Thought for Thursday, April 25th

April 25, 2013

Branching Out

 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 John 15:1-14

“If I can stop one heart from breaking

I shall not live in vain

If I can ease one life the Aching

Or cool one Pain…

…I shall not live in vain.”

-          Emily Dickinson

There was, many years ago, an advertisement slogan used by The Yellow Pages that encouraged us all to ‘reach out and touch someone.’

In essence being a branch grafted to the vine of God’s power, love and mercy requires us to bear the fruit of touching someone else’s life with the very essence and presence of God’s power flowing into us and giving us the life that we have.

So much of Jesus’ teachings encouraged us to be connected and be a part of each others worlds.  To be concerned with the problems; to be excited for the success’ and to always be available to help, to hope and to share the journey together as we walk the narrow road that will lead us to His presence.  In short to love with out reservation, stipulation or regard; just as we are loved by Him.

So, how do you feel about branching out and allowing the fruit of His growth, nutrition and life sustenance within you to touch the life of someone standing under the shadow of your foliage of life?

Are you ready to branch out for God’s cause and to bring Him more glory?

Prayer:

Father, often I am willing to touch the lives of those who fit within the comfort zone of my own experience; but I need to branch out to touching all people, from every walk of life, regardless of differences: just like you do.  Help me to bear more fruit to more people that will lead them closer to You so that You can make them stronger too.