To have sustaining faith, we must stay connected to the Vine by having priorities like giving God the best part of our day, the best part of our heart, and the best part of our relationships. We must stay connected to the source and grow spiritually with those going the same Godly path. ^[1]

Reading in Isaiah 4 – 5, the nation of Israel is described as the vineyard and the vines God delighted in are the people (Isaiah 5:7). Unfortunately, the vineyard had briers and thorns growing which kept it from being fruitful.

Fortunately for us today, God gave us Jesus as the main Vine. Those who follow the Way of Jesus are His followers who are connected to the Vine. God cultivates a nation by removing the briers and thorns so the vines are free and the sun can shine on them just like our faith allows the Son of God to shine light into our heart.

Briers and thorns like bad habits don’t seem harmful until they grow to entangle the vines and block the sunlight. The good news is that God can cultivate and remove them one day at a time if one seeks the Truth with discipline and is willing to follow His Way.

By letting the Light in, a brighter future with integrity and discipline occurs. God then works through His people resulting in a world that is beautiful and glorious. There is the freedom to grow, there is water of the Spirit to refresh the soul, and the Light shines into our heart to provide food for the soul. Everything is fine when connected to the Vine as we produce the fruits of faith, hope, and love that feeds the soul with nourishment.

This day with You God, we are connected to the Vine. We have patience because with Jesus as our acquaintance, we receive rest, endure distress, and are blessed. We have readjusted priorities so we build our life on the lessons that are taught in Your word. These lessons are treasures that are passed on to others and are the eternal currency in Your kingdom. We step ahead now into better tomorrows in Jesus’name, amen.

^[1] Thought from Sermon of Pastor Wayne Williams – Renew Church

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