Root Source

February 1st 2017
Scripture: John 15:5 (NIV)

Root Source

"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."

Here Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the upper room; the closing moments before his betrayal in the Garden. In this chapter, Jesus gives his disciples some last thoughts. He starts by telling them they are "branches" that grow from "the vine". He is the source that brings them life; and there are serious repercussions if they do not remain in him.

 

As a Christian, it is important to realize the "root source" of my partnership with God. When I remain with Jesus, allowing him to be at the center of my life, I can do much fruit-bearing in the spiritual realm. 

But the moment I step away from the life-giving relationship, I lose any and all gains for God's Kingdom, because apart from Jesus I can do absolutely NOTHING; which is a much different story than, "I can do all things <through Christ>"(Phil. 4:13). I sometimes forget to include that the source of my strength is not "will power" or "self-help" but "Christ's help" and "His power."

"Lord Jesus, I thank You that I can bear spiritual fruit for Your kingdom. Help me to remain in You, and keep You at the root of my ministry. I can do nothing without You. Amen."

Keep On, Plowing On

March 7th 2016

Scripture: Luke 9:62 (ESV)

Keep On, Plowing On!

"Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.'"

Three men came to Jesus wanting to follow Him, but all of them were keeping an excuse from being fully committed. They kept looking back to what or who they would leave behind. I'm by no means a farmer, but I do know that if a person is plowing a field and does not keep his eyes in front of where he's going and does not maintain a committed thrust forward, the lines will be crooked and no good for any kind of crop. This makes that kind of "plower" unfit for the harvest of souls. 

If I truly want to be a follower of Jesus, I must learn to hold "no reserves" and trust that God has the best before me; not looking back, but plowing forward, preparing for the plentiful harvest that He has called me to. 

"Lord Jesus, you know me and all my excuses. Please help me to realize that Your best for me is ahead, not behind me. Let my commitment to You be unwavering and steady like a plow to the field. Amen."