John 15
“… Abide in Me, and I in you… I am The Vine, you are the branch ’s, He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing! ” ... How much time do we spend ‘In His Presence’? Are His Words abiding/living in us? ‘ Please bear with me for a few moments, I am about to become somewhat critical, but I believe pruning helps to bring about more fruit ’ . (This was a contribution from my wife, Kathy), it’s * the touchy-feely, warm and cuddly aspect that I lack. She often reminds me there is a second edge to the sword. In my mind, however, I believe my intent is clearly understood, perhaps it is the generation in which we live. I can’t help but see the cut accomplishes the work, and as the second edge follows automatically within the swing, that distance , the width of the blade (is the time it takes for the heart to be healed) then in time we bear fruit, if we bear long. Painful in the moment, but that can’t be helped. If you’ve ever had a deep cut needing stitches (I’ve had many) you know that it takes time to heal, and when it is healing you can feel that tingling itch, it feels good. Correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve been on the receiving end, so I speak from experience. To the point; I’m talking about truly responding to Him, not as we see so many times in a message on social media; with a simple Amen, or, as I’ve seen too many times, a plethora of emoji’s , as if to signal that you yourself are the wedding guest who is inadequately dressed; and who was also ‘speechless’ . Matt 22:11-12 What I ’ m addressing is the very real ‘ relational ’ criteria Jesus Himself said we MUST do to have life- ‘ we must eat of His flesh and drink of His Blood ’ ; Not once, not having spent some time back when we were younger, or last year etc. No, that experience is also very reflective of the man who received a single talent, he caressed it, he cuddled with it, he wrapped it up in a cloth and buried it (In a place I facetiously like to call his ‘ backyard ’ , {not even in the ‘ front yard}, you know, my life with God is, ‘ personal ’ ). Which is why, and here I go again, The Lord only gave him 1 talent, why would He waste more power with someone who only responds
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