"pride won't get us where we're going"

The Vine :: The Branches

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“…apart from me you can do nothing.”  

Those last words are strong.  I read that passage yesterday for the hundredth time, but for some reason or another, the truth of those words pierced right through my heart. My world lately has been centered around what I have done and what i’m going to do, and i’ve forgotten the amazing truth that this life of mine is not about me. I can’t do anything without the power of Christ. 

I get tired and dry and irritable and antsy when I take my eyes off Christ.  And the most painful part about living this way, is that the people who I love the most are the first ones to notice it.  It is impossible for me to love with a true, genuine love, if my life is not rooted in Christ.  John 15 is humbling because it made me realize that every single breath that I breathe is a gift from God, and I can’t do anything in my own strength, because the little strength that I have is given to me by Him.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  This is my command: Love each other.”

Trying to remember these things tonight:

He chose me

He is the vine, and i’m the branch  

Apart from Him, I can do nothing

He’s in control, not me (the hardest one for me)

15 August 2010 ·