Forever Fruitful In ChristSample

It Changes Everything

The Christ within who is our hope of glory is not… a hobby, a part-time project, a good theme for a book, or a last resort when all human effort fails. He is our life, the most real fact about us. He is the power and wisdom of God dwelling within us. — Brennan Manning

Does abiding in Christ change anything? Absolutely!

· Since Jesus is our Vine, we can truly experience life. Not just any life—the Life of Christ. Far beyond salaries, pensions, and square footage. Far beyond fertility, infertility, loss, and success. We experience the fullness of the Life of Christ because He is in us.

· Since Jesus is in us, we can experience life with endurance. When we feel worn out, we can keep going. When our patience feels depleted, we can still love well because He is our Source.

· Since Christ is our Source, we can say no to sin. If we’re in Christ, sin is temporary insanity. It’s not who we are. It’s not where we belong. We’ve died to indwelling sin and are alive in Christ because He remains in us.

“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.” (John 15:5)

For hungry souls starving to find purpose, this changes everything. We desire to make our lives count. We desire purpose and legacy. With Jesus in us, we are promised that our life will offer nourishment to others.

So let me ask you, does being connected to Christ’s vine change anything? No, not just anything—everything! I was dead; now I live. I was tired; now I persevere. I was defeated; now I’m victorious. I was consumed by self; now I offer nourishment for others.

But even more than that, I’m participating in the divine life. It’s the closest intimacy with God available here on earth. I’m never alone. I’m always able—because He remains in me. And if you’ve opened your heart to Him, He remains in you, too.

Jesus, thank You for making my heart, mind, body, and soul Your home. I’m like a branch grafted into the world’s most lively vine—You! Today, I ask that You make me aware of the truth about Your constant presence and power in me. Here I am, Lord. I’m ready to experience Your Life. Amen.