THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
Don’t be lulled into tranquility by an appearance of relative quietness in our land. This is the quiet before the storm. We’re in the eye of the hurricane. We need vigilance like never before.
If you need a little wake-up call, listen to Jonathan Cahn’s 13-minute prophetic word on YouTube.
Jesus had a way of saying big things with ordinary words. Like “Abiding in Christ” or “The Vine and the Branches” of John 15:1-11, for example. It’s loaded with both incredible promise and dire warning.
We Americans have some heavy stuff coming up, but He tells us how to have joy through it all. He said, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” He says that we must abide in Him, as branches are connected to the vine.
But what does “abiding” mean? Well, as the branch is connected to the vine, whatever flows into your inner being, feeding your mind and imagination, forming your desires and values, stimulating your emotions and shaping your life – – determines your fruit just like the grape vine.
What we spend our time thinking about, strongly indicates which of the two spirit realms we “abide” in. If it is of the earth, like politics (including elections), injustices and material things, then we abide in the realm that Satan rules and his fruit is always bitter. If it is that of a Life-giving and all-powerful God who is Himself love, then the fruit will include joy that is unaffected by circumstances. What we are connected to makes the difference!
Many Americans are captured by the opportunity that our land has offered, but opportunity is to the soul what wine is to the body. It is potentially addictive, and is intoxicating – – which gives a false sense of well-being.
So, what has greater power to dull our spiritual sensitivities today than the fact that the stock market is soaring and the government is promising more stimulus checks? We are still (at least at this moment) in a time of prosperity and it places us at risk. Why should we be vigilant if all is well? Look at my 401K! And aren’t we even more vulnerable when we are wearied by the shenanigans in our capital, making comfort food for the soul even more appealing? Where’s my binky?
I am confident that God, out of both mercy and judgment, will soon allow changes that limit our opportunity. We need to be pruned, and it will traumatize many who have been abiding in the earthly realm. Some will run toward Him and find freedom and joy but others will shake their fists at Him in anger. It is urgent that we learn what it means to abide in Christ.
Ken Stoltzfus, Kidron, OH – – FACEBOOK: Ken Stoltzfus – Kidron
Jan. 27, 2021
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