Staying Connected To The Vine | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | January 20, 2023

Staying Connected To The Vine | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | January 20, 2023

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

When we talk about seeking “relationship” rather than “religion” in Christ, we recognize that our perspective about Him affects how we walk out our faith. First and foremost, spending time in God’s word and in prayer keeps our focus where it needs to be. The notion that Christ is the vine and we are the branches is powerful imagery. The branches do not exist on their own. They would not bear any fruit on their own. The vine is what gives nourishment and sustenance. By being connected to the vine, the branches are made alive.

Beyond that our own connection to other believers and accountability is so important. You’ve probably heard it said before: there are no Lone Ranger Christians. We were meant for community and to hold each other up. Religion sets us up for competition and a comparison game between who is holiest enough, who is righteous, etc. Relationship with Jesus acknowledges that at the foot of the cross, all are equal. We all deserve the wrath He willingly took upon Himself. By staying connected to the vine (both through individual and corporate fellowship with Him), we set ourselves up to grow and bear Christ’s image more fully.

Question for today: Am I experiencing this type of fellowship (individually with the Lord and corporately with a Body of believers) on a regular basis?

Pray: Jesus, everyday I want to be in fellowship with You and connected to You. Let my life bear fruit because of You.

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