“Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me†(John 15:4).
This week we begin our continued Bible study regarding the Holy Spirit. As I prepared to write the devotions to go with the October Bible study, I was challenged with how to best present this week’s study. It involves us focusing on the “fruit of the Spirit.†After reading a few commentaries, I decided upon using the object of a cluster of grapes. Since this fruit is a vine one, it seemed appropriate. Jesus is the “true vine†(John 15:1). We must abide in Him, or, we, as extensions of Him, will never be able to bear the kind of fruit the Spirit wants to produce in us. That type of “fruit†won’t be like apples, oranges, or grapes but will be the traits befitting one who is led by the Spirit. First and foremost there must be a direct connection between the “Vine†and us, the branches. Prayer and Bible study keep the two connected. We must completely depend on God for the Spirit to produce “fruit.â€
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: The Hanna Project Board Meeting begins today. (October 6-8). Pray for wisdom and discernment as they meet.
