Text: John 15:4-8
Memory verse:
”Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.“
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In preparing for Christmas, some people decorate trees in their garden with artificial fruits. Sometimes, the fruits look so real that one may think that they are the natural fruits of the trees. This is descriptive of works and services that are done in the name of the Lord but which are not products of the relationship with Him.
Adam was still in the garden, yet God said, “Where are you?” One can still be in church but out of touch! One can be serving God but out of relationship! If we are not watchful, time and circumstances have the tendency to turn our hearts from the Lord to the works we do in His name.
Jesus said, ”…many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name, and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’“ ‭‭(Matt‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬). These people were busy serving the Lord but had no relationship with Him. They thought that service meant a relationship, but Jesus said, “I never knew you”. They didn’t know Him likewise and weren’t connected to Him. Thus, it is possible to be full of activities and to think that one is serving God but without a true relationship with Him.
God will always prioritize relationships over works, no matter how good the works and services are. Jesus rebuked Martha for raising her good service over a relationship (Luke 10:38-42). Mary chose the right thing, the best and the good part. Some think that time spent in communion with Jesus is a waste of time. Never! Rather, time spent in fellowship with Him won’t be taken away from you. In fact, it comes back to you in greater productivity. Such a relationship makes you more fruitful in service.
“…When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” (John 15:5 MSG).
“…the harvest is sure to be abundant.” Did you notice that again? He wants our works and services to flow from our relationship with Him.
Friends, are the works and services you do in His name the natural fruits of your intimate connection to Jesus, or are they merely artificial fruits? Do you still enjoy intimate fellowship with the Lord in worship, meditation, Bible study, and prayer? Are you more interested in serving than in sitting at His feet to learn? Do you still long for prayer meetings and Bible study times with the brethren?

Prayer points
1. Father, please, take me back to the place where I first received You and create a longing in my heart for You, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, draw me nearer to You again and bind my wandering heart to You, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I don’t waste my time in deepening my relationship with Jesus, rather, I enjoy greater productivity in service.
2. I am watchful, lest my attention shift from my relationship with the Lord to doing works for the Lord

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng