Blooms and Fruit

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

Each day God shows me a reason I can do nothing without him. He also shows me why I need to have a little bit of faith. This verse is a reminder that we really can do nothing without him. The example of being the vine and branches is a simple analogy that we can relate to.

We all know what happens as soon as the branch is cut off the tree or bush. It begins to die. It will bear no fruit. It will never bloom. I like that God uses this simple lesson. I also like that he has a sense of humor. I can't grow anything, we'll maybe weeds. If weeds count as bering fruit I'm good. If not, I hope God doesn't lose patience with a late bloomer.

Sacrifice

Follow Godʼs example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 NIV

The ultimate sacrifice....giving of one's self for another. Most of us will never know that kind of sacrifice. Yet we can still model God's behavior and in love offer ourselves to others in love every day. Even that small task isn't easy. There are many people in our lives who are unlovable. They take advantage of any kindness we show them, sometimes manipulating others against us.

And that is our sacrifice to bear. We must continue to walk in love, love the unlovable.  God didn't say we had a choice. We must do all things through love.

What are you willing to sacrifice to show God's love to others?

Greatest Love

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11‭-‬12 NIV

I read today a blog written by Chip Gaines from HGTVs show, Fixer Upper. He was responding to articles and tweets that were less than flattering. He echoed these words saying that we must love one another even if we don't agree with each other. The apostle says here that if we love each other God then loves in us. That means we can truly have heaven on earth.

Love is the greatest commandment. God's love saved us. God's love has redeemed us. God's love has restored us. If we show that love to others there's not much we couldn't accomplish.

Let's live this commandment and let God's love live in us.

Be Restored

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

Earlier in this chapter, the writer is talking about standing firm in the faith and resisting the devil. He is letting his brothers and sisters in Christ know that they are not immune to suffering here on earth. But God promises to restore us and make us strong and steadfast.

We know this to be true. When we are tested we feel weak and vulnerable. But once we overcome our trials we can see how strong we really are. He made us steadfast.  What a wonderful promise. Not only do we know he will bring us through, but we will be restored. Praise God for his faithfulness!

Indispensable

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

Of the many roles we have in life, most of them are not exclusive only to us. We each have skills, talents and knowledge that make us valuable to our jobs or place in life. But if we are honest, others could do the job just as well. Maybe differently, but still get it done. We like to think we are indispensable and in some cases we are, but not all.

Jesus knew he was the only way man could have redemption. He wasn't being conceited or thinking highly of himself. He was and is indespensible to us. There is no other who can do what Jesus can do...provide a way for us to be with the father. No matter how hard we try, we can never get there of our own doing. We must have faith. We must believe. We must accept Jesus as God's only son.

He is the one true way.

God's Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

My heart is heavy tonight as I pray for a friend who's husband is losing his battle with cancer. This verse is one quoted often at the end of life. They are the words spoken by Jesus as he ascended. His earthly life was over but he didn't want to leave his disciples lonely and hurting and afraid. He has told us that he gives peace no one can understand. Fear leads to hate and hate leads to suffering. We are not to be afraid.

But human emotions run deep and we are but human. We feel fear, we have anxiety about what the future holds. But if we lean on God we know he holds our future. Nothing happens to us that he has not already made a plan for us to get through. It will be hard, yet we can trust him.

Fear not. 

A New Thing

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV

Even God likes to help us start fresh and new. In fact, he's probably the best New Year's resolution one could make. No matter where you are or where you think you are, God can find you and make you new again. He promises in this verse that he's already making a new way. You just have to believe it.

So as you look to this new year with all its hope and promises, put your faith not in yourself but in the One who is faithful to the ends of the earth. The one who has promised to make you new and is already taking you there.

Happy new year.