August 13, 2015: SOAP #2079:

Scripture: John (NIV) 15:6 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.

Observation: What a vivid word picture! After a heavy storm, we have all seen branches lying at the base of a tree. Their leaves may be green and any fruit may still be healthy, but we all know what is going to happen. Without having the life-giving sap from the tree flowing through that limb, it will soon wither and dry up. Any fruit on that unattached limb will dry up and the leaves will die and fall off.

What picture of a spiritual life that once was healthy and full of life but became cut off from having spiritual life flowing through—it withers. The joy of the Lord disappears.

Some Christians are like Christmas trees that have been cut off from their root. They are pretty with all the ornaments and colored lights, but once the outward adornments are removed, they are dead. The dried needles fall off and make a mess.

Application: It is my responsibility to keep in contact with the body of Christ through which my spiritual life receives fresh life. It is my responsibility to keep in the Word of God on a daily basis allowing the Holy Spirit to unfold the verses to reveal what God is saying to me. It is my responsibility to pray without ceasing as I maintain an awareness of God’s Presence throughout each day.

Prayer: Father, here is the key for victorious living, to remain in constant contact with your Son through interacting with the Holy Spirit who is present in my life. Amen