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John 15:4, 5 - Abiding in Jesus - Learning to Listen.

John 15:4, 5 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in 
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, 
unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, 
unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the 
branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is 
that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can 
do nothing. 

John 15:4, 5 (MSG) Live in me. Make your 
home in me just as I do in you. In the same way 
that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but 
only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear 
fruit unless you are joined with me. I am the 
Vine, you are the branches. 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.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Equipped with the right tools, we can 
learn to listen to God. What are those tools? Here 
are the ones I have found helpful. 
   A regular time and place. Select a slot 
on your schedule and a corner of your world, 
and claim it for God. For some it may be best to 
do this in the morning. Others prefer the 
evening Others prefer many encounters during the 
day. 
   Some sit under a tree, others in the 
kitchen. Maybe your commute to work or your lunch 
break would be appropriate. Find a time and place 
that seems right for you. 
   How much time should you take? As much as 
you need. Value quality over length. Your time 
with God should last long enough for you to say 
what you want and for God to say what he wants. 
Which leads us to a second tool you need - an open 
Bible. 
   God speaks to us through his Word. The 
first step in reading the Bible is to ask God to 
help you understand it. 
   Before reading the Bible, pray. Dont 
go to Scripture looking for your own idea; go 
searching for Gods. Read the Bible prayerfully. 
Also, read the Bible carefully. 
   Here is a practical point. Study the 
Bible a little at a time. God seems to send 
messages as he did his manna: one days portion at 
a time. Choose depth over quantity. Read until 
a verse hits you, then stop and meditate 
on it. Copy the verse onto a sheet of paper, or 
write it in your journal, and reflect on it 
several times. 
   Will I learn what God intends? If I 
listen, I will. 
   Understanding comes a little at a time 
over a lifetime. 
   There is a third tool for having a 
productive time with God. Not only do we need a regular 
time and an open Bible, we also need a listening 
heart. Dont forget the admonition from James: 
The man who looks into the perfect law, the law 
of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is 
not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that 
law into practice and he wins true happiness 
(James 1:25 Phillips). 
   We know we are listening to God when what 
we read in the Bible is what others see in our 
lives. 
   Paul urged his readers to put into 
practice what they had learned from him. What you 
have learned and received and heard and seen in 
me, do (Philippians 4:9). 
   If you want to be just like Jesus, let 
God have you. Spend time listening for him until 
you receive your lesson for the day - then apply 
it. [Max Lucado Daily Devotional at 
maxlucado.com] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170915-0913.html 


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20171106-1012.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: 
http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/ 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by Pastor John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657