Whatever you ask in my name

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful...No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me...If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing...You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:1-2, 4-5, 16

I have read or heard this portion of Scripture many times. I picked up something new this morning, however. Jesus says that He is the vine and we are the branches. Just like in an actual vine the branches cannot do anything if they are separated from the vine. The vine gives the branches nutrients and health. It is only when the branches are receiving those nutrients that they can bear fruit. If the branch is unhealthy it will not produce fruit and if it is weak it will not be able to hold up the fruit it does produce. 

So often I have read the last portion of the Scripture and thought that we only have to ask for things in Jesus' name in order for them to be given to us. Not so! Jesus says that we must remain in Him in order for our petitions to be granted. How do we remain in Him? We must seek each day to do His will. The only way to know His will is to stay in constant contact with Him. We must pray continually for guidance and wisdom. We must study His Word so we may know the truths He has written for us. We must place our focus on Him. It is easier said than done in this busy world we live in, but if we truly desire to remain attached to the vine, we must make a conscious effort every single day. 

Satan is just waiting for a gap to open up so he can squeeze in and pour poison into our lives. We must not give him the opportunity.