Devotion
What kind of fruit would you be?
David Jacobs
If you have ever had a garden or farm, you may understand how rewarding and at times frustrating the relationship with plants can be. Small changes in the weather, pests, and our own mistakes can alter the bearings of the crop immensely. Considering these verses, how have you cultivated your own crop? Speaking from my own experiences, I would say that at times I have been ripe, strong, and able to withstand potential dangers that were thrown at me by nature. At my weaker times, I have been withered, bitter, and susceptible to any pest or disease that came my way.
What may be more important to consider from these verses is the symbiotic relationship that Jesus mentions. He is the vine and we are the branches, meaning that he benefits from us doing well. We are all stronger or weaker together. If we trust in him and glorify God, we will bear fruit and our branches will sprout new branches. Love will be paid forward; God and his son loved us, we love them, and we will continue to spread this love to others in contact with us.
In all of nature we can recognize the symbiotic relationship between all living things. This relationship extends to God and us. It is this that John describes, serving to highlight that both parties need each other. Think about your relationship with Christ: what kind of fruit would you bear?
Prayer
My Lord in Heaven, you have nurtured and nourished me through all of my life. You have sent your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to tend your fields of believers, although we have at times wasted his care. I humbly ask that you strengthen my relationship with you, O Lord, so that I may strengthen others relationships with you as well. I ask all of this in your holy name. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
