Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life In Christ- John 15:5 – The Vine – Growing As Disciples

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

Vitally Connected

I know what it is like to be disconnected from you. How so? I have a lot of experience living a life that is not vitally connected to you. Tell me about your experience. I have run myself ragged trying to accomplish great things. I have come up with some really good ideas. Who says? Me. What has been the outcome of your really good ideas? Not much. I have worked myself weary trying to do something that would accomplish something great. In the face of defeats and setbacks I have just run faster and worked harder. It sounds like you have really wanted to make a name for yourself. Yes, I suppose so. You suppose so? Well, I know so. That’s more like it. That’s not good. I know.

I will tell you a little secret. What’s that? I think some of your ideas have been really good. You do? Yes, I do. Why is that? Why do you think? I’m guessing that some of my really good ideas have come from you. That’s close. Maybe, I should have said all of my really good ideas have come from you. Why is that? Everything I have, everything I am and everything I will be that is any good has come from you. That’s true. That’s a good realization on your part. How will keeping that thought forefront in your mind help you? I humbly give thanks to you for all that you have given to me. That’s good. You will never suffer by having more humility. I agree. That’s also good.

I do have a question. Go ahead, I’m listening. Why have I not been successful implementing good ideas that have come from you? You tell me. I thought you would say that. You do know the answer. Yes, I do. I have gotten a good idea and raced off to implement them. I have not considered your timing. I have not relied on you. I have not remained vitally connected to you. I have not asked for your help. I have come to a realization. What’s that? Apart from you I can do nothing. Apart from you I can’t accomplish your purposes or fulfill your plans. A good idea, even one that comes from you, will never bear fruit unless I remain vitally connected to you. That’s true. I need your help to be able to know and do your will. I need your power and strength to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, you do. Will you remain vitally connected to me? Will you rely on me for all that you need? Will you ask for my help? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, I don’t want to get caught up in the busyness of life. I don’t want to fruitlessly chase after what is unimportant. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name by being vitally connected to you. I will remain in you as you remain in me. Amen 

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Life In Christ – John 15-5 – The Vine – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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