August 13 - Remain In Me

 Read today’s texts first: Jeremiah 13-15; John 15

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

While it takes time to be with Jesus, the time left
for work will actually have real impact in this life
and the life to come! 

I must admit, it is difficult to read through Jeremiah. I’m glad I wasn’t a prophet at this time in Judah’s history. His messages are mostly negative to an extreme because God’s people needed extreme intervention. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind. This is your lot, the portion I have decreed for you,” declares the Lord, “because you have forgotten me and trusted in false gods” (13:23-25).

The people of Judah at this time are like a case study for the warnings Jesus gives in John 15: 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 (15:5-7). Clearly, choice is involved, with dire consequences for those who choose to reject the vine instead of remaining in Him.

These past few years have been an eye opener. Since having this opportunity to reflect on my life, I realize that, before, I was simply too busy. I didn’t have the time to spend with God every day so some of what I had to do, I did in my own strength with my own wisdom. I was still very much attached to the Vine, but there was a lack of vitality. Knowing that apart from the Vine we accomplish nothing is sobering. While it takes time to be with Jesus, the time left for work will actually have real meaning in this life and eternal impact into the life to come!

“Lord, now more than ever, I desperately need You. I can do nothing of significance or lasting value unless I remain in You!”