By Susanna Salkeld

John 15:5 (NLT) 
5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

I was reading this verse the other day in my daily reading and since then the song “You are the vine, we are the branches” keeps going round in my head!

God is the ‘gardener’, Jesus is the ‘vine’ and we are the ‘branches’. Jesus is the one who we draw life from and he gives us the ability to grow and bear fruit. If the branches (us) are not attached to the vine (Jesus) we cannot grow or bear fruit and therefore we will not prosper. Living a life connected to Jesus provides us with support, many blessings and the promise of Eternal life. He said “Remain in me and I’ll remain in you”.

This is an important message to remember as we need God in every aspect of our lives. If we speak with him in all things, we will allow His life to merge with ours. This is the secret of not only joyful living, but of victorious living.

We are designed to depend on God moment by moment, recognising that apart from Him we can do nothing. We need to concentrate on doing everyday tasks in awareness of His presence. The joy of His presence will shine through as we do everything for Him.

Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use these times to seek His face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in the spiritual realms. We will then be richly blessed when we walk grudgingly with Him through the routines of our day.

Jesus says the only way to live a truly good life, is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.

Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ the Vine? If not you are missing a special gift He has for you!