You made it through Monday, the start of a new week. Nice work! Now, let’s focus on Tuesday Thoughts. Staying connected is essential on many levels of our daily lives, but none is so critical to our overall well-being as being close to God. In today’s daily devotional, “Tuesday Thoughts,” we will examine staying attached to the Vine, following the voice of the Shepherd, and holding fast to the Hope.
Tuesday Thoughts #1 – Stay Attached to the Vine
“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 (NIV) Jesus never asked us to live life in our strength. He clearly said we can’t. Just like a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays connected to the vine, we cannot walk in our purpose or His power unless we remain tethered to Him. Furthermore, beauty and goodness come from the fruit produced by being connected to the Vine.
Tuesday Thoughts #2 – Follow the Voice of the Shepherd
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” -John 10:27 (NLT) When we feel weak, His voice becomes our strength. He reminds us of His promises in His word. There are so many! Psalm 23 is a beloved example of our relationship with our Shepherd. Staying connected means listening for our Shepherd’s voice above all the other voices, despite the noise. As His sheep, we don’t stray or go our own way. We follow the Shepherd.
Tuesday Thoughts #3 – Hold Fast to the Hope
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” -Hebrews 6:19a (NIV) There are times when life is easy and we are just sailing smoothly along. Other times, we face terrible storms along the way. When life shakes us, our connection to Jesus holds us steady. When Peter walked on water, he remained above the waves until he took his eyes off Jesus. We stay strong when we hold onto hope, fixing our eyes not on our circumstances but on Jesus. Hope in Him gives us the strength to face anything that comes our way.
In Summary
In our self-sufficient culture, it’s easy to forget where true strength comes from. Sometimes we depend on ourselves and others more than on God. Pursuing a daily quiet time with the Lord helps us walk in His strength rather than our own. Praying and reading the Bible daily are so critical. Psalm 1:2-3 tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord and meditate on his word, everything we do will prosper. Could you invite Him into your first thoughts in the morning, your daily choices, and your final reflections at night? Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being my Vine, Shepherd, and steadfast Hope. In You, I find the strength I don’t have on my own. Help me stay connected to You in every moment today. As I pray to you and study Your word, show me the path of life that I should walk and make everything I do prosper for Your sake. Let me hear Your voice above the noise. May I follow where You lead. Please forgive me for the times I try to go it alone. Teach me to abide in You. Help me bear fruit as I remain in You. Draw me closer to You today, and help me live not in my strength but Yours. Amen.
