Hide in the Vine

JAN 23 2026 Abide in the Vine

In the book of John Jesus says to the disciples that they need to endure. He said we need to bear fruit. Of course Jesus understood the feeling of mankind. So he warned his followers that suffering was part of following him. And he encouraged them to endure. He said every branch that fails to bear fruit is cut off and cast into the fire. This goes along with the parable of the sower which states that some sprang up but died immediately due to persecution or suffering. Jesus said blessed is he who is not offended by me. Why would we have to fight the good fight of faith if our faith was incapable of being attacked or defeated? But it's a good fight because we have a shield of faith that protects us. But we must not only choose to be saved from hell, we must choose to suffer for Jesus. If we are offended and lose our faith because of persecution for him, then we can fall away and not bear fruit. In other words Jesus said we must daily bear our cross. I believe in eternal security. I believe I have eternal life. Life that never ends and can't be taken away and no man can take me from his hand. But I also believe I have free will to choose whatever I want to believe each and every day I'm alive. I can choose not to follow Jesus. Jesus knew shocks would come to our faith. He warned the disciples of this. So he said Abide in Me. Abide in Me and Abide in My Father. Abide in Me and abide in my love. Abide in me and abide in my word. The shield of faith is strengthened each and every day by abiding in his word. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Faith becomes alive by practicing the word of God. Never lose your faith. Keep hope alive. Abide in his love. Forgive and don't let persecution or suffering or offense discourage or dishearten your faith. Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might and endure until the very end. Even if I get angry I must endure. Even if I feel like my faith isn't strong enough, I put my trust in him. I abide in the Vine. He will never leave me or forsake me unto eternity.