BigBlog

Scripture Used: John 15:1-8

Reflection:

In order to produce a crop of grapes, a vine must be pruned.  The vines must be trimmed and cared for.  Rank, unkempt growth does not produce a good crop of grapes, just a lot of vines and leaves.  A vine cannot prune itself, it needs the vine grower to do this.  So next time you are tempted to prune, either yourself, or more importantly to prune others, just ask yourself - what can the vine grower, God,  see that I can't?  Is there a crop being produced that my pruning is going to damage?

Scripture Used: John 14:7-14

Reflection:

Jesus tells the disciples, that they will be able to perform greater works than the ones he did, if they believe. If they believe! For some, believing is as easy as breathing, they don’t think about it. Others struggle daily with their faith and sense of belief.  For these people, it seems as if they need some sort of proof that their faith is valid, that their belief is valid for without this proof they are rudderless. Which are you? Do you know why?

Scripture Used: John 14:1-6

Reflection:

Jesus says there are many places in his Father’s house. There are some, that would have us believe that these places are really limited, and very exclusive. It seems that to be eligible, we have to agree with their particular perspective or interpretation. Yet Christ says he will come and get those who are to go to his Father's house. Notice, Jesus is doing the deciding about who goes and who doesn’t.  So follow the first and greatest commandment and the second one which is like it, and do not worry about those who would exclude and isolate.

Scripture Used: John 13:16-20

Reflection:

We are messengers passing on the message of the good news. It does not matter if we are not an eloquent, or dynamic, messenger.  It is the message that is important - not who we are, or how we deliver it.  The most humble, shy, quiet among us are just as important in passing the message as the famous, influential evangelists.  It’s the message – not the messenger.