“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Making the mistake of doing things in your own strength is as deceptively easy as living without prayer.

Certainly, the ministry requires from us hard work, and living the Christian life is done so with vital disciplines. But the ministry is not to be overwhelming, and the Christian life is not tedious. The believer is not meant to walk in a constant state of exhaustion and tension.

We become exhausted when we give from ourselves instead of from the Source. However, if you will abide in the secret place of prayer, you’ll not grow weary.

When you abide in the vine, your ministry is overflow, your messages are fresh, your prayers are energizing, and your efforts are carried by the wind of the Spirit.

By contrast, when you try to carry out the ministry while neglecting the secret place of prayer, your mind grows tired, your body becomes exhausted, and there is a dryness to your prayers for others.

Thankfully, abiding in the vine is simple. It takes only this: time.

Spend time with the Lord daily – and moment by moment. Whether you, at first, sense a difference or not, God is pouring into you when you set aside time for Him. So step out of the desert and into the springs of living water.

Establish again the altars. Seek the face of Jesus. Keep it simple, and just spend time with Him. Obey His Word, and trust Him. Then you will receive all the benefits of abiding in the vine.

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