Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
John 15:5 – New King James Version (NKJV)
5 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.20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
The bible in Psalms 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” GOD is more interested in our prosperity and success in this world than we could ever imagine (Jeremiah 29:11). In CHRIST, we have rest. The theme scripture says “……. For without me you can do nothing”. When a person makes JESUS CHRIST their Lord and saviour (born again), they are translated into the kingdom of light (that is connected to the vine). To do things now like the way an unbeliever or the world will do things is to be disobedient to GOD’s principles. The bible admonishes us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). That way, we prove the glorious life GOD has predestined for us here on earth. To not walk in the principles of GOD found in the scriptures is to break off from the vine: the source. A Christian operating in this condition is setting themselves up for a life of struggles. True success is achieved when a child of GOD is deeply and strongly connected to the vine: CHRIST. The vine of a tree gives life to the branches, which bear the fruits, flowers and leaves: the beauty of the tree. The Christian life is an expression of God’s beauty and Glory. To be severed from the vine is like a fish trying to survive outside water. It is impossible.
Colossians 2:6-7 says, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, ……….” We wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts of wickedness whose primary aim is to see Christians cut off from the vine. And if not corrected in time will cause them to lose the faith. And in turn be unsuccessful in this world and discouraged to the point of no longer believing in the Christian faith. And eventually lose their salvation (eternal life). When a Christian relies on their ability and not CHRIST JESUS as their source and their everything, they are cut off from the vine. When one’s love for GOD and the things of GOD becomes cold and no longer in first place in their lives, then they act and do things that cut them off from the vine. A Christian in this state is exposed to the wiles of satan.
To abide in CHRIST (always connected to the vine) is to meditate on the word of GOD that will cause us to observe all that is written in it, discover and fulfil our purpose in life, and have a continuous fellowship with the HOLY SPIRIT that will cause us to have a prosperous and successful life here on earth. Let us remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD. Let us remain fervent in the things of GOD; always seeking and fellowshipping with one another where the blessings of the LORD is commanded (Psalms 133:3) and knowledge of GOD is increased. This causes GRACE and peace to be multiplied in our lives (2 Peter 1:2). Fervently seek the kingdom of GOD and righteousness, and every one of your desires will be added to you. You will not have to struggle in this world, and all things will be freely added to you (Romans 8:32). The world sees you as the shining light that you are and a dispenser of the blessings of the LORD.
Scripture meditation
Colossians 1:22-23; Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:13 & John 15:16.
Prayer
Heavenly FATHER, thank you for a life hid with CHRIST in you. I fulfil your will and purpose for my life, bearing good fruits always. And with your SPIRIT in me, a guarantee of your promise, I can do all things, making my world a beautiful place and a dispenser of your love and blessings, in JESUS’ NAME.
Confession
I am connected to CHRIST, for my life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD!