Audio by Pr. Umuremye Jolay Paul, Revival and Reformation Department, Rwanda Union Mission

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.

The Lord desires to make man the repository of divine influence, and the only thing that hinders the accomplishment of God’s designs is that men close their hearts to the Light of life. Apostasy caused the withdrawal of the Holy Spirit from man, but through the plan of redemption, this blessing of heaven is to be restored to those who sincerely desire it. The Lord has promised to give all good things to those who ask Him, and all good things are defined as given with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The more we discover our real needs, our real poverty, the more will we desire the gift of the Holy Spirit; our souls will be turned, not into the channel of ambition and presumption, but into the channel of earnest supplication for the enlightenment of heaven. It is because we do not see our need, do not realize our poverty, that we do not pour forth earnest entreaties, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, for the bestowal of the blessing…

Jesus has said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). It is in proportion to our appreciation of the necessity and value of spiritual things that we seek for their attainment. “Without me, ye can do nothing,” says Jesus, and yet many think that man can do very much in his own finite strength and wisdom. Satan is ready to offer his
counsel that he may win souls in the game of life.

When men do not feel the need for counseling with their brethren, something is wrong; they trust their wisdom. It is essential that brethren should counsel together. This I have been compelled to urge for the last forty-five years. Again and again, the instruction has been repeated that those who are engaged in important work in the cause of God should not walk in their own ideas, but counsel together. — (MR, 2:333).

Reflect:

1. What practical lessons do you get from this lesson?

2. How can you remain in Christ as the branches remain in the vine?

3. Do you realize your true spiritual poverty?

Pray:

1. For the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
2. For God to bring revival into your life and the church.
3. For God to open our hearts for the reception of the Holy Spirit
4. For the individuals on your prayer list.
5. For the ECD Evangelistic Impact 2025