I placed my trust in Jesus Christ during my freshman year of college.  Soon after my baptism I was invited into a one-on-one discipleship relationship with a man named Dennis.  I entered his home every Monday night for Bible study and prayer.  Each week we participated in the discipline of Scripture memorization.  John 15:5 was the first verse I ever commented to memory.  It rolls off my tongue to this day.

Jesus speaking to his disciples,

“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.” – John 15:5

This verse has spoken to me more times than my alarm clock.   Just this week the truth of this verse reverberated in my heart.

My job: Remain in Jesus.

Result: He will bear fruit in me.

Reality:  Apart from Jesus I can do nothing.

This is a week of filled with stress, responsibilities, obligations, deadlines, opportunities, and inadequacy.    Remain in Jesus.  He will bear fruit in me.  Apart from Jesus I can do nothing. Just like the shampoo bottle tells me: repeat as necessary.  I need this message on an unending loop.