Loving God of the Resurrection, bring new life to the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from John 15:1 "I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. 2 He cuts off every branch of me that doesn't bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. 3 You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. 4 "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. 5 "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. 6 Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. 7 But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. 8 This is how my Father shows who he is - when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. (The Message)
Used to be one could ride in one's car and be completely disconnected from one's work. When car phones and huge in-a-bag cellular phones made their appearance, a mentor of mine in ministry said, "Why do I want a car phone? It's the only time I have peace and quiet!" Now, many folks cannot imagine a world without a cell phone. Some call them "chains" from the work place, others call it an umblical cord, some a lifeline, and on and on. It is a way to stay connected. Can you imagine a world without being connected to Jesus? Sadly, many may not even be aware of it or the need to stay connected, and live difficult lives because they are not connected. Jesus in His statement today talks about our being and staying connected with God. "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you." (v. 4) What a life! Living in Christ Jesus and having Christ living in us!
Stay connected to Him through prayer, prayer thoughts, prayer words, prayer actions. Read your Bible and listen as you read. It will make a world of difference! It'll make your world so much better!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me stay connected to You. You are the source of hope, love, and peace for my life and do I need it now! I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
