One of the most precious remarks by the Lord Jesus is found in John 15:4 where He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” This very specific invitation to us as Believers brings a promise and reward of sustenance, both now and for eternity. Cultivating a lifestyle of complete surrender is key to overcome in this world.
Following are some points to ponder in prayer on this topic. As you pray through them, ask the Holy Spirit to direct you into a deeper personal relationship with the Lord.
The true Vine
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. (John 15:1).
Jesus is the vine. If you look at an actual vine, it is the trunk of the plant that grows out of the ground. The trunk gives sustenance and is the source of all life. Jesus is the true vine, not bringing forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:2) or called an alien vine (Jeremiah 2:21). The branches connected to this Vine will only produce the choicest of fruit.
Lord Jesus, You are filled with life everlasting. Whosoever depends on You will not die but live forever! Thank you for sustaining my spiritual life with Your tender loving care. I admit that I cannot live without You, for in You I live and move and have my being. You are my all in all.
Cleansed by God’s Word
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. (John 15:3).
Our Heavenly Father washes us with His word – through a timely word from another person, Scripture, preaching of God’s Word or conviction by the Holy Spirit. He kindly reprimands us in this way. When we are attentive to His voice, He guides us. We should not close our ears or harden our hearts.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sanctifying me by Your Word, for Your Word is truth. Awaken my ear morning by morning to hear as the learned. I will hearken my ear to Your truth and be careful to obey Your commands.
Abiding in the Vine
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “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 15:4-5).
To abide in Jesus is to have a life-giving and continual connection with Him. The branches of a vine are completely dependent on the vine for life and power. The same principle applies to us as God’s people. We are completely dependent upon Jesus for everything that counts as spiritual fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am completely dependent upon You. Without You, I have no spiritual vitality and power. I can do nothing without You. Please forgive me for relying on my strength to resolve the challenges of life.
Abiding in God’s Word
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7).
God’s Word is the very substance and spiritual life source of every believer. As God’s Word abides in us as we read and study it, it becomes part of us. An inward work of sanctification takes place. Jesus prayed, Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17). It is words of power and life. It transforms our minds so that we can move away from lies, meditate on the Word of God, and believe in the Truth of God.
O Lord, how I love Your Word, it is my meditation every day. Your Word makes me wise and is more precious to me than the wealth of this world. Your Word discerns all my thoughts and intentions. By Your Word, I is warned and in keeping Your Word there is great reward.
Abiding in prayer
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7).
As we abide in God’s Word and pray His Word, we pray God’s will. And when we pray according to the will of God, the Word teaches us that God will answer (1 John 5:14-15). When we pray the Word, the Word brings faith into our hearts (Romans 10:17).
Thank you, Father, for Your written Word that teaches me who You are. It teaches me about Your character, power, omnipotence, capabilities and attributes. Thank you that our faith is strengthened on the hearing of Your word and You reward us when we approach You in faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Abiding in love
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:9-10).
To abide in Christ who is the true vine, requires a lifestyle of worship, meditating on God’s Word, prayer, sacrifice and service. Above all, it requires obedience to God and His Word. Simply put, to abide in Christ and His love is to keep His commandments.
Thank You, Father, for revealing Your love to me in a way that still amazes me. Your Son loved me while I was still a sinner. You have revealed and demonstrated Your love so clearly that I can also love You and others. I can love, for You first loved me. Thank You for lovingly instructing me in the way I should walk every day.
God makes His home with us
If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14:23).
When God makes His home with us, He causes our soul to enter into a relationship and fellowship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Our inner man is therefore strengthened by the Spirit, experiences the love of Christ in our hearts and firmly roots in His love (Ephesians 3:16-17).
O Lord, I stand in awe of You! The sweet fellowship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – I can never exchange this for anything that this world can offer. Thank you for the indwelling of Your presence in my innermost being. I bow my knee in adoration, awe and wonder before You. You are worthy!
