I Am the True Vine

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that I may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and apppointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

ESV

I haven't been in very close fellowsip with the Lord lately. I have been able to bear artificial fruit out of habit. I don't want that kind of fruit. I want the kind that is from the Lord. I need to get back into His Word. I need to get back my love for His Word. It has to be my priority. I don't feel close to God right now. He hasn't moved. I have. I am in a difficult time right now, actually I make it seem like I always am. I need God now and always. I know He is there. I need Him to know that I am here.

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It reminds me of being in Africa and watching David Crane preach from this passage to the people of Malawi. It just illustrates so well in my mind how imperative it is that I stay in touch, connected, to the True Vine. I'm stagnate and I want to continue to grow. I can only do it in His presence.