Morning — The Abiding Presence of Christ

The branch does not bear fruit by straining and striving. It bears fruit by remaining connected to the vine. The life, the nourishment, the power to produce — all of it flows from the vine into the branch. The branch's only task is to abide, to remain, to stay connected. What a liberating truth for the Christian who feels overwhelmed by the demands of the day!

Too often we attempt to serve God in our own strength, and we wonder why we are exhausted and fruitless. The answer is simple: we have disconnected from the source. We have tried to produce fruit without the vine's life flowing through us. Christ said plainly, "Without me ye can do nothing." Not "without me you can do less" — nothing.

This morning, before you rush into the busyness of the day, take a moment to abide. Sit quietly with the Lord. Read His Word. Speak to Him in prayer. Let His life flow into yours. Then go about your day — not in your own strength, but in His. And you will find that fruit appears naturally, effortlessly, as a result of your connection to the living Vine.