ABIDE IN ME

I AM THE VINE

Read John 15:1–17

     "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."   John 15:5 NKJV

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     These final words of Jesus to His beloved apostles were of utmost importance, both to them and to us. He was going away and they would carry on the work of spreading the gospel to the world. They did not yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit, but soon they would.

     Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…" (15:16) How were they going to be able to accomplish this? Jesus said, "…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine…If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (15:4, 7)

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     Dear Lord, I know that apart from You we will not see lasting fruit in our lives. I come to You this morning as an act of abiding in You. Speak to me from Your Word and plant Your will deep within my heart. I am asking and You have promised that it shall be done. I claim that promise today.

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     "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."  John 15:11 NKJV

WALK IN LOVE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians
Read Ephesians 5
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

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Paul encourages the members of the Ephesian church to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (4:32) He goes on to warn of the false teachers who were saying that it doesn’t matter how we live now that we are Christians. He urges them, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (5:8-11)

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” he writes, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:19-20)

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Lord, I am so thankful for Your kindness and compassion towards us. Help me to forgive others just as I have been forgiven. Help me to be faithful to carry the light of your gospel to those who do not know you and encouragement to those who do.

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Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV