“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
What value does religion have if it is not born of God, if it is not sustained by Him, and if it does not end in Him? Any faith that begins in human will, proceeds by human methods, and ends in human glory is empty of life. When the Lord is not the beginning, the middle, and the end, only form without power remains. Therefore, when we look within, we are led to recognize how often we have thought, spoken, and acted without guidance from above, and how this has never produced eternal fruit.
God has given us clear direction that leads to intimacy with Him. We must understand that the Lord’s commandments were not given to feed religiosity, but to lead us to the very life of God. Only obedience keeps us within the teaching, wisdom, and power of the Lord. God reveals His plans to the obedient; this is how faith ceases to be mere words and becomes life, and the Father leads these souls to the Son.
Therefore, reject a faith without anointing and without power. Seek to live an obedience that is born from above and remains above. When God is the beginning, the way, and the destination, spiritual life finds meaning, firmness, and direction—and everything that does not proceed from Him loses its value. Adapted from J.C. Philpot. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows.
Pray with me: Beloved Father, deliver me from a merely outward faith, without life and without power. Teach me to depend on You in all that I think, speak, and do.
My God, lead me to a sincere obedience, born of Your Spirit and remaining in Your truth. May I not trust in human knowledge, but in Your constant guidance.
Oh, beloved Lord, I thank You for calling me to a faith that begins, continues, and ends in You. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is the living foundation of my faith. Your commandments are the expression of Your wisdom that sustains my life. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
