John 15:1-8 is about abiding in the vine. Verse 5 cuts off any opportunity for self. It says, “…for without Me you can do nothing.” Verse 7 in the Amplified says, “If you live in Me (abide vitally united to Me) and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.”

The receiving is predicated on abiding. I love the words, ‘vitally united’ because they speak of oneness or cohesiveness. It means to resist separation. Verse 8 says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

It was after my fall into the ravine in 1977 that the Lord taught me an essential life skill. He wooed me into intimate communion with Him. It changed my life, and continues to change it. Fruit that glorifies Him comes through being with Him, not doing things for Him.

We breathe in His Presence. We commune Heart to heart. He sustains us through His word, which rises and wraps around us to comfort and undergird.