Connected to Jesus

24 / Sun –Read John 15:1-9

Overview: Pruning, i.e. removing dead or unusable growth, is how orchardists help fruit trees to produce more. God uses that same method to produce more spiritual fruit in our lives, maintained by staying connected with Jesus.

25 / Mon – With him, without him  |  Read John 15:5 / 2 Corinthians 3:4-6a

Jesus’ words contain a wonderful promise, as well as a sober reminder. It is a startling contrast to the messages you hear in our culture today about being a strong, independent person who’s “got this.” In the kingdom of heaven, it is quite the opposite. The more you depend on the Lord, the greater will be the fruitfulness of your life. Where are you in this continuum? Do you sometimes trust yourself too much? How often do you look to Jesus for wisdom and his strength to grow the ‘fruit’ he wants to produce in your life? It takes humility, but delights Him more than you know.

26 / Tue – Whatever you want?!  |  Read John 15:7

Many people love the second part of this verse – ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you, but neglect the first part of the equation. Jesus’ words and his teachings are seeds you plant in your mind. This means you do more than just casually read them and move on. Instead, you read thoughtfully, consider their implications, and then act on them. This process helps you grow as his life flows through yours so when you ask for anything in line with his good plans for you, it will be done. What a partnership! What are you asking for right now?

27 / Wed – Good results  |  Read Isaiah 32:17-20

It is interesting how the Holy Spirit shows some areas where you are not right with God. That is called conviction. His purpose is not to make you feel guilty or ashamed, but for you to bring it out into the open, agreeing it’s true, and receive forgiveness. This process removes what stands between you two. Then you’ll be right with God (righteous) again in that area. According to Isaiah, what is the fruit (results) of this right-ness? Where could this truth be applied in your life today?

28 / Thu – I believe, therefore I act  |  Read James 2:17 and 26 / 2 Peter 1:5-8

It is a dead faith that does not involve action, according to James. Notice the growth process Peter describes for his readers. Consider how they are connected. Now read how Peter precedes this list in v3-4 by showing you how to cultivate these qualities in your own life. Not pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps, but by building on a foundation of knowing the Lord’s character and realizing his divine power to help. What conclusions have you drawn? In what area do you believe the Lord wants to help you grow? What might be some next steps?

29 / Fri – Action list  |  Read Ephesians 5:1-20

This is a long section of scripture, but it is important to understand the context of Paul’s words. Read slowly enough to engage with God’s way of thinking. It might even be good to jot down a list of the specifics you’ll want to avoid and their replacements. Maybe save it so you can regularly pray about these things and then take action. What is one thing you want to focus on today and maybe tomorrow? Remember, the Holy Spirit is your powerful partner in this process.

30 / Sat – A harvest of grief  |  Read Isaiah 63:9-10 / Ephesians 4:30-32

God the Holy Spirit is a person. Just as you can hurt others, however unintentionally, your attitudes and actions can grieve the Holy Spirit. He knows your heart, so any ‘good’ thing you do for others that stems from selfish intentions will cause Him pain. Unlike others who may never reveal the way you’ve hurt them, the Holy Spirit will let you know so it can be corrected. What are some specific things in v30-32 that you’ll watchfully avoid, knowing how they will grieve your precious Friend and others too?