Scripture
John 15: 5 “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.”
Observation
I believe this is one of the key verses in the Bible. This verse describes to us how the Christian life is to be lived. Jesus said he is the vine. He is the source of spiritual life. I am a branch. I receive all the nutrients for spiritual life from Jesus. If I remain in Him and He remains in me means connection. I must be continually connected to Jesus. As I receive spiritual life from my relationships with Jesus, I will bear much fruit. The key is connection. The key is relationship.
Application
I am to be continually connected to Jesus through prayer, Bible study, solitude, service, celebration, giving, etc. The spiritual disciplines are not a means unto themselves. They are a means to an end. The purpose of spiritual disciplines is connection. They enable me to remain, abide, and live in Christ. Prayer does not earn me anything. It provides a means of building my relationship with God. I stay connected to the Father through spiritual disciplines.
I remain in Christ by training my mind to think on Christ. I can stay aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence all day long. I do not just pray in the morning and then go on with the day all alone. He is with me continually and I can be aware of His presence, voice, guidance, and help. Jesus is Emanuel, God with us. Jesus is with me all day long and I can turn to him at anytime and be aware of him at all times.
Prayer
Father I desire to remain in you. I want to be continually connected to my source of spiritual life. I want to be constantly aware of your presence, hear your voice, and obey your guidance. I want to know you. I want the motive of the time I spend with you not to be to earn your favor but to build our relationship. I want to be transformed into the image of Christ and I want to remain in you.
