August 28 | JOHN 15:1-9

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DAILY READING

John 15:1-9

A Fruitful Connection

By Judy Webb

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

Just as a light cannot shine unless it is connected to a power source, so also a flower or fruit cannot grow unless it too is tapped into the vine. During a heavy rainstorm one of my dahlia’s stems gave way to the weight of the drenching water. As it bent over, it snapped off the main branch and within half a day I could see it withering. It was no longer connected to its source of life.

This can be true of us too, when we don’t connect to our source of life daily. There is a definite disconnect and is felt quickly, when temptation surfaces and we have nothing to grab hold of for strength to bear up.

Remain, according to a dictionary means: dwell, stay behind, continue, abide, stick around. Isn’t this just what scripture is telling us to do? Dwell in His Word for answers, for direction, for our own good. Sticking around seems very appropriate, as sometimes we need to come back day after day. Stick around and see what God has planned. Staying connected to the source of life is much better than going our own way. Time after time I have learned this lesson; you too?

There always seems to be something new to learn about God, about the life he wants for us, and how good life is when we follow him. Fruit will abound when the connection to the true vine is maintained daily. We may find this to be especially true as we face aging. Many new aches and pains surface that it is often difficult to walk without a limp, without being hunched over in order to keep our balance.

Staying connected to Jesus’ word, our Vine, gives the strength we need to move forward each day. Miss a day and that limp returns. With his love filling and fueling us constantly, this attachment to the vine becomes essential for our daily walk.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

What a difference it makes when I begin and end my day with thoughts of you. When I examine the hours I was attentive and aware of your presence, everything seems sweeter.

Walking upright and without a limp is my goal for today and tomorrow. With you by my side it will be so. Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.