Scripture:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it 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.

(John 15:1-8 ESV)

Observation:

God wants us to bear a lot of fruit, but apart from him we can do nothing. NOTHING. Nothing means not anything. It means that without the Spirit of God working through us, spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) is an impossibility. It means that we can preach our guts out, witness until the cows come home, try to forgive, attempt to love, and pull our hair out to become more like Jesus Christ, but apart from his divine assistance we will come up empty handed every day of the week.

This should drive us to the presence of God so that we would abide, remain, dwell with him. If we know that we can do nothing apart from him, we will constantly return to him.

Application:

Too often I try to do things first on my own and then, when I come up short, turn to God. I need to remember that God isn't my fallback, but the main plan. God is the only one who can accomplish anything, and any time that I seem to do something it is because Jesus is working through me. I need to acknowledge who is actually getting stuff done in my life and in the world around me - Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord, give me eyes to see that it is your hand at work, not my own, and that the only one who is powerful enough to change myself, my family, our church, and this world is the God-Man, Jesus Christ.