Are You Connected to the Source?

One day last week when I came home from work I noticed a branch in one of the trees in the backyard. All the other branches except for this one were green and vibrant. From a distance it appeared that this single dead branch was still connected to a life giving source. Upon examining it closer, it had a slight bend, but it was enough to cut off the source of the life giving nutrients it needed from the tree.

It was an odd sight and a reality check at the same time. This dead branch was among all the other branches that were full of life. John 15:5-6 reminds us that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches and if we abide in Him we shall bring forth an abundance of fruit. However, if we abide without Him we will wither and be separated from the one who gives life.

A problem all too common in today's society are all those people who say they are connected to the source but instead are dead branches within the body of Christ. It usually starts with a slight bend and eventually the branch will completely snap from the weight of the sin in our lives. This bend and or breakage can also be a result of disobedience or unforgiveness we are harboring in our hearts.

Are you connected to the source or are you a dead branch masquerading among those full of life and bearing abundant fruit? Going to church and reading your Bible isn't enough, you must have a relationship with Him! Examine your life to see what is cutting you off from having God's best. Repenting is not a "one-time deal". You must be sorrowful and ask for forgiveness when you allow anything to keep you from abiding with the Master. It's simple, seek the source, long for the source, thirst for the source, know the source, hear the source and finally RESPOND to the source. He is waiting.

Simple Treasures

Last Friday, while on my lunch break, I had this crazy urge to stop at the Goodwill store. I started an internal argument that I didn't have time to stop since I only had a few minutes for lunch. Well, I didn't win the argument and found myself pulling in the parking lot of Goodwill. When I entered the store, I thought maybe there is a special book just waiting for me since I am somewhat of an avid reader. I browsed the books for a couple of minutes and found a couple of selections, but nothing that had a wow factor. At this point, I was beginning to think I was crazy, so I stepped over to the checkout line to purchase the two books and get on my way. As I stepped over to the line, I glanced to the back of the store and there was my treasure. On the very top shelf was the cutest wooden gingerbread doll you have ever seen. My heart immediately was filled with joy and I began looking for someone, taller than me, to get that gingerbread girl. She was destined to be mine and especially at the bargain price of only $2.00.

You see, I have been collecting all things gingerbread for the last several years and they are definitely a collectible that is hard to find. This is what made this treasure even more special. I had been plagued all week with one trial after another prior to my visit to Goodwill on Friday. I certainly wasn't in the mood that day for a Goodwill excursion, but God had other plans. He so lovingly placed that simple treasure for me to find at exactly the right time and of course the right price. My joy was overflowing as I left the store. I couldn't wait to find a special spot for the newest addition to my collection.

I reflected on this experience the rest of the afternoon and was humbled at the thought of how much our Savior truly loves us. I am so thankful that He knows the desires of my heart and for the simple treasures that can be found each day.