July 8
"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." - John 15:3, NIV
There is one primary “internal blight” that attacks the branches of the Vine, which, if not severely dealt with, will destroy our fruitfulness. The “blight” is sin. Sin obstructs the free flow of the “sap” of the Holy Spirit in our lives. And since the Holy Spirit is the One Who truly produces the fruit that we bear, anything that grieves or quenches Him affects our fruitfulness. Jesus addressed the necessity of confronting sin in our lives when He confirmed, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” The disciples were already clean because they had placed their faith in Him and given Him their hearts. They continued to be cleansed as they listened to His Word and applied and obeyed it.
In the same way, you and I are clean when we place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, then give Him our hearts in total surrender. We continue to be cleansed as every day we live by His Word, which we read, apply, and obey. How free-flowing is the “Sap” in your life?
