Devotional Mar. 18th, 2020

They Gave Themselves to God

Wednesday, March 18th – John 15:5-8 (NIV)

“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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

 

Being a part of something bigger, knowing you are not alone, and filling yourself so you can bear fruit: These are the things that give hope and help us to see past the confusion this life can bring.
I know for me these verses take away being overwhelmed. This verse let me know I am never alone as there are always branches near me and I am always connected to the power that gives life. It gives me an easy to follow direction, that if I stick to it, will end in the Glorifying of God. This also lay’s out a wonderful promise that we can count on.
God’s plan is never about being alone or separated from each other as it states here. The tree is a great illumination of how we need to totally depend on the vine but as one tree has many branches they are connected and working together and help make the tree whole. The enemy however wants us alone, separated, and away from the vine to pick us off easy.

 

We need to build each other up. If you see a branch hanging low come up under it to support it and give it the strength and encouragement to reconnect firmly with the vine, and then together we can joy in the fruit that is produced. 

 

Dear Lord,

 

Help us to lift each other up, to connect, and learn to know those around us better. To be open to supporting those who might need a little of our time, money, or a listening ear. Help us to be more like you in how we act with others, as we never know what each branch may be facing, and a little support may just keep it from falling away from the vine. Help us Lord to produce a fruit filled crop so that we would grow and remain in you, forever and ever. Amen.