Everlasting Fruit

Earlier this week we discussed friendships and the importance of knowing who and what to share certain things to.

In speaking with a friend today, The Holy Spirit reminded me of my "dreams deferred", and so it caused me to think of all the places I thought I'd end at this age and stage in my life.

Jesus allowed me to recall and ponder on the places I told Him I would be, and we all have heard the saying, "you tell God your plans and He laughs."

Many different stages of life, I have been so many different people, but the best is ultimately being His Child. The roles I have played are pale in comparison to the role I have now of being His daughter, His disciple, His sheep.

So, that got my mind going, all the roles I have played, relationship that no longer exist, career paths I am no longer in how did I end up here?

Well....because the word says in, John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing."

I thought then, if noting last outside of God how were we successful in any of the roles we have played?

What are we measuring success by, His standard or our own man-made standard?

Success, to me is anything that last.... FRUIT THAT LAST.

Analysis of John 15:5

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate the relationship between Himself and His followers. Here are some key points:

• The Vine: Jesus identifies Himself as the vine, symbolizing the source of life and sustenance.

• The Branches: Believers are depicted as branches, indicating that they derive their strength and purpose from their connection to Him.

• Abiding: The term "abide" signifies a deep, ongoing relationship and dependence on Jesus.

• Fruitfulness: The promise of bearing "much fruit" highlights the expected outcome of a life connected to Christ—spiritual growth and good works.

• Dependence: The statement "for apart from me you can do nothing" emphasizes the necessity of remaining in Christ to achieve anything of eternal significance.

Reflection

This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Jesus to live a fruitful and purposeful life, and in that any assignment HE places on your life will last. He will download ideas into your mind, solutions to problems that we aren't smart enough to think of on our own! So, if it's an idea, a business, a labor of love, it will last because it's powered by the ONE TRUE SOURCE, JESUS CHRIST.

Be encouraged ladies, to seek strength and guidance from Him in all aspects of life.