Topic: John 15:5 [John Hagee Devotional 1 December 2019]

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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

Jesus knew what was coming as He gazed into the circle of dear, familiar faces glowing in the lamplight. These were the final words He would share before He was betrayed.

What a ragtag group they were – men with callouses on their hands and hearts, cheaters, liars, betrayers, and doubters! Jesus saw what others could not. His heart was tender towards these vagabonds who would undertake His earthly ministry to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

The words that He spoke into their ears that fateful evening are the same ones He whispers to us today: “…apart from Me you can do nothing.” He wanted them to understand that if they chose to go it alone – to work hard to generate results on their own – all of their efforts would be in vain. No matter how well-intentioned, they would produce nothing of enduring worth.

How freeing to realize that it is not up to us! Only He is the Prince of Peace. Only in His presence can we find the fullness of joy. When the enemy rushes in like a flood, only He can raise a standard against him.

Outside of Jesus is barrenness and brokenness. With Him, our lives blossom and bloom in the beauty of God.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you abide in the True Vine. Apart from Him, you can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible for you!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament 

Daniel 8:1-27

New Testament 

1 John 2:1-17

Psalms & Proverbs 

Psalm 120:1-7

Proverbs 28:25-26