Daily Devotion (July 13, 2024)
John 15:7–8 (NKJV)
7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
You are a Christian. You have been planted. You have been pruned, discipled and now you are to produce fruit. Are you producing the fruit of the vine? Asked in another way are you glorifying God through the actions of your life. Are you allowing God to fertilize you? Are you allowing God to prune you, to cultivate your life for His glory. Our lives reflect God’s work in our us.
Abiding in Christ is more than just saying we have accepted Christ as our Savior. Abiding in Christ is allowing Him to take control of us. To use us according to His will and purpose.
A crucial phrase is found in verse seven. “And” is an important word. It ties two actions together that if separated will not produce the intent of God’s work. If these are not combined, then we see failure in our lives as a Christian. Many have with their mouths professed Christ as their Savior but have not truly believed in their heart (Romans 10:9-10). The word of God must abide in our lives. So many professing “Christians” go through life powerless.
I purchased a battery powered lawn mower. I discovered it functions great until the battery is drained its charge. The battery must be recharged on a regular basis. The same is true in the Christian’s life. That is why daily devotions, Bible reading, prayer, worship attendance, small group Bible study, prayer is important. Christians need fellowship with other Christians!
My garden, poor thing, is dead. I planted the seed but neglected to water, fertilize, and cultivate it. I took my bugle out and played taps over it the other day (not really). I did plant the garden but neglected it afterwards. Many die in their profession of faith. They neglect to do those things in their lives necessary to keep the growth of Christ alive in their lives.
We get busy doing things and forget to do the most important things. For the Christian that is not only allowing Christ to abide in our lives but to abide in Him.