Yesterday, while working with grapes to make more jelly, I began to think about John 15 and Jesus’s teaching about the vine and the branches. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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.”
For us as Christians, we see this play out in our lives. God removes branches of our life that do not bear fruit. He prunes the fruit bearing branches so that they bear more fruit. This is often very painful. Sometimes we may be tempted to feel as if this careful tending is a curse more than a blessing; that it couldn’t be a "good" God that does this in our lives. Quite the contrary… It is BECAUSE God loves us that He sees to our spiritual growth and continually makes us more like Him through this painful process. The consequences of our sins are another thing altogether, though I’ll note that while God does not desire us to sin, He uses them for our good too. Did you know that grapes on the vine fail to ripen if not exposed to the sun? This requires cutting away the beautiful foliage to create air flow and expose the fruit to the light. In the same way, God cuts away what we consider “beautiful foliage” to make the “fruit we bear” ripe and ready for His harvest.
Are you suffering? Is there something painful in your life today? Whether it be there because of consequences resulting from your choices or by God, you can trust that He doesn’t waste an opportunity. Romans 8:28 says, “For God works all things for good for those who love Him who are called according to His purpose.” James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
If you know Jesus, don't be distracted by how things seem today. It is likely your life will not be characterized by this brief moment. Look forward to the harvest from the fruit you will bear and work toward that goal. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
If life is difficult right now, take comfort in your present sufferings and pain. God is busy making you perfect!
Ever want to share an encouraging note or scripture verse with those you love? Those of you who have been to my home know it is filled with scripture verses on the wall, cabinets, and sometimes even mirrors ... practically any place I think someone is likely to notice it. Because I like to change things out regularly, I had to find a quick, attractive and inexpensive way to share my encouraging thoughts and God's Word.
For this project, all you need is paper, a glue stick and scissors. You don't have to print it, but if you do, there are some eye catching ways you can use font and colored ink for them to get noticed. You could even use Calligraphy, stencils, markers, etc. if you are doing this by hand. If you have spare craft or scrapbooking paper around, you can use it as an attention getting mount for your phrase, proverb, poem or verse.
For my version of the project this time, I focused on using scripture verses that cause reflection on our thoughts and actions. (You might not choose scripture, but instead use affirming phrases, proverbs or poetry to encourage one another and to keep your thoughts uplifted.) After I chose my verses, I printed them out and gathered scrapbooking paper I had leftover from a past project.
I cut each verse and used a glue stick to attach it to the scrapbook paper. I cut it to size after it was mounted and VOILA! Instant encouragement that looks good while helping others to feel, think and do good things.
You could use tape and attach these to bathroom mirrors, cabinet, etc. Since I was hoping to have something mobile, but more permanent, I bought a picture stand at Michael's when it was on sale for half price at $3.50. You could make your own or even use something else around the house. I also plan to use these with magnetic boards and the refrigerator. Use your imagination. You can spend as little or as much as you like to personalize your "Inspirational Notes".
This particular project was for my boys' bathroom counter. I will change it out weekly when it is cleaned. I did not want to lose the verses, so I used a spare 3M hook, envelope and rubber band to hang it on the backside of the cabinet door. Just punch a hole through the corner of the envelope and thread your rubber band through it to hang.
What ways will you create inspirational notes for your home?
For those of you who enjoy reading Farmhouse Blogs, here is a link to 50 inspiring websites to get your decorating game on.
Can't get enough design inspiration? Check out the home page of my website for links to my favorite blogs.
