Beyond: Day 3

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 NRSV

Thought

The tender yet strong branches of a vine draw life from the stalk and bear fruit only if connected to the vine. The branches of a vine are offshoots that twist and turn in gnarly self-determination as they reach and grow. As they grow, the branches of the vine are carefully trained and trimmed for maximum yield. This is done by the one charged with tending the vines each day, the one responsible for the harvest, the loving God of your life.

Prayer

God, you are the vine; I am the branch. I yield today to your training and tending as I trust your abiding presence and care in my grief. Amen.

Assurance

Apart from God, I can do nothing; with God, I bear much fruit.