Christ In Me

Staying Rooted
Luci Wright (Virginia, USA)

(Image: Pixabay)
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (NIV)

One summer, I planted a young tomato plant and placed a cage around it for protection. But the following morning, I found that deer had eaten all its leaves. It stood like a skeleton in the cage.

I decided to continue watering and caring for the plant since its roots were still intact in the soil. After many weeks, new leaves began to sprout. Eventually, the plant produced many delicious tomatoes.

That plant’s transformation from stark and skeletal to lush and fruitful reminded me of the power of staying rooted in God’s word. Having strong roots and being nurtured helped the plant to grow and produce bountifully.

This is just what Jesus taught about in today’s scripture reading. When we remain connected to Jesus, we will bear much fruit. We can choose to nourish our roots in the soil of God’s word and stay connected to the branch of Christ. Doing so enables us to endure and flourish through devastating experiences.

Daily time spent reading scripture, praying, and in devotion and meditation helps us to maintain and nourish our roots. Even when life breaks us down, our ties to the Lord continue to nurture our growth.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Gracious God, help us to stay grounded in you even when the distractions of this world threaten to uproot us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
56 Comments SHARE:
Log In to leave a comment
TODAY'S READING
John 15:1-8
×
John 15:1-8
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. 3 You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. 6 If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.

https://youtu.be/Z8FjJ0zeAmg

3-12-2023 Rev. Dennis Hutson: Today's sermon is "God is With Us!" The Exodus reading depicts the Hebrews journeying through the wilderness after liberation from Egyptian bo***ge. As Moses led the Hebrews to the Promised Land, they constantly complained. Then they questioned whether or not God was with them.

https://youtu.be/xmV5HoupCsQ

2 26 20232-26-2023 Rev. Dennis Hutson Armona and Lemoore UMC Worship 2-26-2023 Rev. Dennis Hutson: Today's sermon is "Thought Processes." What caused Adam and Eve to disobey God's warning about eating of the tree in the midd...

Hello Brothers and Sisters!

Here is the information for today's Worship Service, with guest speaker, Reverend Floyd Quenzer.

https://youtu.be/vgAIM-ybFzc

8/7/2022 Rev. Floyd Quenzer "Wake Up! Get Ready!" is today's sermon topic. Two things that Jesus says that we need to do to be ready! 1. Be obedient to the Lord with the tasks set before us, as Jesus was obedient unto death. 2. Let go of the things of this world that control us! Remember, God cares passionately about the widows and the poor, we need to look at those around us and help where we can. Our service to others makes us ready! How do we create the Kingdom of Heaven on earth? By being ready!

8/7/2022 Rev. Floyd Quenzer "Wake Up! Get Ready!" | Armona & Lemoore UMC| Worship 8/7/2022 Rev. Floyd Quenzer "Wake Up! Get Ready!" is today's sermon topic. Two things that Jesus says that we need to do to be ready! 1. Be obedient to t...

Ordination Sunday AM AC 2022