without a doubt, when you and I live in close fellowship with Christ, we will be fruitful. But you also may be asking, “How do I really live a fruitful life, Courtnaye?” And here’s the answer. As a believer, you are not alone in the process. The Holy Spirit who dwells within you will help you. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

When we are connected to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will show us at just the right time when to live out the fruit of the Spirit. It’s a divine partnership! It’s also key to understand that a life connected to the vine can look a lot of different ways. It can look like time spent in God’s presence, dedicated time reading and studying the Bible, and sitting at Jesus’ feet (metaphorically speaking in our day and time) to listen intently for His direction, peace, comfort, strength, and teaching - just as Mary did in the parable about His visit to Martha’s house. Again, when we are connected to the vine, we will live fruitful lives.

However, I do want to note here that if we are disconnected from the vine, then we will struggle to act in love or have joy. We will struggle to be peaceable or live patiently. We will struggle to express kindness or show God’s goodness. We will struggle to remain faithful, walk humbly, while being gentle or trying to practice self-control.

I know firsthand that a life outside of Christ was not healthy for me both personally and eternally. I knew that I needed a Savior. I knew that I needed something different in my life. I needed change from the inside out – from the heart. God was calling me to love Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength, while loving my neighbor as myself. I also knew that He was calling me to also live a fruitful life.

For a moment, take some time to examine your own life. Where are you as it relates to living a fruitful life? Do you feel like you could grow more in your love walk? Do you feel like you could be more joyful or peaceable? Do you feel like you need to be more patient, kind, faithful, humble, gentle or self-controlled? If you answered, “Yes!” to any of these questions, then join me over the next few days as you seek to discover how to live more fruitfully from the inside out.