No Branch Can Bear Fruit By Itself

Let's consider this beautiful fruit tree. The branches connect to the vine and have no cracks. It's vine looks stern and supports the branch with no problems. But as the branch grows and takes shape, it can push away in a direction that isn't stable. Care is needed so these branches don't fall away. The branches need to remain connected with the vine in order to receive it's nutrients. Which will result in producing Good Fruit. Good Fruit is considered good, healthy, nourishing food to eat. You will always want your tree to produce Good Fruit. There will be times you would see your branch take on a unhealthy color or direction that needs pruning, watering, or other care. If you don't do anything and keep letting it grow it's own way, it will get out of control and take a shape of it's own. Insects will eat and contaminate it. It will become dry and hollow resulting in death.

John 15:5-8

Jesus said,

"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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Galatians 5:22, 23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...........

May I always be connected to the vine (Jesus the Son of God) and seek care by the gardener (Father God) so I can bear much Fruit (Spirit of God). Amen

Testimony

So many of us have a testimony to give and have not yet given it. I know that I've told a few people but not many. God is Good and he hears and answers prayer. Here's my testimony:

Since I was a little girl, I knew that God was real. I knew I could pray to him and he will hear me. I knew that, in his time, he will answer it. I knew to pray to him for help. I'm sorry to say that it was the only time I prayed to him. When I needed help.

The choices I made in my life weren't very good. I still tear up sometimes knowing the things I've done. It's so easy to forgive someone else of wrong doing but it's so hard to forgive yourself. I know now my sins are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. I truely SEE now what it means for Jesus to have died for MY sins. And I know my God has forgiven me. Thank You Father.

Being rebellious, I left my home at the age of 17 and moved in with a highschool boyfriend. He lived at home with his family and his parents didn't really object to it. During the time we were together our relationship was rocky. I think from the beginning he let me know he was going to control me. For about 10 years I stood with him. Leaving him and going back to him. I was sad and would cry to God to make our relationship more loving. I would pray to God and ask for a change in him. That our relationship would be 50-50 not 0-100. Detail by detail, I would give in prayer. I would watch other relationships and cry that ours wasn't like that. Knowing that God hears my prayer, I watched and waited. I use to think I deserved what I was getting. I wasn't innocent at the time and neither was he. I use to think that it was all a punishment for my sins. I use to think my time will come when I'll be happy.

As time passed, I prayed a different prayer. Now I would pray for us to separate and be friends. Sounded impossible when I prayed for it, but I didn't want to fight anymore and it seemed like nothing was changing. His heart was hard and selfish. We weren't married and he didn't want to get married. I can visualize the day I prayed that prayer.

2 years passed and I found a job in an office setting. The relationship at that point was ending. We were both hurting each other, knowingly and unknowingly. I wasn't looking for an exit. Although, there was one. I always thought, why start a relationship with someone else if I can't finish it. Always knowing how many times I went back with him after I left him. I didn't think I would meet anyone that would love me and respect me. I was hurt too many times.

Soon I would meet someone who told me different. Without getting into detail of how I met this fellow. I just want to say God certainly answered my prayer. I met a person, who I believe, God chose for me. I prayed for Love, respect, compassion, understanding, submission, thoughtfulness, freedom, and everything else that a person would desire in a relationship. All that I prayed for was in this man. How I knew? This was MY knowing that it was God. We were having a conversation of our likes and he mentioned how he would PRAY! Who talks about prayer in those days or even now to someone they just met. My spirit jumped at those words. I became excited but still cautious. God was with me and he answered my prayers in his time. I asked and he answered. And do you want to hear something funny. God knows me so much that he also knew I liked Italians. I didn't know he was an Italian until later. And that was just the beginning of his Goodness.

I got out of the relationship of 10 years and moved on with a new. Separation wasn't easy. There was sorrow, lonliness, loss, fear, and a lot of struggle on both parts. My communication with my ex wasn't good. I was in fear. With this new fellow now by my side, I came to know God personally. After a while that we were together, he knew we needed some professional help. Our relationship was starting to crumble. Freedom to go where ever you please can be good if you know the right road to take. I had my freedom now and took advantage of it. The night life had me in it's web of lies and I was spiraling down fast. My fellow now knew the Lord personally and knew we needed to go to church. I was in agreement with him and went. Besides, that was also one of my prayers to God. A family that went to church.

We found a church we liked and started going. I started to read and find out things I never knew about God. Soon I was water baptized. Then became married. My night life was over, Thank God. It was one of my better choices I've made in my life. God was showering me with his love and mercy. Showing me his Goodness and answering my prayers. There was just one more prayer I was waiting for. For my ex and I to be friends.

In time, that prayer soon came to pass. Yes we are friends. It was a struggle and a long waiting period but God hears all prayers!!!!!!!!! He also softened his heart enough to befriend my husband. This is how Good God IS:

On Thanksgiving, him and his wife and son came and had dinner with us and then spent the night. He also took care of the boys for a weekend at our house so that my husband and I can go on a retreat. We also spent the night by his house and had enjoyed a day at the lake. God is Good and I can't say it enough. This is just a brief example of what God can do if we believe in him. May God's Loving Kindness be shown in my past, present, and future life experiences. May he get all the praises. For he is Worthy.

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Psalm 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Walking through the Storm

Flashes of lightning followed by thunder. Closer and closer with more intensity. Feeling the vibration with every sound. Bright flashes appear across the sky. One after the other, one end to the next. The wind speeds, making the branches and plants bend and crack. Signs of damage is visible blocking roads so no one can pass. The Rain whips sideways fast and furious. Giving no one any view and giving no balance. Trees split. Branches fall. Lights go out. The waters rise. Fear strikes.

Sometimes a situation in our lives can be like a storm. Your confronted with an issue that seems to be fierce and uncontrollable. You look at the situation from your own eyes. Thinking you are already defeated. Thinking you can do nothing. Your paralyzed by it. Not wanting to do anything because depression wants to set in. You start thinking you don't want to go to church. You won't get anything out of it. You forget who walks with you. You forget who helped you. You forget who loves you. You forget who knows you. You forget because your focusing on the storm.

But God is Faithful. He will remind you when you forget and give you peace. He hears your cry, your call. All of what he has done for you will flash right before your eyes. Then before you realize it, your down on your knees, crying uncontrollably, asking for forgiveness, calling Abba help me!

Confirmation; GOD IS FOR ME! He has shown himself to me numerous of times. I experienced his Awesome Might. I will not fear! Praise Be To God!

Matthew 15:30-32
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "Why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Invitation

It's hard to invite people into your thoughts. Into your heart. Into your home. I know it is for me. People can be cruel and judgemental. I try not to let that stop me from inviting people but it does make it hard for me to have open arms. I have to admit, It's even hard for me to express myself now. Just to have this blog is an open invitation for people to see inside my heart. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, "...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." And one thing I'm afraid of is; to have some one point out what shouldn't be in there. Of course, who does? Although, I would consider their point. So, consider this an invitation to my heart. Be careful not to hurt it. I'll be careful as well. Your all invited.