Wed Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

There is only one command that is given in this entire passage of scripture. It is found repeatedly and the first time we encounter it is in verse 4.

“Abide in me.” (John 15:4)

The word “abide” simply means, “remain” or “continue.” All it simply means is this – every day we are to continuously make Jesus Christ the center of our thoughts, the focus of our life, and the passion of our hearts. The only time a branch will not bear fruit is if something is blocking its connection to the vine.

You cannot force a branch to produce fruit. You can’t command a branch to produce fruit. That is why nowhere do you find Jesus ever telling us to go out and produce fruit. Our job is not to produce the fruit; our job is to bear it. The way you bear fruit is by staying connected to the vine. So seven times Jesus tells us in verses 4, 5, 7,9, and 10, “Abide. Abide. Abide.”

Do you get the picture? You can’t make fruit. You can’t manufacture fruit and you can manipulate fruit. All you can do is bear fruit. The way you do that is just staying connected to the vine. Just stay close to Jesus. Stay connected to Jesus.

One of the things I can do for Teresa is make her a cup of hot tea. I really enjoy doing it, because it is one of the few things I know how to do with my hands! If you have ever made tea you know what I am about to say. When you put a teabag in a cup of hot water the longer that tea bag remains or abides in that water the more that water will take on the color and the taste of that tea. If you want the tea to be stronger you just leave the bag in longer. That is what happens to us every day when we abide in Christ, just remain in Christ, we begin to take on the color of His character and the flavor of His life.

Here is your assignment beginning today. You abide in Christ by simply taking the tea bag of your life and soak it in the hot water of His Word. Let Him talk to you as you study the Bible. Spend time with Him talking with Him in prayer. You just stop, look and listen. Stop and take time out of your daily routine and look into His Word and then you listen to what He says to you. The more you maximize your connection to Christ the more He will multiply His fruit through you.