Are You Joined to Jesus?

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I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire.Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored.

John 15:5-8
Have you ever heard of "fantastic" answers to prayer, that really seem totally miraculous, if they are true accounts of what happened?  There is certainly the temptation to exaggerate the truth about how God has answered prayer. If we can claim miraculous answers to prayer then perhaps we will be more highly esteemed by others who follow Jesus. A man named Watchman Nee wrote a book many years ago called "The Normal Christian Life."  The book talked about how being joined to Jesus produces a life that is filled with evidences of God's power working through us!    What is "Normal" for a man filled with the Holy Spirit is completely "miraculous" for those who are not indwelt by Him!If you are joined to Jesus, you will see Him all around you all day.  If you are joined to Jesus every answer to your prayers will be a miracle!  If you are joined to Jesus, you cannot pray for something that God cannot accomplish!  And when you pray a prayer that appears to go unanswered you must remember that sometimes a loving Father says "Not now" or even "No" if it is better for you that He not give you what you want!"Lord Jesus, help me to stay joined to You today!  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."