Day One
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Starting the 24 Day Challenge, you’ve probably planned out some meals, went grocery shopping, have read through your instruction packet and are getting excited to start this journey. Just as a marathon runner does not start off in a sprint, we need to start off with a slower pace, too. On the challenge, it is encouraged to not work out on the first day; your body needs to adjust slowly. Let this day be about working out your spiritual muscles, instead. Spend the day praying and meditating on God’s word, abiding in him. Let him permeate every inch within your heart. Surrender TODAY to the God who created you, the one who knows everything about you and knows what your future holds. When we release our control and details of the day into God’s hands, he can replace it with his peace that transcends all understanding (Philipians 4:7).
Referring to today’s verse, every branch has a source for its ability to bear fruit. If you cut it off from the rest of the vine, it would wither and die, right? Well, we are the same; we can’t bear good fruit if we are not connected to the source of life. Jesus is that source; he gives us strength to get through the day and motivation to keep going. You may be one of those people who thrives on challenges and has amazing self-discipline, if this is you, thank God for that gift and give him the glory. If you are like me and have to ask for forgiveness for having bitterness towards those kinds of people because you envy them and find yourself coveting their gift, than you can relate to the part of the verse that says ‘apart from me you can do nothing.’ There will be times during this challenge that you will see this truth, hold onto it and remain in him.
Today’s Exercise: Breathing
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Our focus today is on abiding with Jesus and allowing him to fill us with his Holy Spirit so that we can bear much fruit. Spend some time today doing these exercises, turn on some worship music and worship him as you breathe with him. Sit on a comfortable chair with your feet planted flat on the ground and your back straight. Breath in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs full of air. Then slowly and steadily, exhale through your mouth. Do this 20 times.