Seeing all the vineyards was perfect because I have been studying the word “abide” this year. I am astounded at how God uses this word in Scripture. In John 15, Jesus shares how His Father is the Gardener who prunes the vines so they yield abundant fruit. I had the perfect image of those pruned vines on vacation. 

The Vinedresser

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2 (NLT)

The vinedresser takes great care in pruning the vine. He wants them to produce lush, fragrant, vibrant-tasting grapes and yield the greatest harvest.

He is looking for something other than the quantity of grapes. He desires superior grapes that will produce an aromatic bouquet that tastes luscious on the tongue.

Jesus reminds us that we need to abide in Him to be fruitful in this life on earth. But what does that mean?

To abide is to be united with or put down roots in Jesus. To live closely connected to Him means being in constant communication. Both talking to Him and listening for Him.

It is to yield our will to His.

Scripture declares apart from Him, we can do nothing. We need His strength, power, and wisdom each and every day.

I’m not saying we can’t do things apart from Him, but those things often produce something other than what Jesus promises.

We all desire to live a sweet and pleasing life to Jesus.

But there are days when we live out of step with the Lord. I’m including myself here. It is not always easy to live abiding in Jesus. The things of the world entice and look pleasing. The world pulls and often knocks us off course. We may even produce good fruit at the time, but later, we discover it’s taken us further from Jesus.

God is gracious in pruning things away as He draws us back into connection. 

We also have seasons when we are in step with the Lord, abiding and following closely. We are serving Him wholeheartedly, enjoying the fruits of our labors, and then, out of the blue, that role ceases or changes.

God can prune away areas where we feel we are growing and on track with Him. In those seasons, He prunes the things He considers no longer the best, most luscious fruit. This can feel harsh because those are often areas where we’re comfortable and feel like we’re on a roll.

He does this out of love because He has a new season coming where He is calling us to something different. That something may be a season of rest, a new calling, or a time to refocus on Him and learn. And at times, that next season may be more challenging than the one we’re currently in.

Yielding to Abide

Abiding in Jesus is a daily commitment. It takes intentionality. It requires spending time in your Bible, praying, and trusting God. And it involves an act of surrender on your part.

When you surrender and live fully connected to the Vine, you will live a life producing and enjoying abundant fruit in His garden. 

When you abide in Jesus:

• You live powerfully in the Spirit.
• Your will aligns with His
• You are filled with peace, joy, and contentment.
• You have more clarity and discernment.
• Your prayers are powerful and effective.
• You love as Jesus loves.
• Your compassion increases.
• Your impact increases.
• You find rest.

As I’ve spent more time with the Lord, abiding in Him, He’s shown me I need to pull back in some areas to spend more time with my family and focus on the projects He is calling me to complete.

One of those projects is the Bible study method I discussed earlier this year. I am putting the finishing touches on it and will premiere it in April at my next speaking engagement. I am also writing a Bible study on the book of Hebrews using this method, with a goal to complete it in June.

Something has to give for me to maintain a healthy balance. God is calling me to step back from social media for a few months, but I’ll be sure to pop in on occasion with the things God impresses upon my heart.

Prayer

Friend, may the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. (Numbers 6:24-26, NLT)

As you seek to abide in Him, may you experience the luscious bounty He provides in His garden.

I appreciate your grace while I make this change.

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Blessings,