Part One
Good morning beloved family and friends, In the midst of whatever it is you face today, know that God doesn’t share your doubt about yourself or your circumstance. I’m so thankful that God reminds me that the encouragement that I give to you is always for me also, such an awesome blessing. Just as anyone else I need encouragement to continue on. I’ll never give up but being transparent helps others. So there is no shame in admitting that I do get tired and I wonder when Lord, but He always reminds me that His grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in my weakness.
I know that at some point in our lives we have all seen how a grape withers and eventually falls off the vine that it is attached to. Or it is barely hanging before finally ending up in the dirt or in the bottom of the bag. If we compare ourselves to the grape, this is how some of us are today.
I can remember times when I have purchased grapes and not eaten them all. I forget about them and then when I gave thought to them still being in the refrigerator I decide to finish them. I only find out that they have lost their flavor and have become bitter and gone bad, even though some of them are still attached to the vine.
I think about how many of us are just like these grapes? Still barely holding on because we have forgotten what Jesus has done for us or we don’t pray and study His word for strength. You see we have to stay connected. Meaning Christ is the vine and God is the Gardener who cares for the branches (us) to make them fruitful. The fruitful branches are true believers in Jesus and live for Him which produces much fruit. The grapes that have fallen to the bottom of the bag or on the ground are those who turn back from following God after making a commitment to Him.
We know that in order for something to grow that sometimes it needs to be pruned. There are two types of pruning. Separating and cutting back. Fruitful branches are cutback to promote growth. In other words God must discipline us sometimes to strengthen our character and faith. But branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off, separated if you will at the trunk. Because not only are they worthless, but they often infect the rest of the vine.
This is people who don’t bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God. Therefore when a vine bears much fruit then God is glorified, for daily He sent the sunshine and rain to make the crops grown and matured them constantly preparing them to blossom. Many people try to be good, honest people, thinking this makes them fruitful but Jesus says the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close, to stay connected to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Are you receiving the nourishment offered by Christ the vine? Are you being “cut off” or Cutback?
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:1-8
Live life, give people hope, share your heart, wisdom and resources. Never place a period where God says there should be a comma.
As always peace and blessings, be safe. Take advantage of your opportunities but never allow your opportunities to take advantage of you. Remember God loves you and so do I. ©krw 3.26.16
Comments