Recorded in the book of Revelation are the results of an audit that Jesus had performed on the church in Ephesus. One of the things that they scored poorly on got me thinking about my own life.

The Ephesians seemed to be doing pretty well on most fronts. They did good deeds, worked hard, persevered through difficulties and were even very wise about keeping false apostles from negatively influencing their people. Good scores there. There was, however, something missing. Something not quite right.

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Ryan serves as a lay pastor on the 217 Campus overseeing the 217 Jr. High Ministry. He experienced the salvation and call of God in his hometown youth ministry in Stanwood, Washington. After graduating high school, the call of God led him to Portland Bible College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Theology with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. He enjoys telling stories, garage sales, pondering the mysteries of the universe and listening to music in his tricked out Dodge Neon. He strongly dislikes lettuce, the devil and playing sports.

I scarfed down my butter croissant and my tall Starbucks black coffee just in time for the 9am service at City Bible Church. Jeremy Scott and the band led the 217 campus into an amazing worship time and Pastor Frank Damazio delivered a timely message about prayer to cap off his preaching series entitled “Plus Factor”.

The 11am service at the 217 campus was packed because it was combined with the Spanish service, which is normally held at a later time. This made our Jr High class a blast because it was brimming with students–both those who usually attend the 11am service and those visiting from the Spanish service. Ashley did an amazing job launching our “Fruit of the Spirit” series by teaching the introductory lesson.

After second service about 50 volunteers began transforming the church building into a carnival. By the time the costumed trick-or-treaters started showing up, the building looked like another world. I was impressed to see so many teenagers attending and helping out. I enjoyed guiding the event from the microphone as MC Waldo. My costume was a blessing and a curse. Whenever I tried to get away there was always someone trying to find me.

After the crowd had cleared, I joined my church family in un-carnivalizing the building. While setting up chairs in the sanctuary I started reflecting on the full day I had just lived. What a privilege it is that God has placed me in this family.

PASSAGE: Jn 15, Jer 47, 48

UNDERLINE: Jn 15:5
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

RESPONSE
Jesus tells me that my success in life is dependent on my connection to Him. It would be ridiculous for me to expect fruit to grow from a branch that has been cut off of a tree. It would be ridiculous for an electric guitar player to expect to be heard without being plugged in to an amplifier. So it would be even more ridiculous for me to expect good results from sharing Jesus with my friends if I don’t have a living relationship with Jesus through daily prayer and bible reading.

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, let our connection become even stronger so that I can bear even more fruit.

UNSHAKABLE DECLARATION
I have a great future! (Jer 29:11)
I will remain in Jesus.
I will let Jesus remain in me.
I will produce much fruit.
Apart from Jesus I can do nothing.

ETERNAL GOALS
Today I will maintain my connection to Jesus by praying and reading the bible. I will ask for and believe for MUCH FRUIT!