Day 5: Practicing Church
Daily Devotional
John 15:1-6
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
As we practice what God calls us to do, as we obey his Word, we ought to bear fruit in our lives. Fruit is a sign of personal spiritual growth, righteous living, and effective serving. But how can we bear fruit? The only answer that Jesus gives is to abide in him. In other words, we bear fruit in our lives by having a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with Jesus. We should spend time in prayer and reading the Bible and be more involved in the church community. Unless our relationship with Jesus is healthy and thriving, we are utterly incapable of living our lives for him. What will you do to have a deeper relationship with God?
Weekly Application
As followers of Christ, it’s important not just to hear and know the Word of God, but to put it into practice in our daily lives. Start your day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you each day. As you set your mind on the things that the Holy Spirit wants, He will show you opportunities to put your faith into action. Live out your faith with at least one person each day this week by serving them and loving them as the Holy Spirit leads. You may be led to offer a listening ear to someone who is going through a tough season or to give a portion of your time or resources to someone in need. Have high expectations of what God can do, and ask Him to guide you each step of the way.