Snuggled in blankets, we settled in for one of the worst ice storms our usually temperate climate had ever experienced. Roads had been closed, schools cancelled, and citizens warned to stay safely inside their homes. With our power out, we cooked pizza rolls in the fireplace, watched movies with our reserve computer battery, and slept under layers of blankets to keep warm. In the middle of the night, however, I awakened to loud intermittent cracking sounds. Layers of ice and snow had taxed the boughs of the tall trees behind our house. Unable to bear the burden, they were taking turns crashing to the snowy ground below.
Declaring that He alone would be our ongoing source of life, Jesus gives us the picture of a vine and its fruit-bearing branches (John 15:5-7). Just like the lifeless branches that littered our backyard, we can’t expect to flourish if we separate ourselves from the truth of God’s Word (1 John 2:3-5).
Satan would love to see us weighed down with man-made rules, meaningless arguments, and broken ideologies. Layer upon layer, each lifeless, frozen word settles upon the next, until our faith is weakened, hearts are deceived, and minds darkened. Our focus bent in the wrong direction, we will then forget the freedom of God’s love as our hearts grow cold (Mark 8:15-17).
Yet, the love of God persists (Song of Solomon 8:6-7).
Storms invariably will come, but we don’t have to be deceived. Paul’s encouragement is clear: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him” (Colossians 2:6-7). Let’s keep our eyes on Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Deuteronomy 29:1-29
More:
Read Psalm 119:138-144. Consider the ways in which you’ve experienced God’s protection as you’ve walked according to His Word—regardless of the cost.
Next:
What are some lies you’ve heard that have tried to keep you from the love of Christ? What does it mean to “let your roots grow down into [Jesus]”?
Gary Shultz on February 23, 2015 at 6:14 am
It’s a unique thing that even our stresses our designed for us, storms to strengthen us and turn us back to the strong arm of our Father. Even in trying times we need to run to him. Thanks for the reminder.
Marlena Graves on February 23, 2015 at 9:09 am
Yes, we have to continue to grow deep in him. We can’t stop at accepting Jesus as our savior. I think of it as having to be re-converted every day in little ways. The renewing of our minds. If we stop growing, stop being converted to the Jesus way, we will die. Indeed our branches will wither. Thank you for this visual lesson.
Tom Felten on February 23, 2015 at 9:25 am
Regina, today I woke up to -11 degrees F here in the snowy part of the US. But I’m reminded that spring is just weeks away. So it is with the cold and difficult times of life. As we prayerfully focus on Jesus and His love, it’s been my experience that He provides the love and comfort we need—much like the warmth and transforming ways of a spring thaw.
moyin otunuga on February 23, 2015 at 9:44 am
I needed this at this point in my life.
Seeking_777 on February 23, 2015 at 2:42 pm
What a powerful message to share with us today. For me it was a reminder that regardless of what life through’s your way that there will always be at least one constant, God working in our lives. Even when things don’t seem like they will ever get better Gods live truly does continue on with in our hearts. May we all be encouraged today knowing that this is so.
Roxanne Robbins on February 23, 2015 at 10:51 pm
your example of limbs falling due to excess weight is a helpful metaphor that points to the Hebrews 12:1 exhortation to ” strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Winn Collier on March 5, 2015 at 11:02 am
Pizza rolls in the fireplace? My boys would love that. Kind of like Italian S’mores. Yes, indeed, the love of God persists.