John 15:4 – Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (NIV)

My mother had a clock that had to be wound every twenty-four hours to keep it running. As long as she was faithful, it kept accurate time. Her life was programmed by that timepiece. The last chore of her work-filled day was winding the clock.

Those in my generation have never been clock-winders. There are electric clocks everywhere now — on ovens, stoves, radios, in cars. As long as the appliances are connected to a source of electrical power, the clocks continue to run. Periodically, the electricity flow is disrupted or the appliances are disconnected, and the clocks stop running and need to be reset.

There are spiritual lessons for us here. Jesus said that we will bear fruit for His kingdom when are connected to Him, but when we are disconnected from Him, we will cease to be fruitful. The constant energy source is the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16 – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (NIV)

Acts 1:8a – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. (NIV)

Staying connected with Jesus' Spirit is the secret, though it is a struggle for many of us. Winding a mechanical clock every twenty-four hours was not a bad idea. If we renewed our energy source on a regular daily basis, we would be less likely to run down.

Nevertheless, at times, we do become unplugged or run down, having lost our energy source. In such cases, we know that the One who died on the cross to save us is always ready to give us a second chance to reconnect with Him.

Prayer: Lord, keep us joined to Your Holy Spirit and constantly aware of the One who died to give us the opportunity to connect to His vine. Amen.

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