Living 4 Him

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Hearing a word just one time is not always enough to fully understand it. Remember the little boy who thought that Shirley, Goodness and Mercy were special angels that would follow him all of his days?

The English language is filled with interesting words.

Homonyms are words spelled the same or sounding the same, but with completely different meanings.  (roll a ball or eat a roll; to, too and two)

Synonyms are words that mean the same thing. (happy, joyful, cheerful, delighted)

Antonyms are words with totally opposite meanings. (big/little, tall/short, over/under) 

I recently learned about oronyms; a sequence of words or phrases that sound alike, but because of words breaks, have completely different meanings.

ice cream and I scream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

outstanding and out standing

A hard-working farmer out standing in his field or a hard-working farmer outstanding in his field. 

Jose, can you see? and Oh say, can you see

In honor of our country’s 250th birthday we remember Jose’s first trip to a baseball game in the USA and how welcomed he felt when everyone stood and asked, “Jose, can you see?”

Also, in honor of our country’s 250th birthday we think about the word independence. However, God would much prefer that we think of the word as in-dependence. As our Creator, he powers our journey through life and invites us to depend on him for every need, every choice, every breath. 

Jesus made this in-dependence quite apparent as he spoke to his disciples for the last time as recorded in John 15. He begins the chapter by comparing himself to a vine that gives life to the branches.  All branches attached to the vine, depending on the vital energy dispensed through the vine will bear much fruit. (John 15:1-8)

During his lesson, Jesus reveals “Apart from me you can do nothing.” vs. 5

Nothing? Jesus knew navigating the complex nature of this world requires God’s vital energy; a divine grace pouring into the hearts of his children, leading to the blessings only he can provide.   If we desire to produce spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) we need to stay attached or in-dependence on God’s vital energy.

Staying in-dependence upon God reminds me of a favorite Proverb.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 (RSV)

This proverb instructs us to completely rely upon God, recognize his power in our lives and in return, he will lead us the right way.  

Acknowledging or recognizing God means staying in awareness of his movement and provision in our lives and thanking him as much as possible for his goodness and strength each day. Praying, reading scripture, and other spiritual disciplines help our spirit stay aligned with God’s.

The state I live in, Colorado, will celebrate its 150th birthday on August 1.  Colorado’s state seal reveals a dependence on God. 

image of Colorado State Seal

A gold eye at the top of the seal represents God’s eye constantly watching us.  The state motto, “Nil Sine Numine” is a Latin phrase translated as, “Nothing without providence” or “Nothing without God.” Whether you live in Colorado or not, this phrase is a good motto to remember and practice.

As you celebrate Independence Day or as you go about every day, remember to stay in-dependence upon the One who loves you most!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Read John 15: 1-8 to better digest the vital life energy that God gives his children through Jesus.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  May every flag you see this weekend or beyond remind you to stay in-dependence on the God who gives you life!