Let’s get back to the branches (us)
If you are just now joining us, we are picking up from our last session together where we discussed the branches and the vine. You as a branch must be attached to the vine, Jesus. Let’s dig deeper into this concept of vine and branches.
We’re back in John 15
John 15: 5-6 says, “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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
Ouch
We know many people who try to be kind, honest and do what is right. We work at it ourselves. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him.
Don’t shoot the messenger
How do we stay close to him? Like a branch that stays attached to the vine, we are to stay close to Jesus.
So, if I’m a branch and I don’t stay close to the vine (Jesus), the things I do aren’t going to be very fruitful if at all, and Christ won’t be a part of them. My efforts will be unfruitful – no fruit of any kind.
What do we need?
Every tree that grows needs nourishment right? We do too. Our branches need food if we are to produce fruit. Our branches need the nourishment that only Christ can give. Jesus gives us what we need every day to grow stronger and more productive. Fruit trees become useless if they are not nourished.
I want to know
The question for all of us is this – Are we receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ? If not, we are missing out on a very special gift. We are missing out on some very special nourishment that will strengthen our branches and help us bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Maybe you’re thinking you could use some more fertilizer to help your branches grow. Seek out the gardener, seek out Jesus and ask him for more. Get into the handbook, the Bible for directions.
Let’s pray
Lord, help me to recognize where I fall short in my fruit bearing. Help me to strengthen my branches and strengthen my connection to you. Help me to draw closer to the vine that gives life to me. Lord, I am so thankful for the life you have given me. I know no other way than you now and I don’t ever want to go back to the life I knew before. It was empty, I was frail and falling apart. I was weak and lonely. Thanks God for your love every day. To you be the glory for my fruit tree. In your Son’s name, I pray, Amen.
It’s a battle to stay close to Christ. It’s a battle in this world to bear fruit when so many things today go against God. Thank you for being willing to share your time with me.
In His Service,
Jeanette Duby, The Teaching Lady
#vines # branches #jesus #bible #theteachinglady
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