Espalier Grapevines growing on a houseJohn 15:1-8
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Vinography by Michael RegnierYesterday wasn't my favorite day. We had a busy weekend - jam packed with family flying in, a college event at our house, later a college graduation party for my son's girlfriend's family, then another big high school graduation party for family friends, the son did youth group with us, at our house, lasting 5 or 6 hours. Today, I went to my Church function and felt looked past, when usually I like our small group.
Don't we all feel overlooked sometimes? God tells us it isn't all about us - And our favorite thing, our feelings, our specialness, me. God doesn't tell us we are the star. God tells us we are part - not of the group thing - not of special closeness fellowship. God tells us we are part of Him. In fact, when we are shining the brightest - for ourselves - God says we are apart from Him.
Sure there are days of blessing in fellowship. The light falls fair on our head. There are also other days to listen and support others. A day to pray for others.
God doesn't say I will always feel connected to Him like an umbilical cord. Feelings don't always mean fact. Sure, our feelings are important, leading us how to discern and act, but we are fallible. Seeing with the eyes of faith. God says when I abide in Him, I can ask what I wish. Strong words. I believe when I reach out, earnestly, when I know He is my refuge, when I want what He wants in the love of knowing Him - I move His hand in faith, willingly. In God, we can rest in Him when the situation says He is our only refuge as well. Letting prayer rest with God's answer willingly. Sometimes He does love us to keep talking to Him with what we earnestly desire and need. I know a woman restored from hereditary blindness, in her sheer determination to seek Him for healing. God tells me, tells us, faith and love open His ears to our prayers. Always pray and have hope. God is perfectly willing to hear us complain to Him. Just as He asks us to abide with Him in our actions and words.
I abide in Him. Earnestly. In love, faith and hope. Faith, He means what He says. Hope, He means me. Love - all there can be - God loves me. I will be the Light, when there is not a open reward for doing so. I will not just be meek when God says to work at communication. I will put my hands out in faith and say, let me make this day - You have given me - matter and work for Your desire. God help me to be Light, when it requires compassion. God help me to be salt, when it requires courage. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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