(I have linked BibleGateway on the title. I chose "The Message" translation because it really helped me apply these scriptures to my life . I encourage you to read it.)
What area in my life is not producing fruit? What branch needs to be cut? This is what I ask myself and ask the Lord as I read this chapter. Is there any part of me that I have severed from the vine? I long to obey my Father and stay in His love. The church is not the vine, a denomination is not the vine, our Christian friends cannot be the vine. HE IS THE VINE. So what fruit is Christ referring to? Love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Gal. 5:22-23) And if we bear this fruit then of course He will use us to save souls!
In John 12, Jesus gives us a command to love one another. He didn't suggest it, He commanded it! So this morning I am asking God to show me who I can love. Are the people in my life that I am not loving? Am I looking over people? There was a woman I used to go to church with several years ago that everyone loved and spoke highly of. I didn't really know her but one day I heard someone talking about her. "She is beautiful woman. She loves people!" After I heard that I thought how awesome it would be to be spoken of that way. I want others to see that I love people. That's what Christ called us to do so why can't we do it?! Do others see you loving people? What reputation do you have when it comes to PEOPLE?
Father, I pray today that you will reveal to me the areas in my life that I am not bearing fruit. Where am I not showing that I have peace and patient? What needs to be pruned? Even as I type, I know what you are revealing to me. Lord Jesus, help me. I need you. I can't do anything without you.
6 comments:
Ad I read this I am in awe of all that JESUS said. HE was so full of wisdom that he could say so much in such a small amout of words. I could do a study just on this chapter. I will have to spend more time on this one. I can't even say that there is anything that sticks out more than another. Thank you.
I have read
Nancy
I like the way this chapter really emphasizes that it is us and HIM.
If we learned to lean fully on him, (instead of our education, our church groups, and the other voices around us) we would live lives that look very different from how they do today. We would be TRUE disciples of Jesus.
Us and HIM. That's what matters.
How deep do we let HIM take us - how much time do we spend soaking up the WORD and in front of him in quiet contemplation and meditation?
He wants to be our all...our vine.
Have an awesome day,
V.
I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.
I have recently come to appreciate the correction of the Lord. For without correction we become siffled, dead. When we cut out that which needs to be pruned we see growth.
I read today! I also loved the Message translation.
It definitely helps me understand why it always feels like me (god included) against the world it this makes any sense to you.
I read..
Fruits of the spirit. I know I need to work on this one. Help me Lord to shine for you, to love others like you love me. Help me not be selfish, and to think of others needs before my own.
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