Branches Wither Away

"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."  John 15: 6 & 7

(This is the fourth of an eight part series on John 15)

In the township where I live, there are a few months in the fall and spring when we are allowed to burn our yard waste.  Many of the branches that I trim off during late spring sit in a pile at the back of my urban farm until burning season.  I have noticed that many of these branches that I have thrown away struggle to live and hang on to their leaves for many weeks - but they never make it.  These cast out branches always end up withering away.  And so it is with us - we can try living without our Lord and Savior and struggle along but without Jesus we will eventually wither away.

When we "remain" in God we are given certain privileges and can "ask whatever we wish."  Be careful - we are Christians and must ask according to the Father's will.  A branch on a grape vine will draw from the sap of the vine and grow abundant grapes - that branch and those grapes glorify the vine.   We must glorify Him. 

Those who abide desire God's will.

Part 1:  The True Vine

Part 2:  We are the Branches

Part 3:  A Fruitful Branch
Part 5:  As the Father Has Loved Me
Part 6:  Complete Joy
Part 7:  A Friend's Love 
Part 8:  Chosen Fruit