Right now in the Pacific Northwest it is prime time for plant growth. The periodic showers coupled with the warmer longer days make for a "green explosion" all over the place. It is really amazing! The different shades of green are intense. What an amazing niche our great and glorious Creator has given us with the northwest.
My personal obeservations of this green growth is centering on the blackberry vines in my backyard. They are currently encroaching on our house. Whoa! Interspersed amongst the blackberry vines are nettles, nasty tall weeds which make berry picking later in the summer hazardous.
I want to talk about the blackberries for now. As I've watched the new shoots take off; I've noticed that they are attached to a main vine. From that vine they get nourishment to expand their territory and boy that is happening rapidly right now.
The story God is playing out in my life and the life of some of my dear friends reminds me of this new growth blackberry vine. Jesus uses this vine analogy in talking about true growth, John 15:5-12 Jesus talks of himself being our vine.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
For me I know that I must remain in the true vine that is Jesus. I suggest you try abiding in Him if you haven't done so up to this point in your life. He will lift you up and carry you.
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