How to abide in Christ

John 15:4 -”Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.”

https://www.bible.com/bible/97/JHN.15.MSG 

Think of a time when you picked a fruit from a tree. Now think of a time when you picked up a fruit from a supermarket shelf. What are the main differences between those experiences? Nothing compares to the smell of the orchard, the wind rustling through the leaves, and the joy of discovering the perfect fruit before picking it. Shopping doesn’t come close to it. 

In the same way, there is nothing that compares to a life lived near God. Fruit is abundant in this kind of life as well. But the fruit we talk about here are a different kind. They are the Fruit of the Spirit. 

When we become aware of God’s Holy Spirit who dwells inside our hearts, our lives overflow with a harvest of good things: 

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”(Galatians 5:22-23)

Those who live near God can bear good fruit. Apart from God, we cannot do much.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being home away from home for me. Your Word and Your presence are sweet like honey and I want to spend all my time near You. Teach me how to live in Your shadow and take refuge in Your presence this year. Amen.

Challenge: Practise the Fruit of Generosity today by sharing this devotional with a friend or family member. I will forward this to ________________ . 

(This post was originally written for Roadtrip247.com)