We are chosen by God. We are appointed to go, wherever that go might be. Some of us are sent to make disciples in other nations of the world, some are appointed to stay and to reach and to make disciples of our own children, neighbors, friends, co-workers. God’s will is that the fruit of our lives brings spiritual sustenance and nourishment to others and that the fruit of our life remains, is lasting and enduring, even down through successive generations. We read in the fifteenth chapter of John that this is only possible as we remain, dwell, stay, and abide in Christ. We must be drawing our life-giving sustenance from Him. Just as a plant drinks up nourishment from the earth and that nourishment flows through the plant and eventually causes it to bring forth fruit, we draw our spiritual nourishment from Christ resulting in fruit being produced in our life. Our concentration isn’t on making the fruit happen, but on staying connected, rooted and grounded, in Christ. The fruit is a then a natural consequence.
Still following,
Elizabeth
Just love this, "Our concentration isn’t on making the fruit happen, but on staying connected, rooted and grounded, in Christ." Oh, how I needed this reminder. ~ Jen
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your reminder today. We've been on a trip in our RV for 4 weeks, and it's been pretty busy. I actually have a little while, today, that is relatively quiet, and I will be spending some time in the Word. I long for my time with God. We've been caring for a darling little 7 month old, named Ty, with Down Syndrome for about 5 weeks, and we were just saying how easy it has been to love him. The reason is this - It is God's love flowing through us to him. It's not like we are "trying" to love him, we just do. My hope and prayer is that his birth family will want to receive the blessing of raising him, but his mom sees him as a huge burden right now. We are open to adopting him, but don't want to steal someone else's blessing. Please pray for Ty's family. Thanks again for the reminder from John 15, that apart from Christ, I can do nothing of value that will last. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you I needed this tonight!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture you took! Oh to get the nourishment we need to go on for Christ. We can't be a light in this world...or a fruit that lasts...if we don't have our time with the Lord and do for Him each and every day. Thank you for this wonderful scripture and snapshot.
ReplyDeleteperfect post... love this so much.. and you make me want to get new bowls for my berries.. very pretty.
ReplyDeletemom of M&Ms at simplylifephotographs.com
Great post Elizabeth - only the Lord can give us the spiritual nourishment we need. What a lovely bowl of fruit too.......... that wouldn't last too long in our house!
ReplyDeleteRosie leavesnbloom photography
Great shot and great verse! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch truth. Thank you for this post. I love the shot of fruit. So solid this is.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, thank you for sharing! :) I love your reminder that some of us are supposed to serve right here, right now. . . the mission field isn't necessarily some grandiose hundred thousand miles away. thank you
ReplyDeletewhat a great reminder (HE chose us)! Love the picture great verse for this one! Have a wonderful Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture of my favorite fruits...with the perfect verse!
ReplyDeleteI love that simple bowl of fruit with the scripture. I especially like that not all of the fruit produced can fit inside the bowl. Just perfect. Thank you.
ReplyDeletejoy & blessings,
Alida
My Scripture and Snapshot
so yummy!
ReplyDeleteHe chose me! Wow, even though He knows everything about me!! Now I'm to go, thats scary until like you said just stay connected to Him He will give us the power and words!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo and powerful verse!
I love this verse... to me it says "Christina... YOU are not in control... I am the one who called you. I have things under control. Stop trying to do all things on your own - you produce fruit when you remain in ME."
ReplyDeleteLove it.
I love this pic!! Great shot and words to go with it :)
ReplyDeleteI am learning to find my nourishment by staying connected to the Vine. It's the only way I can stay filled up to do all that He's called me to do.
ReplyDelete