During the Christmas season, there are so many things that are heartwarming. I've already posted about some of those things here. One thing I didn't mention was the refreshing smell of a real Christmas tree. Obviously it's a wonderful smell if companies try to sell the scent every year in the form of candles, air fresheners, room sprays, etc. This is the ideal and chosen tree for the Christmas season. Even though it has been severed from its source of life, it still manages to appear "alive". The reason for this is because the tree stores up the sap in its trunk and branches. Once the tree has been cut down, it continues to nourish itself from this stored up sap. However, the truth of the matter is that the tree is dead.
In the 15th chapter of John, we hear the illustration of how we are the branches, the Son is the vine, and the Father is the vinedresser.
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.
It seems like every time I study through this passage, I learn something new and incredibly insightful. This time I was really stuck on the words "abide in me". For the past 6 months, having "quiet time" has been next to impossible. I know that it is possible...it just takes a lot more intentionality on my part. Prior to a baby, quiet time was whenever I wanted it to be. I just recently heard about how Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles, had her "quiet time". She had a very large family. There wasn't much space or time she could claim for her own. It is said she would throw her apron over her head. The children knew not to disturb her - it was her prayer time. That doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
It's so important to spend time with the Father. He is our source of Life. Sometimes I like to excuse myself and say "Well, I had a quiet time a couple of days ago and I'm still remember the things the Lord spoke to me." But when I do that, I become just like that Christmas tree, living on the sap of yesterday. I can look good on the outside for awhile, but that won't last forever. I don't want to be a sick vine that dries up. Rather, I want to receive His word and nourishment each and every day so that others can know, just by looking at me, that I abide in Him and He in me.
For more "Greener Grass Devotionals" click here. For an explanation of the name, click here!
For more "Greener Grass Devotionals" click here. For an explanation of the name, click here!
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