Saturday, October 15, 2011

Sapping Strength from the True Vine


John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. etc.

In our last blog, we talked extensively about saps, like those who betray the Lord. Today, we talk about the good saps, drawing upon the Lord for their spiritual strength.

We often find ourselves trying to tap into things other than the Lord for our strength. But we find out every time that, apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.

It is only when we branches are grafted into Christ, abiding in Him, drawing upon Him for power for daily living and witnessing, that we can be fruitful.

Jesus said that in Him, we can bring forth fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

Practically, we do this by:
1. Leaning on His Word - 3. We need to be reading it daily, meditating on it, claiming its promises, and obeying its directives.

2. Living in His Love - 9. We should be basking in the glow of His care for us, giving thanks for each benefit He showers upon us and freely sharing His love with others.

3. Learning to have His Joy - 11. We would be wise to employ His joy rather than look for worldly happiness. His joy is full, complete, overcoming and victorious.

What are we plugging into for our strength? The world, relationships, thrills, pills... all these fail. Christ, the true vine, provides a continuing supply of strength to His saps.

"Let emptiness remind you that true joy is found only through intimate relationship with Christ." - Dr. Stanley

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