Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: beachn4fun

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list


September 20

In the Vine

Bible in a Year : Ecclesiastes 4–6; 2 Corinthians 12

No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

One spring after a particularly dreary winter during which she helped a family member through a long illness, Emma found encouragement each time she walked past a cherry tree near her home in Cambridge, England. Bursting out at the top of the pink blossoms grew blossoms of white. A clever gardener had grafted into the tree a branch of white flowers. When Emma passed the unusual tree, she thought of Jesus’s words about being the Vine and His followers the branches (John 15:1–8).

By calling Himself the Vine, Jesus was speaking of an image familiar to the Israelites in the Old Testament, for there the vine symbolized God’s people (Psalm 80:8–9; Hosea 10:1). Jesus extended this symbolism to Himself, saying He was the Vine and that His followers were grafted into Him as branches. And as they remained in Him, receiving His nourishment and strength, they would bear fruit (John 15:5).

As Emma supported her family member, she needed the reminder that she was connected to Jesus. Seeing the white flowers among the pink ones gave her a visual prompt of the truth that as she remained in the Vine, she gained nourishment through Him.

When we who believe in Jesus embrace the idea of being as close to Him as a branch is to a vine, our faith is strengthened and enriched.

By:  Amy Boucher Pye

Reflect & Pray

How are you receiving spiritual nourishment from Jesus? What will help you remain in the Vine?

Jesus, thank You for helping me to remain in You. May I find the peace, hope, and strength I need today.


2 posted on 09/19/2019 6:00:20 PM PDT by The Mayor (I am outraged at your outrage toward the outrage!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: The Mayor
In First
WOO HOO Mayor
You got in before my ping
and you beat Pro. hehe ((HUGS))

6 posted on 09/19/2019 6:08:29 PM PDT by beachn4fun (Just because you THINK it, doesn't make it so.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies ]

To: The Mayor

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

I can see the weekend from my house and it can get here none too soon. And more rain coming...very welcome.

Family in Texas are getting pounded with rain and one is waiting to see if they get evac orders.


27 posted on 09/19/2019 7:51:32 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson