The Life Giver

I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

What’s God doing in your life?

Yes, it’s that time again!  Some of you have let me know that you enjoy this time.  This time to reflect back on all that God has done or is doing in your life.  I thoroughly enjoy reading how God has been faithful to you.  And I even enjoy the questions about how to handle the tough times with God.  The times that don’t make sense.  God’s faithfulness doesn’t always come neatly packaged.  So as you look back this week, can you see that God is still on the throne?  Can you see that He is still in control?  Can you see that your circumstances are not too big for God?  Can you see that quite possibly, He is working behind the scenes?  I would love to hear how God is working in your life!  Feel free to drop me a line and let me know how I can embrace this journey with you! 

I missed writing to all of you this last week.  It was a busy week for me, as I watched my little brother graduate from Basic Training.  I enjoyed hearing all about his experience in the Army and watching him blossom into a man.  I’m so very proud of him and can’t believe that I have the distinct honor to be his sister!  I praise God daily for my siblings and all their accomplishments.  I’m so blessed to have 4 amazing brothers and sisters!  What are you praising God for today?

Alright, let’s get to the Scripture above.  It’s actually quite simple.  We have life flowing through us when we are attached to the vine.  This is something I have looked at this last week and a half or so.  It’s amazing how much life can flow through me when I’m attached to the Word and all that God says.  But the moment, I disconnect… the moment I disengage… death starts to creep in.  Okay, maybe not literally.  But Satan starts to hit with anxiety, condemning thoughts, frustration, irritation, anger, selfishness, and so much more.  My mouth wants to run away from me when someone attacks me or when I feel like I’m on the defense.  Yes, it gets pretty ugly.  This is why I have to keep going back to the Word.  The Word is my life source.  It is what breathes goodness into me.

Honestly, I keep thinking about different fruits and vegetables.  Let’s just take a few…  avocados…  they go brown without the pit inside of them.  Artichokes turn brown as soon as you cut into them.  Green peppers will stay good if they are attached to their life source and so will onions.  Hmmm…  this sounds familiar.  The part that causes growth, breathes life into the vegetable.  I don’t know about you but I don’t really care for brown avocados or artichokes.  But my life starts to turn brown and yucky, when I think I can do it on my own strength.  When I think I can step away from the Word or prayer.  The truth is I need to stay attached.  God’s Word is what breathes life into me.  It keeps me green and fresh.  It allows me to be renewed daily.  I cannot live without it!  How’s your life been looking?  Are you being renewed daily by the Word?  Or are you a little more like the brown avocado!  Be honest!  Maybe it’s time to get connected back to the Source of Life!  Let’s start with today, this moment!  Take out your Bible and read the following passage.  Please allow it to transform how you think and how you live your life.  Let’s get attached to the Life Giver!

Challenge: Read John 15:1-17

Apply the Word: Read through this passage of Scripture twice.  The first time just become familiar with it.  The second time, write down all the benefits of being attached to the vine and the effects of being disconnected.  How will your life be different if you stay attached to Jesus?  What will life be like if you detach from Him?  Compare these things and decide what kind of life you want.  What kind of changes must you make to have the life that Jesus talks about in this passage of Scripture? 

Memory Verse: John 15:5 or John 15:5-7

Dear Father God, Please examine my heart and show me the areas that are not obedient to Your Word.  Please prune the branches of my heart and help me to be more full of the life You offer in Your Word!  May I be connected to the Vine, the Life Giver!  I choose to remain in You always!  My heart is Yours!

Bearing Fruit for the King,