Without me ye can do nothing

[Gerry]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." John 15:4 KJV

Want to win souls? You cannot do it alone. When you take your zeal and strike out on your own, that is exactly what you have done. You have struck out.

This is such a simple analogy that Jesus uses here. I know I have had fruit trees for many years. And I have had to prune them. Never once have I removed a branch from a tree and had it to bear fruit again.

It is not enough that we have been saved. In order to bear fruit we must abide in Him. It is from Him that we draw nourishment and we receive power. How do we know if we are abiding in Him? here a check. In Verse 5 Jesus says: "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."

Are we bringing forth much fruit?

 

[carmen]

Yes Gerry. Abiding in Love. I had to ask myself how much love am I producing. Thanks for the post a good question for me.
I know the answer too not enough. I think I need some more pruning.

 

[Gerry]

Originally posted by carmen
Yes Gerry. Abiding in Love. I had to ask myself how much love am I producing. Thanks for the post a good question for me.
I know the answer too not enough. I think I need some more pruning.

None of us love to our potential, and we all need to love more. But I must say one thing for you Carmen. From all I have seen around the forums of you, You have exhibited nothing but love. You are one that can truly be recognized as a Christian by your love. I appreciate you more than you know, and I thank God for you and your influence on this board.

 

[carmen]

Thanks Gerry the thoughts run both ways. God Bless you brother.
I really enjoy your word's of wisdom. Funny thing but I really enjoy everyone at C.F. there is not one single person I could not say a negative on. I enjoy their thoughts and their uniqueness. I must say I have been made to look inward more to are there ways I can love better. How can I serve better. Are there changes that need to be made. All in All I believe God is doing a good work in his people and he will bring it to completion.
I thing we need to not only learn to be content where we are at on our way to where we are going, but learn to be content where others are too.

 

[Gryphon]

Carmen,
I have to agree with Gerry here. You sent me that message about the site that had the book about how to reconcile my marriage. It definitely helped. Then you told me a prayer I might want to pray. And I have. My marriage isn't whole yet or even close. Right now it is dead, but I know that God can do anything, and I thank Him for working through people like you.

-Chris

 

[carmen]

Praise God Chris. Yes it is amazing how God works. There is a big differences between a marriage just hanging there and one that is built soley on God's Love. Hold on in faith your marriage is in the ground growing some new roots. Until then concentrate your Love walk with the Lord so you can bless your wife when she comes home.

 

[Gerry]

Every life touches every other life and it is only THAT effect that matters about an individual. We all need to be aware of the effect we have on others, and we need only judge the effect they have on us, and not what others say about them.