Don’t Strive… Abide : Diving Deeper
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Don't Strive In Your Own Efforts, Abide In Christ and Let The Vine-Life Flow Through You.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
My friend, do you ever feel a little 'blah'? Like you are going through the motions of life but aren't experiencing joy?
Are you dreading going to work? Anxious about the future? Or tired of the daily grind?
Are you worried that this just might be all there is to life ... and you really had hoped for a bit more?
I have had these feelings from time to time in my life. Truly, I have walked through some of these thoughts and feelings just this past several months.
Then the Holy Spirit led me to John 15. Isn't a beautiful thing when the Bible becomes very real and personal? When that happens, we know that the Person of Holy Spirit is ministering to us by the Word.
Do you know what had happened to me? I had made Christ of no effect in my life by relying on my own wisdom and efforts.
Galatians 5:4 says,
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace."
Trying to be justified by the law is a mindset that draws on our own self-sufficiency rather than trusting in the kindness and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For example, I had began to think I could read and learn and apply human wisdom to grow as a pastor. I had forgotten to abide in the Vine. (I am not against learning! Learning is good but I had slipped out of learning and into striving.)
I was striving in self-sufficiency and by so doing I had made Christ of no effect in my life. Our beloved Saviour was still with me. He was still near. But I had made Him of no effect. I had cut myself off from His peace, from His joy and from His river of supply.
But oh how gracious He is. He came to me in the 'dust' and He washed me with His Word, "I am the vine, you are the branch ... abide in Me."
I prayed a simple prayer, "Yes Lord. You are the Vine. I am sorry that I have been trying to do this in my own way by my own strength. I am a branch. You are the Vine. I abide in You. Let your Vine Life flow through Me." And I felt the Vine Life begin to flow once more. How how sweet!
Beloved, if you are feeling withered and dry, hear the Lord Jesus say to you, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
Believe in Jesus. Let the Father lift you up and encourage you today. Change your mind to trust in the Lord and His provision rather than striving in your own strength and own way.
The Vine Life of Christ will begin to flow through you once more. Peace that passes understanding will guard your heart and mind. Christ Jesus' joy will be made complete within you. You will have wisdom for every circumstance. Your strength will be renewed like an eagles.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ today!
Love,
Pastor Merodee
Know Jesus
This week, you can dive deeper into the message through one or all of the following:
Discovery Bible Study
TO BEGIN
Pray and ask Holy Spirit to teach you about God from His word.
Next, read the verse a couple of times.
Now, ask these questions:
What does this tell me about God/Jesus?
What does this tell me about people?
How can I respond to what I just read?
When you’re done asking these questions, it’s a great idea to pray and thank God for teaching you more about who He is and who you are!
Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a way for anyone, anywhere to read God's word! You can dive deeper into this week's message by doing a DBS one any one or all of these scriptures. DBS is a great tool to use for your own devotions, as a bible study with friends, or as an evangelism tool!
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are the Vine. You provide everything I need for life and for being God's child. I am sorry that I have tried to be the vine. I ended up making the Vine of no effect to me and now I am feeling withered and dried. I return to you. You are the Vine. I am a branch. Let your Vine Life flow through me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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