By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us what it means to be truly connected to you, our one and only life source.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
John 15:5
“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.”
To build a 24/7 Christian lifestyle, we must start with the power source. Jesus gives us a beautiful and simple picture: He is the vine, and we are the branches. A branch doesn’t struggle or strive to produce fruit; its only job is to stay connected to the vine. The life, the nourishment, and the power flow from the vine, and fruit is the natural result of that connection.
The key word in this verse is “remain.” In other translations, it’s “abide.” This means to live, to dwell, to make your home in Him. It’s not about visiting Jesus for an hour on Sunday. It’s about a constant, moment-by-moment awareness of our connection to Him throughout the day—at work, at home, in our conversations, and in our thoughts.
The final phrase is a humbling and essential truth: “apart from me you can do nothing.” This doesn’t mean we are useless; it means that any effort to produce spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace—in our own strength is impossible. All our religious activity and good intentions are powerless if we are disconnected from the vine. The foundation of a “Beyond Sunday” faith is not trying harder, but connecting deeper.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Practice abiding today by setting a reminder on your phone for three different times (e.g., 10 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM). When the alarm goes off, pause for 60 seconds, take a deep breath, and pray, “Jesus, I am the branch, you are the vine. I am remaining in you right now.”
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for trying to live this Christian life in our own strength. Teach us the simple, profound secret of remaining in You. Amen.
