Live Second: Branches

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[this week, i'll be blogging about the new book, Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First by doug bender. big thanks to doug for the opportunity to preview this devotional and help spread the word. this is post 4 of 4.]

"no branch, no matter its strength or maturity, can survive apart from the vine. so it is with Jesus...true life, life as it was meant to be, can only be experienced when connected to Jesus."

[doug bender]

if you've walked with Jesus for any length of time, you know that daily life apart from Him is frazzled. remember, Jesus came that we may have life to the full [john 10:10]. so apart from Him, life is disconnected. we must abide in Him. and be in constant communication with Him. we must align our hearts with His.

i am the vine; you are the branches. if you remain in Me and i in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."

[john 15:5]

apart from Him i can do nothing? but remain in Him and i will bear much fruit? yep. but how? it goes back to a heart that is in constant communication. a heart of gratitude. prayer without ceasing is possible when you find ways to be grateful throughout the day. there are blessings that come when you walk with the Lord. apart from Him, you miss out on those blessings. a grateful heart sees even the smallest things as blessings from the Lord. turn your heart to Him in gratitude.

i don't know about you, but i want the favor of the Lord on my life. i want to walk in His blessings, not struggle through life trying to do it in my own frazzled way. abide in Him. He is the vine. i am but a branch. i need Him to be my source of life and blessing.

bekah

live unashamedly :: laugh uncontrollably :: love unconditionally.