Apart from Me…

As you consider your calling and purpose, remember that your connection to Jesus is not just part of it—it is THE thing that matters, THE thing that empowers.  As part of His final teaching before He is crucified, Jesus emphasizes several important lessons that He wants His disciples—and us—to remember—always:

·       Jesus is the Vine.

·       God the Father is the Gardener.

·       We are to be connected to the Vine—to Jesus—for life and for the ability to be fruit-bearing—the ability to accomplish our God-given purpose.

·       God prunes branches—us--so that they/we may become more fruitful. God is about growth.

·       We cannot bear fruit on our own—only through remaining (abiding) in Jesus.

·       If we do remain in Jesus and He in us, we will be abundantly fruitful.

·       Fruit-bearing is not for us but to glorify God.

What intentional practices do you pursue so that you remain connected to Jesus?  Are you doing what God has called and purposed you to do in His strength with His power or in your own? Are you bearing fruit—but taking credit for your fruitfulness? Or, are you well aware that “apart from” Jesus, you can do “nothing”? (See John 15:1-8.)

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.