Connected

Our son has a fire pit.  When using it, the wood is stacked right next to each other and on top of each other, as close as it can be, before the kindling is ignited.  The flame on one stick soon spreads to the logs around it.  As long as the wood remains close together, the fire produces heat and serves its purpose.  If no more wood is added, the logs eventually begin to separate and the fire dies out.  When not connected, they no longer serve their purpose. 

One of the challenges, during this pandemic season, is staying connected with family, friends, and neighbors.  To accomplish this, additional methods and ways have needed to be implemented.  COVID-19 days have given cause to renew gratitude for technology, phone service, notes, cards, masks, and safe distances.  Due to limitations, we need to be intentional about choosing ways to stay connected in order to encourage, motivate, care for, and stay accountable to one another.

 

Jesus reminded us of the need to stay connected to Him.  As long as one stays close to Him, there is relationship and fruit is born.  If we, the branch, become detached from the vine, we run the risk of no longer producing fruit, reaching our potential, or serving our purpose.

 

Whether it’s our relationship with Jesus, keeping a fire blazing, or friendships, we need to choose to invest in, exert the effort, and take the time for people and things that keep us connected and making a difference for God’s Kingdom.

 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:1, 4-5

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

 

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17

 

Loving Again

Our 3 ½ year-old-granddaughter loves to play and explore outside.  Lately, Della has been fascinated with lovebugs and lizards.  Last week, she was playing with lovebugs and they became disconnected.  Lori noticed that she was working intently on something on the patio.  When she questioned Della to find out what she was doing, she replied, “I’m trying to make them love again.”  Her response made me think of how much God desires the same thing for His children.

With the distractions of COVID-19, the election, and the upcoming Holiday Season, we need to be intentional about choosing to express love through our words (both spoken and written), actions, reactions, thoughts, and deeds.  Whether planned or random, these are important times to show love again. 

 

Love…

is patient,

is kind,

does not envy,

does not boast,

is not proud,

does not dishonor others,

is not self-seeking

is not easily angered

keeps no records of wrongs

does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth

always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 

Do everything in love. 

1Corinthianas 16:14

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what is says.

James 1:22