This week the LORD gave me a powerful visual and understanding of His Truth while walking in my yard and gazing up at a tree. As I first approached the tree there didn't appear to be anything out of order but as I walked and stood underneath I saw one cluster of very orange leaves. It looked so out of place. I thought this branch of withering leaves looked how I sometimes feel. Weak and out of place. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ever felt like that! :o)
The Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance the following verses in John 15:1-8
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
We can still be connected to the vine and surrounded by branches (believers) and from the outside appear as everyone else around us. For a time being that is. However, over time and with neglect, separation and death would begin to become visible. Eventually it would become very visible.
As I meditated on this and asked the LORD why this was He said it was because although they were connected they were not receiving adequate nutrition and sun (Son) and because of this, the life of this branch was weak and withering. JESUS (the SON) is the Bread of Life (our nutrition). Our response then is a life surrendered and making sure that we are connected to the Source of life through relationship with Him, we stay connected through consistent study of His Word, its application in our lives and intimacy with Jesus through prayer.
As I meditated on this and asked the LORD why this was He said it was because although they were connected they were not receiving adequate nutrition and sun (Son) and because of this, the life of this branch was weak and withering. JESUS (the SON) is the Bread of Life (our nutrition). Our response then is a life surrendered and making sure that we are connected to the Source of life through relationship with Him, we stay connected through consistent study of His Word, its application in our lives and intimacy with Jesus through prayer.
Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundant (John 10:10) - the abundant life He gives comes through our abiding in Him and He in us.
You saw that way...but I see it, that we are surrounded by believers that do, and do some more...and then you stand in the center, living His Life without the works. The tree does look lovely though :)
ReplyDeleteMaria, I got a new computer and do not have my favorite blogs bookmarked, I clicked your profile to add yours and I don't see a link. Are you taking a sabbatical from blogging?
DeleteHi Theresa :) Here is my link my friend...
Deletehttp://simplerivercottage.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Maria!
DeleteMaria, isn't it neat how God shows us exactly what each one of us needs. Earlier this week was a tough one for me and I was trying to do everything in my own strength and feeling so weak and overwhelmed, I truly believe that the Lord was showing me all week that when I crouch back and begin to tackle things on my own without His strength that I slowly start to show those visible signs of a life not abiding. It is hard to see in the picture but the branch also has many dead off shoots that are producing no visible signs of life. I NEED to stay connected to the source of life and His power to live abundantly.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your insight, sweet friend. You are precious and I appreciate your visits and comments here.
Joyfully His,
Theresa
Sweet Theresa, These thoughts are beautiful. I loved it. All sooo true. I could identify. I was blessed. My heart was touched as I was reading it.
ReplyDeleteMay does not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Love and prayers dear sister,
Brenda
Thank you, Brenda. I was thinking this morning that when my life is so busy and I'm not spending the time I ought to with the Lord that there is quietness throughout my day. I'm unable to hear what He is speaking to me. He truly does have something for me in EVERYTHING but sadly, I often miss it. I love you!
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