Day 7

Scripture to Read: John 15:16–17

Jesus, as He spoke of love, then said this in John 15:16–17, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.” Being chosen by our Lord is one of the most precious gifts of all. As a reminder, Jesus had also chosen Judas Iscariot, but Judas never chose to follow Jesus. As Christians, we know we were chosen by our Lord "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4), not only to be His but to be "holy and blameless before Him." God gives each individual the opportunity to choose Him back and follow Him as God, Lord, King, and Master. But He also chooses us so that we bear fruit for Him, His kingdom, and glory. Walking with our Lord and obeying Him and His commands is the most fulfilling life of all, but it also does not just happen. There must be a willingness on our part because our “flesh” wants to do just the opposite of what our Lord has for us to do. If walking with our Lord was easy and loving Him and others with all our heart, soul, and mind were simple, then our Lord would not have to command us to do it. Also, we can’t do it as He commanded unless we are fully submitted to Him. Walk surrendered and love well.

Challenge & Application

• What must we do to walk according to our Lord’s commands? • How are you walking in obedience to the commands you already know?

Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!

Devotionals from this week

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Day 1

In John 14:31, Jesus’ last words were, “Get up, let us go from here.” So, they left the room where they shared the Last Supper and were on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus continued to teach His disciples as they walked. Jesus said in John 15:1–2, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that doe...

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Day 2

Jesus knew the work of cleansing had already begun with His disciples, which is why He told them in John 15:3–4, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” God uses His Wo...

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Day 3

Abiding in Christ is what every believer must choose to do daily. It means we choose to live our lives fully for Him, knowing life and fruit-bearing is only possible through Him. Jesus said it like this in John 15:5–6: “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 not...

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Day 4

Jesus brings the conversation back to prayer as He shares what can be accomplished by abiding in Him. Jesus said in John 15:7–8, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” To abide in Christ me...

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Day 5

Love is the key to our intimacy with our Lord and with those around us. Jesus was asked (in Matthew 22:36–40) which one of the commandments was the greatest of all. Jesus, without hesitation, said that we must love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Then, even though He was not asked what the second greatest commandment was, He shared...

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Day 6

Jesus continued to share how critical it is for every one of His disciples to love. Jesus said in John 15:12–15, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I c...

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Day 7

Jesus, as He spoke of love, then said this in John 15:16–17, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.” Being chosen by our Lord is one of t...

Read