The Vine Life

We moved into our house ten years ago. (Wow, time flies!)

I remember the first night lying in bed talking with Phat, “Can you believe we live here!?!” It was nothing fancy, but very well maintained. The owner didn’t have an eye for decorating or landscaping, but she did believe in having the best quality. So, although I had mega-plans to fix up the place, the bones were already there.

After stripping the kitchen of the old wallpaper (HUGE job!), I decided to paint and stencil. Ten years later I still love the color and design. I won’t be changing it anytime soon. Green on green with flowing vines and the scripture, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, shall bear much fruit.”

It’s a life-changing verse.
It’s the main point of life with Christ. 
Abiding…in The Vine.

“All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw upon the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life…’I can–through Christ!’ was Paul’s motto.”

Philippians 4:13:
“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives in me.” (JBP)
“I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” (The Living Bible)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (NASB)

“No matter which translation you prefer, they all say the same thing: the Christian has all the power within that he needs to be adequate for the demands of life. We need only release this power by faith….

For many years, Hudson Taylor worked hard and felt that he was trusting Christ to meet his needs, but somehow he had no joy or liberty in his ministry. Then a letter from a friend opened his eyes to the adequacy of Christ. ‘It is not by trusting my own faithfulness, but by looking away to the Faithful One!’ he said. This was a turning point in his life. Moment by moment, he drew upon the power of Christ for every responsibility of the day, and Christ’s power carried him through.

Jesus teaches this same lesson in the sermon on the vine and branches in John 15. He is the Vine; we are the branches. A branch is good only for bearing fruit; otherwise you may as well burn it. The branch does not bear fruit through its own self-effort, but by drawing upon the life of the Vine. ‘Without Me, you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). As the believer maintains his communion with Christ, the power of God is there to see him through. ‘I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency’ (Phil. 4:13, AMP).”   ~Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Joyful.

Abiding.
It’s the secret of the abundant life.  I placed it on the wall so I would be ever mindful…only in Him who gives me strength.
The Vine Life.

Those Gentiles!

That would be me.
Yes. I am a Gentile.
But, I always wanted to be Jewish.  However, God didn’t see it that way.
And since He is the one who determines who will be…and where…and when…
I’ll leave that alone.

Why, you ask, would I want to be Jewish? 

Who in their right mind would want to be Jewish with all the persecution they have endured throughout the ages?

Me.

Yes, me.  You  see, I understand God chose to reveal Himself to a people He set apart for His purpose.  He chose to work through the Jewish nation.  And to have that rich heritage, to be a part of a chosen people…not through conversion, but through birth…wow.  It’s always been a longing of my heart.

I believe the difference between Christian and Jew is the point of Christ. Jews do not believe Jesus is the Messiah. Christians do. It is that simple. And so, if I were Jewish I would have a better understanding of my Christian faith, by virtue of having learned the Law and the Prophets. The Exodus…the Tabernacle…the Feasts…so many beautiful types (pictures) of Christ are found in Jewish history and heritage.  Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.  Jesus was Jewish.

At this time in History (His story), we are living under Grace, not Law. It is “the time of the Gentiles” as the New Testament describes the Church Age:  the time between Jesus’ life, death and resurrection all the way to “the Day of the Lord” — whenever that may be.

To understand life through the writers of the New Testament, it’s necessary to see that the Gentiles did not believe in One God.  They believed in a plethora of gods.  At that time in history only the Jewish people were monotheistic.

Paul describes the Gentiles this way:

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. ~Ephesians 4:17-19

Wow. Let me make this clear, in case it didn’t quite sink in:

Their thinking is futile.
Their understanding is darkness.
They are alienated from the life of God.
They are ignorant.
They have hard hearts.
They are callous.
They have given themselves over to indecency.
They want more and more and more of every kind of impurity.

If that is not the definition of “lost” then I’m not sure what is!

He’s talking about my ancestors and yours (unless, of course, you’re privileged to be Jewish).

But, Paul is also talking about anyone who does not, still, know God.
On this side of the cross, we ALL have a chance to know Him. 
He made a way, through His Son, for those of us who were far off from the promises of God to come near. 

We can partake of the goodness of God. 
We can know Him intimately. 
We can walk out of darkness and into light.

And the other point: Christians can live like that description, if we’re not careful. 

Paul said, “So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do.” 

That may have been where we came from, but it’s not where we are anymore. 

Now, we have taken on the name of Christ. 
Now, we have obtained the life of God.
Now, we are to be walking in the light as He is in the light.

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.  The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
~Romans 13:12-13

How He Loves Us

Can’t quit singin’ this song.
I know you’ve all heard it, but it’s all that my heart has to say…

He is jealous for me
Love’s like a hurricane,
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of
His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me.

Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
(x2)

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.
(x2)

We are His portion and
He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption
by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns
violently inside of my chest
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
OH, how He loves
(x2)

A Defintion

Grace in not earned.  It’s given. 

We are poor in spirit. 
Nothing good dwells in us. 
We are hopelessly lost without a Savior.

Our poverty of spirit may be seen in the picture of a little girl (or boy) all alone and desperate for help.  She’s been used and abused.  She’s dirty and unable to do anything for herself.  Huddled in a corner of a brokendown alley with garbage scattered about, she’s afraid.  The relentless fear of what may be in the darkness keeps her cowered.  The fear feeds her soul.  She’s crying. Not loud sobs…those have come and gone.  But a steady stream of tears flow down her face as she realizes she can do nothing to save herself. 

Hungry, filthy, worn-out. 
Nothing to give.

BUT, God.

Rich in mercy, compassion, patience, forgiveness.
The epitome of LOVE personified.

But, GOD steps into the alley of despair.  He lifts up the poor child and carries her away.  He cleanses her.  He feeds her food she’s been desperate to eat.  Food which fills and restores her ravaged body.  He holds the child close and cares for her every need…never leaving her alone.

Grace bestowed.

The Cloak of Self-Protection

More thoughtful analysis from the book, Inside Out:

The inside look that brings about real change is unnerving, and it should be. The diagnosis of sin is not a pleasant one, and we tend to resist it whenever we can, preferring to think we’ve come farther than we have. 

We simply must get to the core of the matter. The kind of change that most delights our Lord will never occur as long as we fuss only with sin in behavior or pain in the heart. Sin in the heart must be uncovered, looked at, and dealt with. When we understand we’re thirsty people who foolishly go in the wrong directions to find water, then we can look at our style of relating with the openness to recognizing a demanding, self-protective motive beneath our actions.

But we won’t see these wrong directions on our own, any more than a coal miner will see where to dig without the help of a flashlight. Disciplined people won’t recognize their protective (and unappealing) rigidity without help. Analytic types will fail to see that their cool logic, far from being admired, discourages those who would like to be close friends. Successful extroverts may go through life thinking everyone enjoys their social noise. Shy people may continue to regard themselves as quiet because of temperament and never see that their quietness is a protective cloak.

We need help to see ourself clearly. When we’re serious about taking an inside look, God provides three sources of light:

1. The Spirit of God,
2. The Word of God,
3. The People of God.

Each resource can be used to replace the blindness of self-deceit with the clear vision of integrity. ~Larry Crabb

Self-protection is an easy place to run to when one has been hurt over and over again.  I’m one of those people who was hurt early in life from abuse (not an excuse just a reason).  This has helped to solidify in my mind that all people are not safe people.  And I have chosen to protect myself.  I hid behind my anger for many years.  Then I turned it inward and became depressed. 

God has done an amazing work in me.  I am learning to become vulnerable.  The Spirit of God works within the heart and mind searching deeply.  He reveals the hidden darkness, the ugly ways of relating.   

And I have learned to love The Word of God.  I’ve delved deeply into the intricacies of His Word to, hopefully, gain more of His mind.  I pray that I will be washed with the water of His word.  And I’m finding more and more His delight in answering that prayer. 

But, getting close to the People of God has not been easy.  That’s where the hurt can begin…again.    

We’re all sinners.  Each one of us on this earth is sinful.  Some of us are redeemed and some are not.  God’s people are redeemed.  But that doesn’t mean that they’re always nice!  I mean, the old saying, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,” seems to be apropos in the way we deal with one another in the church.  Lots of us think we have been given the title “Holy Spirit” and we choose to speak for Him at will…and I’m not talking about His will!

Hurt people hurt people.
It’s another old saying, but very true and well worth remembering. 

I like what Crabb has to say.  But, that third source of light…hmmmm…it has become harder and harder to trust.  I wonder how much more effective we would be in the church if we would truly follow the exhortations in scripture?

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6

Some would quickly answer, “But salt stings!” as an excuse for their biting ways.  To them I say, “Delve deeply into the Word.” 

Gracious:   that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech…good will, loving-kindness, favour

Salt:  salt is a symbol of lasting concord, because it protects food from putrefaction and preserves it unchanged….wisdom and grace exhibited in speech

So…what are the characteristics of gracious speech? 

A sweetness that is delightful to the ears. 
A charm that is lovely, not deceitful. 
A pleasure that gives joy in the hearing.

Words which preserve fellowship.
Wise words full of lovingkindness for all.

I desire an inside look and am actively pursuing that goal, learning how to move past my self-protective ways.  In this walk of sanctification we’re taking together, let’s (the Church) learn to be gracious with one another.  It is hard to be vulnerable.  Some of us are hurting, deeply.  We need gentle care to be able to heal.

Do not tread where angels fear to go.

Time’s A-Wastin’!

I was sleeping so well.  Completely relaxed and having wonderful dreams.  Happy to escape life through a few hours of slumber. 

It’s not a bad thing.  It’s necessary for survival…to rest…relax…regain strength.

However, too much of a good thing can turn to overindulgence. Moderation in all things, right?
The person who sleeps too much is also called lazy. 

I’ve been contemplating the words from Romans 13:

Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God’s law.  For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting––and any other commandment––are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.  

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don’t live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light.  We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy.  But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don’t think of ways to indulge your evil desires.

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out.
Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.

Sleep allows us to put responsibilities on hold. Sure, I’ll take a nap when my body needs rest. But, sometimes, when I just want to quit thinking, I’ll catch 40 winks. It’s a great way to stop caring for a while, to give myself a break.

Sleep, in this passage, is much the same. It is spiritual apathy. It is possible to fall asleep in our journey of salvation.  We may choose to put “right living” on the shelf and clothe ourselves in darkness for a time, but Paul is calling the Roman Christians (and us) to wake up. To remember.

Remember, we are people of the day. The night is almost over and we need to be ready, clothed in the armor of right living.  As we’re sleeping we’re missing opportunities to be the light He’s called us to be.  If this weren’t the case, then Paul would not have needed to remind Christians to wake up. 

If you’re snoozing, don’t nap long. 
Time’s a-wastin’!

Wake up, O Sleeper!

Slow Cooking

Veritgo has had me down for days.  SOOOO frustrating!!!  Everytime I think it’s passed, I move too quickly, or slightly tilt my head, and the room starts to sway once again.  This isn’t the first time it’s ever happened, but it does seem to be more violent than in the past. 

I have tons of things I want to accomplish, but each time I try I have to go back to bed.  Even sleep isn’t helping.  I must move too much during the night, cause all I can remember is lots of rocking and nausea, then I awaken very weak.  So…yeah…at this point in time, I’m feeling like the whole of life…me…my life…is one great obstacle.

I wasn’t able to make it to church today (duh), so I’ve been listening to TV preachers.  For all the negative opinions out there concerning TV evangelists, I’ve found some great ones!  One guy, from Phat’s hometown, made a statement I like:  God doesn’t use microwaves.  He uses crockpots…slow cookers.

Okay.  I know it’s not profound or even close to poetic.  A bit homespun, wouldn’t you say?  Yeah, but I like it.  And here’s why:

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.  ~Romans 5:4

He is doing a work in me…a slow work.  I’m not sure how the illness is helping, but He promises troubles develop patience.  And I’m learning patience is a huge virtue — one I’ve lacked most of my life.     Then there’s this one:

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.  ~James 1:2-4

Strong character.  Ready for anything.  Hmmm…I could use some of that!  And I’m to be joyous at this opportune time.  Man!  If that’s what I’m suppose to be feeling, I’ve got a long way to go.  Must be why He keeps allowing the difficulties… ya think? 

He’s forging me.  Slow cooking…

No quick microwave work with God.  No overnight successes. 

That’s really quite helpful, actually.  Some seem to say if we aren’t having success in all areas, something must be up with our relationship with God.  I’m learning they’re right.  Something is up.  He’s fine-tuning, purging, forging me into tempered steel… 

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.  ~Philippians 1:6

The work…the cooking…the forging…it won’t be done quickly and it won’t be finished before I die. 

It’s an ongoing process.

I’m in God’s crockpot.

Heh.

Focus On the Source

“He who believes in Me . . .
out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”
~Jesus

“A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers.  For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle.  And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle.  Or a river will drop out of sight for miles, only later to emerge again even broader and greater than ever. 

Do you see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not seem to be of any use to God?  Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it. 

The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. 

Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty.  The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source.  Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ — not emotion nor experience — nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.” 

 ~Oswald Chambers

Victoriously persistent,
Overcoming all obstacles,
Focusing on the Source.

Seasons

It’s beginning to feel like Fall in North Texas. The wind is cooler, but the leaves are still green. The rain hasn’t stopped for days. Somehow, the tears falling from the sky mock my own.

Spring had such promise of new life. Without realizing the change of season, all at once, buds appeared. The gray skies became brighter and the brown limbs, greener. It was a beautiful promise.

Summer had its moments. Swimming in the heat. Cool drinks under the fan. Vacation time to forget about responsibilities…for a while. The summer flowers were spectacular. Now…they’ve faded away.

What will this new season bring?
It should be a time of harvest.

But, I’m afraid of what I’ve sown.

Help me, Father.
Let me bring glory to You,
Even in this moment of fear;
This Season of Unknown…

The Difference

Do we look any different than the world?  As Christians, are we recognized for our love of others?  The scripture teaches we are to be radically changed by the love of God that has been poured into our hearts.  Are we?  I’m not so sure.

As I read the words of Paul to the Ephesians, I am convicted.  Does the old man still rear his ugly head?  We’ve been told to lay him aside and to put on the new man.  The new man is to look different. 

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity.

The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need.

You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk.

Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

~Ephesians 4:22-32

So I’m wondering, how is it that we grieve the Holy Spirit?  In this passage the way we deal with others is evidence of the Holy Spirit within.  Our treatment of others is the first sign to them of a changed life. 

Do we tell the truth?  
Are we tangibly compassionate? 
Do our tempers take over? 
Are we quarrelsome? 
Do we gossip? 
Are we recognized for our bitterness?

Jesus said the mouth speaks from what fills the heart.  

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart,
and these things defile a person.  ~Matthew 15:18

Are we truly different?