“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:4-5).

Many years ago I served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Westfield, New York. This was in the very heart of the Concord grape country and the producer of Welch’s grape products. It is a beautiful part of New York State on the shore of Lake Erie. One day I stood in the vineyard of folks named Jim and Olive. With great interest I watched Jim working the vines on a very cold winter’s day. The pruning was deep, and I can still hear him say, “The branches will be full of grapes, Lord wiling, next summer because of what I am doing today.” Six months later the branches were laden with delicious Concord grapes. The vine produced the life as the branches displayed the fruit. What a grand reminder for us today. Our spiritual life comes from Christ. We have the privilege of displaying His fruit. He is the Vine, and we are the branches.

For today: May the Lord help His fruit to be showing in your life today!