April 17th
Read: John 7:37-39; John 15:1-8; Jer. 2:13; 17:13; Psalm 36:9
Our home on the lake in New York State boasted a number of Lombardy poplar trees along one property line. Since these trees are not very long-lived, there came a time when most of them were either dead or dying and posed a hazard. Because most were over forty feet high and had large trunks, we hired a tree surgeon to remove them for us.
Most of the trees had been felled and lay criss-crossed in our yard, when the tree surgeon came to our door and invited me to watch him cut the last one. It was still quite well leafed-out at the top, but the evidences of dying were there. He told me to watch carefully. As the chain saw blade cut through and the tree came crashing down, from the trunk gushed a fountain of water reaching at least six feet in the air! The roots were still pushing water collected from the nearby lake to reach the very top of the tree! Fountains of water! Gradually the water slowed as, somehow, the roots got the message that their job was over. I have never forgotten the sudden realization which came to me at that moment.
That’s what Jesus was talking about in the above passages. He is the vine with His taproot drawing from the Source of living waters. We are the branches receiving that flow of water as we remain on the vine, in Christ. The Holy Spirit constantly flows into us, bringing life and fruitfulness. All we have to do is stay put and let it happen!
LIFE IS!
Life is the heartbeat
Where Love had its start,
The pulsing renewal
I feel in my heart.
Life is the quickening
Spirit I know,
The One who bides in me
Whence power doth flow.
Life is the pleasure
Of doing His will
As Grace in full measure
My being doth fill.
Life in abundance
Is now part of me
For Christ, the True Kinsman,
Has set my soul free.
Life is acceptance
Of what He doth send;
‘Tis faith in Christ Jesus,
My Master, My Friend.
Prayer: I thank You, dear Lord, for grafting me into Your vine and for Your living waters keeping me healthy and fruitful.