What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? – Isaiah 5:4
Brought out in “Everything is Fine When Connected to the Vine” is that the vineyard or nation of Israel had briers and thorns growing which kept the vines or people from being fruitful.
The main Vine is Jesus and His followers are those connected to Him. 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 follows His Way.
Let’s use today’s song Build My Life – Pat Barrett (Ft. Cory Asbury) as a declaration to build our life one day at a time in order to make our future better. Maybe it involves readjusted priorities or taking inventory of how we spend our time and money. There is always room for improvement and our mission as a disciple of Christ is to build our life on the lessons that are taught in God’s Word.
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
The takeaway from reading John 8:12-30 is to please God by speaking and acting like Jesus. Following the light of the world by listening to His instructions. Gaining knowledge, holiness, and joy in our soul. Being guiding along the path to an everlasting victorious finish.
Worship the LORD your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you. – Exodus 23:25
From the previous post “Rewarding Food for the Soul”, noted was that life throws some curves, but God can give a fresh change if we keep our eyes on the reward. God through Jesus can meet all our needs in life so keep on praising Him.
God can change our outlook in a split second so let’s start with the old song Cool Change – Little River Band and keep your eyes on the ultimate reward.
If life’s thrown some curves, maybe it’s time for a fresh change by taking in the rewarding food for the soul and the refreshing water of the Spirit. Because of Jesus, God can meet our needs in life so we keep on praising Him rather than expecting the world to fulfill our needs.
There is a need for humility when life throws a curveball. To realize that we can’t do it all and the need to lay things down at the foot of the cross. To be in awe of God, put Him first, and spend time in prayer. Seek Him every day and in Him believe. Be thankful for His provision and grateful for all we receive.
As we studied the last passage at the end of Isaiah 2, there is this question: Why hold humans in esteem? The first part of Isaiah 3 answers that question. The Lord Almighty in a split second can change everything. He can give supply, support, food and water or take everything of value away.
Later in the passage, explained is how the women of Zion outwardly presented themselves to others. They were arrogant as they walked around with outstretched necks, flirted with their eyes, strutted along with swaying hips, and with ornaments jingling on their ankles (v. 16).
Our outward appearance and attitude make an impact on God and on others. Within the passage, we note what Isaiah prophesizes that the Lord would bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion (v. 17). He would snatch away their jewelry, perfume, and fine clothing. Instead of well-dressed hair, He would bring baldness to them (v. 24).
The lesson is to be in awe of God rather than our own achievements. To spend time in prayer asking for direction. To present ourselves with kindness and humility with a respectful attitude because this makes a big impact on God and those around us.
This day with You God, we remember the past and know what You have done for us. Life has thrown us some curveballs, but we keep stepping up to the plate and keep putting our eyes on the ultimate reward. Suddenly, You change everything to help us have a better outlook. We see better as we take in Your creation. It may be a sunrise, sunset, field of flowers, or a rainbow in the sky. These reward our lives and give us a fresh change knowing the future will be beyond our imagination. We praise and worship You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 