I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit. John 15:5
Jesus makes a clear distinction between the vine and the branch. The two are not the same. He is the vine; we are the branches. The two are joined but not one. The common denominator in nature is the sap. The sap is the life of the vine and its branches. Cut off the flow of sap to the branch, and it slowly withers and dies.
As the branch draws its life from the vine, so we draw life from Christ. To abide in Christ is to draw upon His life. His life is made available through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I spent a few minutes today with Mildred Greathouse (Judy Gilbert’s mom). She is in her last days yet is grateful for every moment spent with her. We are held by the promise that as she withers her, she will bloom there.
FEMA, the United Way and the Red Cross met with us on Tuesday. In addition to the Weavers, we will be encouraging two elderly couples whose house were affected. I should receive the family information soon and will share them with you.
Begin to pray now for two people who will serve as contact persons for these couples. They do better when they talk on a regular basis to the same person. Doug is working with Carroll and Thelma and I would like to have two such advocates for our new families.
I cannot tell you how much of a difference the faith community is making. God is being honored and you should be proud. We will be enlisting people in service over the next few weeks, so step up and do your part.
Michael
Have a happy and safe 4th of July