Abiding in the Vine

Christians are referred to as the branches of the Lord and He is called the Vine.   Unless we abide in Christ, we cannot do anything.  Being separate from the Lord is like being a useless branch, which will wither and be gathered with other useless branches to be burned.  If we stay connected to the vine, or yoked to Christ, we can ask our requests of Him and they shall be granted.  We must stay in constant fellowship with our Savior.

True disciples of the Lord will produce a bountiful harvest which brings great joy to the Father.  The Lord prunes and tends the branches that bear fruit for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands He has given to us.  We cannot produce fruit if severed from the Vine or be fruitful apart from Christ.  The Heavenly Father is the Gardener and all things are under his command and control.

Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth.  In other words, God sometimes disciplines his children to strengthen character and faith.    Branches that do not bear fruit are cut off at the trunk as they are not only worthless, but also often infect the rest of the tree.  Those who won't bear fruit for God or try to block the efforts of God's followers will be cut off from the divine flow of life.  John tells us joy and love are mentioned as fruit as in the book of Galatians 5: 21-23 and 2 Peter 1: 5-8 which describe additional fruit.  These are the qualities of the Christian character. (Life Application Bible Commentary)

Many people say they live a good life even though they do not serve Christ.  Living in Christ means one believes He is God's Son, receives him as Savior and Lord, and does what the Lord says by continuing in faith and relating to the community of believers, Christ's body on earth.  Although many people try to do good and do what is right, Jesus says the only way to truly live a good live is to stay close to him like a branch connected to a Vine.  Apart from the Lord, we cannot receive the nourishment we need and life offered by Christ. His life is a special gift prepared for all people and he offers it in love as he bids souls to come to Him and find rest.

The teaching of Christ on the Vine and the branches helps each of us to see the importance of staying connected to Christ.  Without abiding in Him, we will have no power but with God in our lives, all things are possible when we only believe.

Our life really is in you O Lord, may you be glorified today and forever as we lift up your name on high.

Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2002
J. P.'s Inspirations

Power of the Lord

If we are yoked to the Lord
We have been given his power,
He is with us every moment,
Every day and every hour.

On our own we can do nothing,
But with Him can do all things,
If we only believe and do not doubt,
We have power in his holy name.

If we stay connected to the Vine
Who is Christ Jesus our Savior,
We have his Holy Spirit,
By his power and might we will not waver.

As branches of the Lord,
We submit to the Master's ways,
He will make us fruitful and give us joy,
As we abide in the Vine all of our days.
    

Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2002
J. P.'s Inspirations