IF/THEN Week 4 Devotions (with scripture)

Monday, June 9, 2025, Read John 15:1-5: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus likens himself to the vine, and his followers to the branches. Does a branch need a vine to survive? What does it mean to "abide" in Christ? How can we stay connected to Him? Have your thought about how you are connected to “things” and “people” and Christ? I believe that we must be COMPLETELY connected to Jesus, what do you think? Today in your prayers ask for guidance in remaining connected to Jesus and His Word.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Read John 15:2, 8 2 “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.” - “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
 
God is the gardener, pruning away unproductive branches. What kind of fruit do we want to produce? How can we be more fruitful? Are you confident enough in your relationship with Jesus to NOT fear being “cut off”?  Today in your prayers as for help identifying and eliminating unproductive areas in your life. The day of His return is near and there is NO time to waste.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Read John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

"Apart from me you can do nothing.” What does this mean in practical terms? How do we rely on Jesus for our strength and wisdom? What are you trying to do right now that you have not asked God for help with? Today as you pray ask for reliance on Jesus and His guidance in all areas of life.

Thursday, June 12, 2025, Read John 15:9-10 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Jesus loves us, and we are called to love Him and one another. How can we express our love for God and others? How does abiding in God's love impact our lives? Today as you pray ask for the grace to love God and others as Jesus has loved us.

Friday, June 13, 2025, Read John 15:16. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Jesus calls us to bear fruit that will last. What does it mean to bear fruit that endures? How can we make a lasting impact on the world? How can you contribute to the mission of “Impacting Caroline County with the love of Christ for eternal gain”? Today in your prayers ask for wisdom to live a life that bears lasting fruit for God's kingdom.