John 15.4-5
4 Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,
unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
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In addition to being like roots or power cords, the Word, prayer, and Gospel community is also like a trellis. A trellis is built not to create vine growth, but to provide opportunities for that vine to climb and cover and flourish on every square inch of a wall. With no trellis, the vine will still grow, but its spread will be stunted and unable to grow vibrantly and infiltrate all areas of the wall.
God gives me these three primary trellis pieces to specifically serve as the upright posts. I can have dozens of horizontal pieces for a trellis, but without the upright posts to fasten them to, I have no trellis. These three primary uprights are essential to build a good, sturdy trellis. However, I must also remember that the goal is never to just build a nice trellis. A great routine such as being in the Word, praying through the day, and going to church, while all essential for real spiritual growth, can only take me so far in and of themselves.
You search the Scriptures
because you think that in them
you have eternal life;
and it is they that
bear witness about me,
yet you refuse to come to me
that you may have life.
-Jesus, from John 5.39-40
Jesus makes it clear that yes, the Scriptures are all about Him, but I can spend time in the Word and yet still miss the point, like a disconnected power cord or a bucket that stops short of the water in the well. The goal of my time in the Word, in prayer, and with God’s people should always be to bring me to a place where I enjoy vine growth, not trellis growth; the goal should always be to enjoy Jesus more.
Paul tells me in 1 Corinthians 13.1-3 that even if I spoke with the tongues of angels, had all wisdom, and even gave my life to be burnt at the stake, it would all be worthless if I didn’t have love. I am to build a strong trellis of habits and rhythms in the Word, prayer, and with God’s people not so that I can admire the trellis, but so that the trellis would be covered in the vine, which is my Savior and Friend, Jesus.
I must be diligent to build a strong trellis, but I must do it so that I can be built up in my strong Savior.
Read Again Out Loud by Making it a Prayer:
John 15.4-5
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Fight the Good Fight
John S.B. Monsell, Irish Hymn Writer, 1863
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
Fight the good fight with all your might,
Christ is your strength and Christ your right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Your joy and crown eternally.
Run the straight race
through God’s good grace;
Lift up your eyes, and seek His face.
Life with its way before us lies;
Christ is the path and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside, lean on your Guide;
His boundless mercy will provide.
Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life and Christ its love.
Faint not, nor fear, His arms are near;
He changes not, and you are dear.
Only believe, and you will see
That Christ is Lord eternally.
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Pray Aloud:
This morning I again rejoice in You, Lord
because death is subdued
and sin defeated forever;
That I may walk in newness of life,
with You and the Holy Spirit.
-Antiphonary of Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century
Father in Heaven, I thank You
that You have adopted me
and You call me Yours.
I am asking You to cause Your Name
to be magnified in __________,
and that this would transform ________,
causing Your will to be done in their life.
Give __________ truth that they need today,
that Your Spirit would bring
Your promises to mind,
helping _______ to repent of sin.
Lead _______ heart away from temptation,
but instead be led by Your Spirit
towards the love of Jesus.
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