Based on “Rejoice in ONE Thing” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/19-20/11,
Message #6084; Daily Devotional #6 - “Life Is GOOD in the Vine”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): "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 into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5-8) Apart from Jesus Christ there is no Life at all. Without His power, presence and gifting, life is dead and frightening. In Him alone is found everything that one needs in order to experience all of the goodness of God. As the vine carries life giving nutrients to the branches, so Jesus provides us with the "Spiritual sap" that is so critical to Spiritual success. The creeping vines of lies that Satan uses to try to control our lives have been cut away by the Word of God, and we have been released into a supernatural relationship of Truth with God Himself. Attached eternally to this Life giving Vine, we can be all that God created us to be. The old life has withered and died, and New Life in Christ springs forth from within us. Now empowered by our King, we are healthy branches that continually grow and give glory to the incredible transforming work of Jesus Christ.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Through His amazing sacrifice we have been released to grow in His power and glory, should we choose to accept it. Therein lies the difficulty: acceptance. With all of the satisfaction the world provides for the flesh, the unsaved see no need for a Spiritual decision. As drugs, sex, alcohol and money are dispensed liberally from the windows of Hell, folks disdain God and His amazing offer to be grafted into The Vine. Little do they know that they are "withering branches" that soon will be picked up and thrown into the fire. They have been convinced, as we once were, that they can take care of themselves, or that God will never love them because of their past or their failures. But Jesus’ offer in these verses is to any man or woman who chooses to refuse the lies and embrace the Truth He so freely gives. The simplicity is mind boggling: faith, the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) is the key that unlocks the doors of God’s marvelous Kingdom and eternal promises. But how will they know unless we tell them?
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): That is exactly what all of this supernatural power and glory is all about: the Ministry of Reconciliation. Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."(John 15:7-8) In other words, "Now that you’ve got it, use it!" As healthy, divine branches, we have been blessed with everything God has in order to bless the world with His Truth. As we abide in the Vine and receive the nourishment of His Truth, our lives are transformed, our prayers are answered and we bear much fruit for His glory. Lost and hungry souls are satisfied by the Fruit of the Spirit, and blinded eyes are healed to see a new Life in Christ. Thankfully our glorious Vine Dresser, Jesus, sees every blossom and seedpod that indicates His presence in our lives. And as our love, forgiveness, grace and mercy become more and more evident, our Lord is glorified and lifted up for all to see. We have discovered that life is good here in The Vine, and we are grateful for the day that He invited us to become one with Him!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Philippians 4
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Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.