Have you ever felt a long way off from God? Thankfully, God won’t settle for mediocrity or distance in our relationship to Him.

“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… I am the vine you are the branches.” John 15:1-2,5

I admit I am easily distracted from being in, walking with, and depending on… Jesus. Often I have forgotten that this closeness to Jesus is the whole point of God’s grace. In truth, it is the joy of my salvation. Forgiveness is but the first step. Drawing close to the Lord and bearing fruit is the joy.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Take joy in the journey, for God wants you close so you can bear fruit for Him.