Church Life

Connected

Christianity Today August 3, 2017

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 (NIV)

Today’s Verse

It was hard to decide. I stood staring at the shelves in the local Christian bookstore, trying to choose which Bible study was the right one. I wanted to dive deep into my study of God’s Word, but choosing the best Bible study seemed overwhelming.

As I stood letting my eyes run across the various topics, titles, and authors, I sensed the Spirit of God reminding me that while Bible studies are certainly valuable—tools that help me understand his Word—my relationship with God is what mattered most.

Staying connected to the Spirit of God is the primary source of life for our souls, just like the vine is to a branch. Rather than picking the “best” Bible study tool, the most important thing is that I live connected to the Spirit of God by staying in God’s Word, communicating with God in prayer, and living my life in obedience. The life the Lord has for us all is full of freedom and abundance! As we simply choose to walk in connection with God throughout our day—in his Word, in prayer, in silence, in celebration, in feasting, in fasting—this gives our souls the fullness of life that we were designed to experience.

Reflect:
Contemplate John 15:5. In your own words, journal or share with a friend what it means for you to “remain in” Christ. Have you been trying to operate apart from God? How can you choose today to abide in him?

Pray:
Take some time to connect with God, like a branch connected to a vine. Spend time talking with him and sharing your honest reflections and thoughts. Choose to abide.

Chrystal Evans Hurst is the author of She’s Still There and the co-author (with Tony Evans) of Kingdom Woman. These devotions are adapted from She’s Still There, out August 8 and available for pre-order now at Zondervan.com. You can find her at ChrystalEvansHurst.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ChrystalHurst.

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