Walking in the Sprit
Saturday, February 11
"He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit…” (John 15:5b)
Not all fruit is created equal. You know right away when you bite into a bad apple. You know the ones that are dry, almost gritty in texture. It is not as satisfying as a crisp sweet apple full of favor. There is such a thing as bad fruit.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit. The fruit produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit is “love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). This is God’s work in us.
The last night before Jesus was taken away and crucified, He told His disciples, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). But on our own, we can do nothing. We are to abide in Him. Remember, to abide in Jesus is to continue or remain in Him.
As we look at these “I Am” passages, keep in mind, the Living God, the Creator of the universe, wants a deep and abiding relationship with you.
Prayer for the Day: Holy Father, Lord the Giver of life, thank You for Your good gifts. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please raise up faith in me that I may manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Let me not become complacent. But use me as You will. Transform me into the likeness of Your Son. That others may see Your good works. Keep me in Your good graces each day, I pray. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. – Amen.
Personal Prayer: “Lord Jesus, You ask – “Who do you say that I am?” Lord, open my mind so I can understand who You are, and who I am in You.”