“I am the true jgrapevine, and my Father is the gardener.2He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.3You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5“Yes, I am the kvine; 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.6Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.7But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

This passage is speaking to me right here right now in my life…very loud and very clear.  I’ve been working at my business 80 hours a week and I am still behind.  I’ve had fewer and fewer posts to this blog.  I even went several days without prayer this week.  That is not a life of faith in Jesus, connected to Jesus, producing fruit through Jesus.  I am NOT remaining in him.  I am in danger of being severed from the vine. 

Jesus words are clear: “apart from me you can do nothing”.  I can’t succeed with my family, my faith, my marriage or my work if I am not with Jesus in each and every one of those.  I need to change radically, this minute.  I hope this confession of mine has been helpful to you.

Lord, you have slapped me in the face with this, and rightfully so.  I also know I cannot change without you changing me.  Help Lord, change me.  Forgive me.  Lead me.  Help me follow.  Change me Jesus, change me. *obbs*