"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)
Have you been enjoying the bounty of summer fruits? Have you indulged in the delights of watermelon, cantaloupes, honeydew, and peaches? Have you found yourself so overcome by their sweetness that you couldn't even wait to put them in a bowl and sit down at the table...and you just stood right over the sink...letting their juices run down your arms as you savored their succulence?
What kind of fruit are you bearing this summer? Is it "the fruit of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control"? (Galatians 5:22-23) You can't do that in your own power. You must "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and showers righteousness on you." (Hosea 10:12) Apart from Him...the One who shows us unfailing love...we are incapable. We must abide in Him...and allow Him to abide in us. Then "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isaiah 32:17)
Father, help us to allow Your Spirit to abide in us...to fill us with Your love and righteousness...so that we can "bear fruit [the fruit of Your Spirit]and become a splendid vine" (Ezekiel 17:8) that brings honor and glory to You!
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