Abiding in Christ
I've always been fascinated by Jesus' words in John 15:5: "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."
What does it truly mean to abide in Christ? It's far more than religious activity or spiritual box-ticking. Abiding is about maintaining a constant connection with Jesus, like a branch naturally draws life from the vine.
Think about it: branches don't strain to produce fruit. They simply stay connected to their life source. The branch doesn't wake up each morning with a to-do list: "Must make three grapes by noon!" No, fruit emerges organically when the branch remains attached to the vine.
Similarly, our spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, etc.—isn't manufactured through human effort.
Lessons From the Birds, Part Three
The avian antics at my bird feeder seemed to be an endless source of spiritual insight. From the clever sparrow who found a way around the crowded sides to the persistent little fellow who refused to give up, each bird had something to teach. I love how God does that! As I settled in for another session of feathered observation, I was struck by a new lesson that would make me question my approach to life's challenges and remind me of the importance of seeking God's guidance.
As the last suet ball dwindled, it shifted to one side of the feeder, presenting a new challenge for the feathered visitors. One determined bird caught my eye. Instead of simply flying around to the side where the suet ball now rested, this stubborn little fellow insisted on stretching through the bars, twisting his neck at impossible angles, all in an attempt to reach the food. I couldn't help but chuckle at his ridiculous contortions.
Who’s the Fixer?
Picture this: You're in the midst of a hurricane of chaos, trying to control everything around you like a weathered ship's captain steering through a storm. You've got your hands full, attempting to "fix" your circumstances, mend broken relationships, and even "improve" people to meet your ideal standards. You've got a toolkit brimming with solutions, and you're determined to use it, no matter the cost!
But wait just a second. Before you envision yourself as a one-person repair crew, let's chat about the power of relinquishing control and acknowledging what isn't our job.