Called To LoveShembull

Remain in the Vine - Rest & depend on Him

Jesus is the true vine, we are the branches, and the Father is the gardener. The branch by itself cannot bear fruit. We do not have to strive and try to produce fruit in our own strength. All we have to do is remain attached to the vine, Jesus, drawing all the nourishment and supply from Him. When we stay connected, drawing from the vine, fruit is an automatic byproduct. We are merely fruit hangers!

Sometimes we strive to do things that are not meant for us to do and get burnt out and tired. But all we need to do is rest and draw from the vine. If you think you can do it without drawing from Him, you are mistaken. Verse 5 says- without me you can do nothing. Why strive and fail unnecessarily? Make a decision to remain in Him, drawing all that you need from Him, and allow the fruit to come in due time. All you need to do is remain in Him and not detach.

And sometimes the gardener prunes you. It may hurt but it is for the best of you to come out. He knows your capacity and potential. When you remain in Him, surrendered to His Word, verse 7 teaches that you can ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you! When you are in Him and in His Word, you will only ask according to His desires, which become your desires. He is more than happy to do it for you. God wants to fill us with His joy as you rest in His love and depend on Him.

Prayer -
• Teach me what it means to depend completely on you, Jesus, drawing from and resting in you
• Fill me with your joy as I lean on you daily
• Help me endure and understand your pruning so that I can be bettered by your loving care

Thanksgiving -
• Thank you, God, for producing fruit in me in due time
• Thank you for bringing out the best in me, better than I could have in my own strength