I AM the True Vine
Have you ever noticed a branch that has been separated from a tree? It looks green and healthy at first but over time, the leaves turn brown and fall off. The branch hardens and becomes rigid. The lack of nutrients from the root system it was attached to causes the branch to slowly die.
Like the branch described above, our lives are dead apart from Jesus Christ.
In the first eight verses of John 15, Jesus describes our need for Him using the analogy of the branch. It is here that we find the seventh and final "I AM" statement.
I AM the True Vine and My Father is the Vinedresser.
John 15:1 Amplified
We can only experience true life when we are connected to Christ.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
John 15:5 Amplified
Before I met Jesus, my life was dead. I was held captive and isolated by insecurity, low self esteem, jealousy, greed, pride, selfishness and negative thoughts and feelings.
The moment I was introduced to Jesus, hope came to life in my heart. In the years since that time, as I sought Him daily and relied on His help, that hope grew into confidence. My confidence in Him has given me life. Occasionally I will find myself struggling with one of these issues and when that happens, I immediately give it back to Jesus.
Because Jesus is the very life of God, He can take away the dead or useless things in our life so that we have room to live and grow.
People, like plants, grow and bloom when given the right nutrients, soil, and sunlight. All plants require different amounts of each in order to produce their fruit. People do too. We have been uniquely made by God (Eph.2:10). We are truly one of a kind and there is no room for comparisons between us.
To live your life you simply have to be yourself, accept your strengths and your weaknesses, and rely on Jesus to help you. Don't try to be someone else. I've heard it said, "You are the best version of you there is." Accepting this truth allows you to grow and live in Christ Jesus and produces a harvest that you cannot contain.
It is our connection to God through Christ that gives us life.
Heidirn
Like the branch described above, our lives are dead apart from Jesus Christ.
In the first eight verses of John 15, Jesus describes our need for Him using the analogy of the branch. It is here that we find the seventh and final "I AM" statement.
I AM the True Vine and My Father is the Vinedresser.
John 15:1 Amplified
We can only experience true life when we are connected to Christ.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
John 15:5 Amplified
Before I met Jesus, my life was dead. I was held captive and isolated by insecurity, low self esteem, jealousy, greed, pride, selfishness and negative thoughts and feelings.
The moment I was introduced to Jesus, hope came to life in my heart. In the years since that time, as I sought Him daily and relied on His help, that hope grew into confidence. My confidence in Him has given me life. Occasionally I will find myself struggling with one of these issues and when that happens, I immediately give it back to Jesus.
Because Jesus is the very life of God, He can take away the dead or useless things in our life so that we have room to live and grow.
People, like plants, grow and bloom when given the right nutrients, soil, and sunlight. All plants require different amounts of each in order to produce their fruit. People do too. We have been uniquely made by God (Eph.2:10). We are truly one of a kind and there is no room for comparisons between us.
To live your life you simply have to be yourself, accept your strengths and your weaknesses, and rely on Jesus to help you. Don't try to be someone else. I've heard it said, "You are the best version of you there is." Accepting this truth allows you to grow and live in Christ Jesus and produces a harvest that you cannot contain.
It is our connection to God through Christ that gives us life.
Heidirn
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