CUT OFF FROM THE MAIN SOURCE

A few weeks ago on the job, the Information and Technology (IT) Department ran a report and saw that my computer was using two different versions of the Microsoft Office Program, so they took it upon themselves to remove the older version of the software program without first investigating to find out the reason why. Within one hour, I was literally cut off from my work. Every research protocol, protocol amendment, and Serious Adverse Events are tracked in this research database. The desktop icon for the access database was visible on the monitor; however, the main source to make the research database function was gone.

Have you ever experienced a power outage? All of a sudden, your electricity shuts off, and you are left in the dark, or there is a break in the water system, and there is no water available for several hours? We are powerless until the company fixes the problem. Now, let us pause for a moment and think about our spiritual life. This is how it feels when we are disconnected from our main source – Jesus. We are left powerless and wandering with no sense of purpose or belonging. However, God will never fail us. He desires for us to be reminded of his faithfulness and to rely on Him for the source of our strength.

John 15:5-15 (NIV) says, “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 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.”

Jesus said that He is the vine, and we are His branches. So, not only do we eat from this tree, we are invited to become part of it, helping to produce its fruit, so that His life and love can spread through us to others. This means that we need to remain constantly connected to Christ. As a branch needs to be connected to the main part of the plant to live, we need to be “attached” to the Lord.

Faith Step: Jesus’ disciples were being invited to stay connected to Christ in the same way that a branch is to the vine so that they may live and bear fruit. By abiding (staying connected) in Christ, Jesus is calling all of us to rest in Him so that we may grow in our spiritual likeness of Him.

Prayer:
O God, you have made us your vine, that we may bear fruit. Sometimes our limbs are strained, our branches broken, our leaves withered on the vine and we need comfort, encouragement and renewal. Feed us with your grace and goodness. Father God, thank you for sending your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin. Thank you for making a way for us to know you, the source of real and eternal life. Thank you for showing us the best way to live in the example of Jesus. Help us by the power of the Holy Spirit in us to live in obedience to your way of life. We give You all the praise, honor and glory. Amen!
Written by Donnis Prass