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John 15:5-6 – I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 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. (NIV)
Computers! Computers! Computers! They are everywhere and an integral part of almost everyone's life. This has all happened within my lifespan, and probably within yours also.
It may be that, like me, you feel less knowledgeable about computers than your children and certainly less so than your grandchildren.
Recently, I was unable to get my computer working properly. The message kept coming up telling me that I wasn't connected to the Internet.
I quickly checked the many connecting wires from the back of the central processing unit (CPU) and all seemed to be in order. But again, the same message.
I then tried the old faithful activity and turned off the main power source. After leaving it to rest for awhile, I turned the main power source on. But still no success.
On the advice of my daughter, I then carefully disconnected and reconnected the many wires from the back of the CPU. When I reconnected the Internet wire, I heard a click that indicated a firm connection.
Suddenly, all worked perfectly. Previously, I had thought that I was connected, but I was not! Because of a careless examination of my connections, my computer was useless!
That experience brought to mind two lessons that I believe Jesus taught us in today's illustration of the vine.
Firstly, without our connection to the source of our power we are useless. The main power source for the computer is electricity. Whether it be through the wall plug or a battery or solar power or whatever, it must be connected. Similarly, as a branch showing the love of Jesus, we must be strongly connected to Him so that His love can flow through us.
Secondly, we can be fooled into thinking that we are connected to Jesus when we are not. We can be going through the motions of doing what we think is right, but if we are not firmly connected to Jesus, our Power Source, we will soon be like a separated branch. In time, we wither away, and in God's time, like the withered branch, we will be cast away and die.
The first lesson of the necessity of being connected to all my power sources came easily to me.
The second lesson, however, was more subtle but perhaps even more important. It is relatively easy to behave as if one is properly connected with Jesus. We can sometimes fool others, and perhaps more importantly, even fool ourselves into thinking that we have firm a connection.
But to be fruitful, you and I both must be firmly rooted and completely connected to our true source of power. Fortunately, we have been provided with two powerful tools to maintain a firm connection: regular study of the Bible and consistent time spent in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to see clearly the strength of our connection to You through the gift of Your Son, and help us to maintain that connection. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for the good word, Vince.
Very prevalent message today. Thank you.
Powerful reminder, thank you and God bless!
Great message Vince, as always. So very true!
Hi Vincent, thanks for another wonderful devotional.
Hello Vince,
Thanks for this mindful devotional today.
Thank you, Vincent. Some days, it’s hard work to stay connected to the Source, isn’t it?
WOW. So well explained. This would make a great Sunday Message. Any pastors listening?
Thank you for writing this devotional, Vincent. I lifted you up in prayer and asked the Lord to bless you.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us, Vincent.
Blessings.
Hello Vince
I sure can understand that computer thing and it is great to be connected to the right Source.
God bless.
Thank you for your faithful submissions to PresbyCan Daily. Today’s was great and we really enjoy hearing from you.
(NH USA)
Thanks, Vincent, for such a clear reminder.
Your parallel to the connection of the computer sure made it come alive and be easily understood! Thanks!
Hi Vincent
I love the analogy….computer / vine. Hopefully it’ll resonate with many others as well as myself.
Thank you and God Bless.
Thank you, Vincent – as always you made me stop and really think about what you have written.
Your computer may not always be plugged in but to the real source of power you have a strong connection.
Thank you for your encouragement to spend more time in God’s Word and in meaningful prayer. Recently Ephesians 6:10-18 has really gotten my attention as a friend gave me a special coin-message with these words on one side—PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD PRAY ALWAYS. It is a great reminder, and the parts of the armor are listed on the other side—it has also challenged me to read that passage regularly.
This is wonderful, Vince. It’s not surprising that — all too often — the solution to the unresponsive machine or instrument is to plug it in! I smiled at your comment about grandchildren being so knowledgeable about computers, as well. How true that is! It is also true, as you said, that sometimes can appear to be connected spiritually without it really being so.
Blessings to you.
Good morning, Vincent,
Thanks for the giggle even though I am sure it was not funny to you at the time, but it has definitely happened to all of us. The turning off the computer and back on usually gets good results with the computer’s hard drive but it won’t fix a disconnected cable. It is a mystery why the cable would have become disconnected in the first place.
I do wonder if I am properly connected to the Lord. I think in life we have this worry with our children and our friends – are we truly connected. Doubts seem to pop us often in our days. It is good to realize that this could be happening and to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration to really keep that connection alive.
May God continue to be the power which guides us in our every day lives. May we rely on him for wisdom, comfort, peace, and love. May we encourage others to stay connected. Blessings.
Thanks, Vince. I wondered why I was missing out. After checking my connection, I’m firmly back in the vine again. Great encouragement.
Dear Vincent,
Well said; a very apt illustration. The final paragraph is a strong reminder and encouragement.
Blessings.
(BC)
This is oh so true. Thank you for sharing and causing us to think and check our connections.