Spring has finally arrived! And with spring, come the usual jobs of raking leaves from the flower beds, loosening the soil around the new growth and of course, pruning some branches from bushes and trees.

In our backyard, wild vine had taken over, and its branches became entangled in a couple of birch trees. To prevent the trees from being strangled by these vines, I decided to pull them and then cut them off from their source. When I was finished pruning, I noticed that I had quite a pile of vine branches, and, because I was now tired, I just left them there, thinking that I would finish the job the next day.

The next day came, but it rained, so getting rid of that pile of branches had to wait. It rained again the next day also. By the time the weather finally accommodated my task of gathering the branches together, I noticed that they were dry and brittle. The branches broke easily as I tried to gather them up.

This incident made me think of how Jesus said that we are so like those vine branches:

John 15:5-6 – Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. (NLT)

If we remove ourselves or are cut off from Him — the main source that nourishes us as His branches — we eventually die. But if we stay close to God by studying His Word, abiding and acting on His will for our lives, we will stay strong and healthy, knowing that the true vine, Jesus, will forever be with us, even until the end of time.

John 15:4 – Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. (NLT)

Prayer: Jesus, You are the vine, and we are Your branches. Help us to remain with You always. Help us not to stray from Your side as we strive to reach out to others and spread Your message of love and forgiveness. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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