Scripture to Read: John 15:1–17
To be Jesus-centered in our lives and our church, we must choose to love God by abiding in Him. Jesus tells us in John 15:5; I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. As we mentioned in yesterday’s devotion, we must pursue our intimacy with Christ each day to abide in Christ. We must also choose to “flee from” the stuff of this world. God says, in 2 Timothy 2:22, Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. So, we must “flee from” our lusts and pursue what God has given us. Don’t miss that God tells us that as we pursue these things, we don’t do this alone, but we pursue with others who are also pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. To pursue righteousness, we must flee from the world and not run toward it (1 Timothy 6:10–11). We must also choose to have an attitude that glorifies our Lord Jesus (Philippians 2:14–15). To pursue faith, we must trust God even when our circumstances do not make sense (Proverbs 3:5–6). To pursue love, we must imitate God, put on His characteristics, and love as He loves us (Ephesians 5:1–2, John 13:34–35, Colossians 3:12–14). To pursue peace, we must make sure His peace rules in our hearts (Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:6–7). Start pursuing today!
Challenge & Application
· How would you describe how you are abiding in Christ each day to be Jesus-centered in your life?
· How are you pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, AND doing it with others who are also pursuing these things?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!