Everything or Nothing

• John 15:1-5

The Vine and the Branches
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I will 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.
5 "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. [emphasis mine]

I have known these verses in my head for 30-some years... until last month when God spoke them to my heart. I can't shake that last part - it keeps me down under (His wings) - following behind (His lead) - listening always for (His voice) - obeying eagerly (His commands)!

Now look at the contrast to this:

Philippians 4:13 - KJV

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

We can have it all by cooperating with His agenda - or we can fail and accomplish nothing when we seek our own agenda! And it's always our choice - He never forces anything upon us. He just invites us to seek His best! It's everything or nothing!!

Abiding in His arms and...

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie