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.
John 15:4 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, help Your servant today to abide. It is my heart’s deepest desire to bear fruit for You. No matter where I am, You are there, in the room with me. You have created me for a time such as this to bring glimmers of Your grace into the lives of those who shall cross my path. You have raised me up to come against the things of this world, whether from without or from within. And it is Your purpose for my life that I would bear much fruit.
The words of John 15 ring so loudly in my spirit this morning! Apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5). If I but abide in You, You will open up the windows of heaven, answer my prayers, and use me like no other time (John 15:7). My obedience will fuel my love for You (John 15:10). And all of this will bring me great and unspeakable joy (John 15:11). Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief (Mark 9:24)!
So today, lay out before me the path I must go. Grant me the courage to walk in it and the boldness to know that in the end, it will give me all that my heart desires. Enable me to resist all of the external temptations that will come my way. And in the end, cause my light and life to shine to Your glory. Amen.