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“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.” John 15:5-8 Message Bible

There’s something about relationship here that many in the body of Christ seem to miss. It’s called intimacy. Correct me if I’m wrong, but those who have intimate relationship with you, aren’t they the ones you pay close attention to? I can be in a crowd with lots of voices but when Walt calls my name, I can hear him above all the noise.

If you have children, you will know that regardless of where you are or who you’re with, when they call you, they have your attention. When their call is urgent, you drop what you’re doing and go assist them in whatever way you can.

So it is in the same sense, that when you stay intimately connected to God and His Word stays in your heart and mouth, you are assured He hears and answers you. What makes us think that we can have that kind of fruit in our life without the relationship it takes to develop it? We think that we can skate through life on our own but when we are desperate for a miracle, we expect Him to jump up and do as we order. Who do we think we are?

He said it; “Separated, you can’t produce a thing.”

People ask me why I keep writing these blogs, why I share my heart, why I encourage others? Here’s the reason; if I can influence just one person to have an intimate relationship with God, they will influence others and that my friend is called bearing fruit. Fruit that can be tasted. Fruit that can be shared. Fruit that brings nourishment and gives strength when we need it the most.

I stay connected to the Vine because He gives me Life and I can pass on that same Life to others. What I learn, I teach. When I eat, I share what I have so that you too can grow and be filled with the knowledge of where their help comes from. I’m at home with His Word and His Word is at home with me. What is in you is what comes out of you first.

Stay Connected,

Sandy G