John 15:1-8 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me and I will will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown in the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
I look at this tree (a picture I took in Charleston, SC) and I see a very strong, viable tree, one whose branches are firmly attached to it's life source. I am not sure how long this tree has been around but from it's size, I would say it has been growing for some time now. It is an established tree, one that will not just be blown over by a mere wind. It can withstand probably some pretty powerful storms. The leaves give this tree beauty and shade for the people below. The leaves are simply a by product of the branches having the nutrients it needs for growth, without that the tree would slowly rot and die. It would lose the functions it has, and would be no good to anyone. Such a wonderful portrayal of our life in Christ. We can do nothing apart from Christ, we can try (and many have) but they will not succeed. To abide (dwell) in Christ we are feeding our spirit through a personal relationship with Christ. We desire to know the Lord more, we desire to spend time in His word. Our very strength, joy is in the Lord. Even if we are lacking desire and greater passion, all we need do is ask the Lord to help us, increase that in us, the scriptures says we have not because we ask not. One scripture that I use as a prayer often is Psalm 139:23 "Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." The Lord is so gracious and in his grace and mercy he is sure to lead us in His way, if we ask. In 1 John 1:9 it says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". Let us Abide in Christ!
