H.O.P.E. Devotional

Sunlight streams through green foliage, trees and stately evergreen pines surrounding the drive and grounds of my home. Life is evident, but so is death. Brown dried pine needles, along with once beautiful fiery orange, yellow, and red leaves, now lie dry and void of life, covering the wooded grounds. Cut tree limbs that once carried life and beauty now lie barren, scattered in brush, and no trace of life etches from the dead branches.

My thoughts turn to the passage of scripture in John 15:1-9

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

These scriptures speak about life in Christ and death apart from Him. Just as the dead branches... never bring forth life, so too is a life apart from Christ. Branches remaining in the tree produce life. This is evident by the green foliage on the surrounding trees. No one looks for fruit or green foliage among the dead branches, brown pine needles and brush.

Why do we expect to be life giving and fruitful when we live cut away from our source of light and life? While the enemy calls, beckoning us to spend time entangled in dead dry brush, filling our time, minds and hearts with deception, disobedience, and disloyalty, this lack of devotion begins with simple distraction, resulting in a shift to sin and death. We turn from truth to deception, allowing our desires to draw us away from obedience and surrender to Christ’s call. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Listening to the deception of the enemy and following our desires, we are tempted to abide in deception, transgression, and immorality.

Rather than distraction, deception, and death, live in Jesus Christ, the life-giver, light, and truth. Dwell with him and remain in the radiance of his presence, bringing healing and hope that fills heartaches and brokenness. Listen to, learn, and lean on the truth of his word as shackles and chains of deception break at the sound of his voice. Desire intimacy, with devotion to praise and prayer. Let Jesus light the darkness, calm the storm, and conquer our foes. In times of test and trial, you can find refuge and rest in his peace.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Live Wisely

15 Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Along with submission, surrender, suffering, and sacrifice, life begins to flow from Christ into and through our being. This seems backward to us, as we often believe we can have our wants and ways and still find fulfillment and a fruitful life. When you plant a seed, it dies to bring forth the life within. Life comes, the plant blooms and then blossoms, and fruit develops. Just as our precious Savior submitted, surrendered, suffered, and died, bringing forth eternal life, hope, redemption, and ultimate triumph, we, too, will find ultimate triumph in our surrender to him, his truth, and his will. Our lives will be fruitful!

From the Heart,

Phyllis