God Notions

John 15:5

“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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

There have been many storms lately, and as a result, tree branches full of green leaves have fallen. Right now, they look very much alive.

These branches have been severed entirely from the tree, with no connection whatsoever. The branch looks alive with its green leaves and pliable twigs, but it won’t be long before it dries and withers from not being connected to its source of food and nourishment. Looking at these branches, I realize though they look very much alive, they are dead.

Anyone with a garden will know pruning is essential and can be almost as painful for the gardener. When I started gardening, it was hard to choose what to prune. What I needed to cut off wasn’t always bad; it just wasn’t the best. Gardeners have to have a plan for their garden and prune accordingly to produce the best fruit.

My awareness of the need to remain in my Lord and submitting to His pruning was more apparent even though sometimes painful. I am grateful for the pruning and the lessons learned. I realize the importance of my part in my relationship with Christ. I have to be intentional to remain in Him by reading scripture for understanding and application, talking, listening, submitting, and trusting Him. I don’t want to be like that branch that looks alive; I want to be alive! I want not only a life pleasing to God but also a productive life, full of life, a life fulfilled!

I want the best life found when I am in Him, and He is in me.

John 14:19-20

 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.