Our Daily Bread August 1st 2020 Devotional – A Divine Duet
TODAY TOPIC: A DIVINE DUET
Bible in a Year: Psalms 57–59; Romans 4
Key Verse: If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. – John 15:5
Today’s Scripture: John 15:1–11 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Insight: Our Daily Bread August 1st 2020 Devotional
In the Old Testament, God’s people were described as “a vine from Egypt” that God carefully planted in the fertile land of Canaan (Psalm 80:8–11). God expected His people to produce “a crop of good grapes, but [they] yielded only bad fruit” (Isaiah 5:2; see also 27:2–4).
In John 15, Jesus expects us to “be even more fruitful” and “bear much fruit” so that we can glorify God (John 15:2, 8). We’re to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and “fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). When sharing the gospel, “the fruit [we] harvest is people brought to eternal life” (John 4:36 NLT).
Message: Our Daily Bread August 1st 2020 Devotional
At a children’s music recital, I watched a teacher and student seat themselves in front of a piano. Before their duet began, the teacher leaned over and whispered some last-minute instructions. As music flowed from the instrument, I noticed that the student played a simple melody while the teacher’s accompaniment added depth and richness to the song. Near the end of the piece, the teacher nodded his approval.
Our life in Jesus is much more like a duet than a solo performance. Sometimes, though, I forget that He’s “sitting next to me,” and it’s only by His power and guidance that I can “play” at all. I try to hit all the right notes on my own—to obey God in my own strength, but this usually ends up seeming fake and hollow. I try to handle problems with my limited ability, but the result is often discord with others.
My Teacher’s presence makes all the difference. When I rely on Jesus to help me, I find my life is more honoring to God. I serve joyfully, love freely, and am amazed as God blesses my relationships. It’s like Jesus told His first disciples, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Each day we play a duet with our good Teacher—it’s His grace and power that carry the melody of our spiritual lives. By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Reflect: Why do you sometimes resist the help and encouragement God offers? How could reliance on Him change your outlook and your actions in certain situations?
Today’s Prayer: Dear God, help me to remember that You’re with me in every moment. I welcome Your influence and instruction today. Thank You for Your nearness.
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