ATTUNEMENT WITH CHRIST

16th NOVEMBER 2022

“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 – John 15:5

 In today’s Scripture, Jesus makes known the plan of God to make each of us permanently fruitful in life, but we must accept to remain branches of the living vine. How do you become a branch of the vine which is Jesus Christ? Remember how a tree grows and develops branches; both the tree and its branches grow together simultaneously. The branches remain on the tree; they thrive on it, draw nutrients from it, and are always fruitful for as long as the tree remains alive, and they also remain branches of the tree. That brings us to the usual question of whether you have a good relationship with Jesus. Interestingly, some have a relationship with Christ, but not a good relationship. Also, some have never encountered Him, and therefore, cannot develop any kind of relationship with Him. 

 A good relationship with Jesus is like the relationship between a branch of a tree and the tree itself; the two are closely and naturally bonded together as one indivisible entity. Take note that just as the branches bear the fruits of the tree, so also is our relationship with Christ ought to bear good fruits. When we are firmly rooted in Christ, we receive the power to bear good fruits. The Scripture says, by their fruits, you shall know those who are firmly rooted in Christ and are, therefore, children of God.

 Christ is the walkway to God! In Christ Jesus, we have access to a life-giving, soul-thrilling, joy-producing communion with God (1 John 1:3; John 15:11). It is this union and communion with Christ that makes us fruitful and relevant in life. To abide in Christ is not a one-off affair with God; it is a daily lifestyle in which we must do the following: 

· First, we must learn to walk by faith in every situation. Learning to walk by faith is a gradual process. The Scripture tells us that the righteous shall walk by faith. Your righteousness before God is justified by faith, for without faith, it is difficult to please God. 

· Second, we must spend and focus our quality time on God, feeling and sensing His presence in us and around us every day. 

· Third, we must spend time studying the Scriptures and seek daily guidance from the Holy Spirit. When we utterly expose our hearts to the scriptures, the Holy Spirit, in the process, will give us the power to understand the truth that sets us free from every bondage and limitation.

· Fourth, become a part of a God-fearing community and counsel one another. Fight against sin and live a constant life of imitation of Christ. That will fortify your heart against the influence of men of vile. 

· Obedience to God’s commandments, as well as doing the wish and commands of Jesus; This leads to your inner development and growth at all levels of human endeavours. When we fully abide with Christ, we indirectly cause our spirit to flow into His, thereby becoming one with the Lord. Doing the above four things each day of our lives makes us become one with Christ. To become one with Christ is to carry within you the light and power of Christ. That is the light which dispels every darkness; It is the power that breaks every arrow, as well as bending every sword!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I declare I am fruitful and productive. Your word abides in me, and I have become one with thee. Therefore, Lord, today, I rebuke and silence every limitation affecting my life. I declare I am free indeed! AMEN.

FURTHER READING: John 15:7