^{John 15:5} I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. KJV

This wonderful truth was powerfully illustrated to me recently as my son and I trimmed brush that had grown up in a fence line. As daylight faded I cut a thick vine laced into and around the fencing. Due to the lateness of the hour I declined pulling it from its tenacious grip on the fence and left it in place. A day or two later I found the time to return and finish the job on that stubborn vine. It was still there clinging with rigidity to the fence exactly as it had when connected to the main vine running along the ground. The sad truth of its condition was evident to the most casual glance. It was dead. Incapable of producing leaves or fruit. The leaves it already possessed were quickly withering and fading. The berries had lost their color and had begun to shrivel. It was good for nothing except to add to our growing pile of useless brush that would soon be burned.

Many a Christian has allowed circumstances to interfere with his or her relationship with THE VINE…Jesus Christ. Disappointment with church programs, people or leadership has caused daily Bible reading and prayer to be cut off. The sweet fellowship with Christ the believer formerly enjoyed is cut off as surely as the lopping shears severed that vine from its parent.

The position can be retained. The office may continue to be filled. But anyone seeking shade or fruit will quickly know the truth. This branch is no longer connected to the Vine. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance simply cannot come from us. They are the fruit of the Spirit. They source from Jesus Christ. Failure to maintain our connection with Him results in failure to bear the fruit of His Spirit.

Stay close to our Source. Without Him, we really can do nothing.

Lovingly,

Pastor Rich Orrell