🍇 Stayin’ Connected to the Vine
by Jimmie Aaron Kepler

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (KJV)

This verse found me again today—like a well-worn song that still knows how to stir something deep inside.

I had just come back from a walk down by the park, coffee in hand. The sun was rising slow over the little lake. No wind, no birds chirping just yet. Just that stillness you don’t get much anymore unless you go looking for it. I sat on the bench under that same old oak tree that’s been leaning over the water longer than I’ve been walking this earth. The lake was still as glass, not a ripple, and I thought to myself, now that’s what peace looks like.

And right there, the verse popped into my head—

“I am the vine, ye are the branches…”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had seasons where I’ve tried to live like I was the vine and the branch and the whole blessed vineyard. Working hard, pushing through, convincing myself I could carry the load if I just gritted my teeth and bore down harder.

But all that ever got me was worn out and wondering why the joy had up and left.

Jesus wasn’t just making a poetic point when He said this. He was telling us a truth that ain’t changed since the Upper Room. He’s the source. He’s the strength. He’s the reason anything good grows in us or through us.

See, when I abide—really stay close, like a branch wrapped tight around the vine—I’m not running on empty. I’m not hustling for fruit. It just shows up. Not because I earned it. But because I stayed connected.

I’ve noticed it in the small things. A little more patience when someone cuts me off in traffic. A kinder tone when talking to a loved one who’s had a hard day. A deeper peace in the middle of medical appointments or long nights when sleep won’t come easy. And yeah, sometimes even a bit more creative spark when I sit down to write.

It ain’t about striving. It’s about staying.

Without Him, I dry up. But with Him? Things bloom. In His time. In His way.

So this morning, with the sun rising over that still lake, I whispered a simple prayer—not for strength, not for direction—but just, “Lord, help me stay close today.”

That’s enough. That’s where the fruit grows.

Reflection:
Have you been feeling dry or disconnected lately? Maybe it’s not that you need to do more. Maybe you just need to stay close. Let Him be the vine. You just hold on.

Grace and Peace,
Jimmie

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print

jimmiekepler.com | jimmiekepler.substack.com

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