Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4–5 WEB.

The ministry of Jesus, from the first recorded miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee until His resurrection, spanned about three and a half years. During that time, Jesus changed the world that He lived in. He took away the sins of the universe, and if we let Him, He will take away ours today.

We labor each day for so many things. Some are necessary, and some are not. Yet, if we get in tune with Him, we will accomplish much more, and it will also be more fulfilling.

Think of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus while Martha labored in the kitchen. Sometimes we just need to stop and listen. Though too often, we are like Martha. Working hard at making sandwiches no one ordered and then getting tired and frustrated when they don't seem to appreciate it.

Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. Our connection with Him makes our lives bear fruit. I find that when I spend some quiet time with the Lord before I start my day. Pray for a few minutes, read a little scripture, and listen, that my day goes so much better. It reminds me of why I am doing this and that I am not just struggling alone in this life. After a few minutes alone with the Lord, I am much stronger.

Always include the Lord in Your day. Remember that without Him, you can do nothing of lasting value. Taking just ten minutes to stop, pray, and listen can change your life, those around you, and the world itself.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please strengthen me today, and cover me with Your presence. Draw my heart to You, Lord, and let me see through Your eyes. Use me, and make my life count for Your kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: New Feature! If you look at the top of the website, you should a gear setting that will let you change the colors of different areas of the site, for easier reading or just for fun! Please give it a try and let us know how it works for you :)! Also, for those interested, we will be celebrating today at our Wednesday morning prayer service at the usual time of 10:30am EST! This is a short service, about 15-20 minutes, where we pray together for any needs you bring forth. Hope to see y'all there! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.