Dear readers,
I’m trying to get psyched up for some more winter-like weather. If the forecast holds true, we are in for some cold and snowy conditions. It seems harder to adapt to those changes as I get older.
The Bible tells us to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are to stay connected with Him through the reading of God’s word, so that we may know him in a personal way. In life, relationships go nowhere if we don’t get to know another person intimately. No one gets to truly know another person without spending time with him or her. What kind of marriage would it be if the couple only communicated for an hour each week?
There needs to be constant communication if a relationship is to be meaningful. Whether in our human relationships or in our fellowship with God, we need to stay connected. Spiritually speaking, Jesus tells us he is like a vine to which we are connected as believers. Here are His words from John’s gospel.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while very branch that does not bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… 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 to you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:1-8).
It is much the same as using an electric appliance. The only way it works is to keep it connected to the power source. If there is no connection, there is no way said appliance will live up to expectations. Your car won’t start if the battery is disconnected, nor will your relationship with the Lord be complete if you aren’t connected with him through prayer and the reading of his Word. Remember to stay connected to your power source.
There is power in Christ,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 