Today I want to look at a trap that many Christians fall into and that is trying to be a good Christian without walking very close to Jesus everyday. “Jesus, I know you are going down that path over there but it is important for me to stay here and do good things to the best of my ability. See, I have a lot invested here in my friends and hobbies, and life. I cannot leave all this to follow you but I can stay here and try and be a good person. I’ll be ok right here!” Sound familiar?
Here is the truth of the matter, you cannot do God’s work on your own, you must be connected to Jesus! Here is what the bible says in John 15.
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“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. If you do not remain in me, you are 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 done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
There is also a great promise in the verses above, that we can “ask whatever we wish” and it will be done for us! But before you start asking make sure that you are connected. That is the key! Amen
A watermelon does not have to try and be a watermelon. As long as it stays connected to the vine it is going to become a watermelon. You and I cannot try to be a good Christian, we must stay connected to God thru prayer, bible study, and by walking close to Jesus each and every day. Then we too will produce Holy Spirit fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Prayers Needed
Mary Knapp will be having a heart procedure this next Wednesday and we ask that God will grant her peace and good news!
Linda Klingle . Linda and Steve moved to South America a little over a year ago but they are coming back home to Edwardsville because Linda has developed a rare autoimmune disease which is affecting her organs. We pray for God’s healing and Peace for Linda and Steve as we also welcome them back to Edwardsville.
Pete Fornof Please pray for God’s healing touch and for strength as he continues his treatments.
Mike Portell continued prayers for Mike’s healing and recovery from surgery.
Linda Cassens Linda will need more tests regarding her bladder cancer. We pray for God’s healing touch for her.
Pastor Jackie healing prayers as she continues her treatments for skin cancer and recovers from the surgeries.
Pastor Kent healing prayers for heart arrhythmia issues
I will see you all this next Sunday Sept. 9th at 10:30 am our new service time. Love, pastor kent