Fight for It: A 21-Day DevotionalChikamu

Today’s Devotional:

Now, more than ever, we live in a constant state of searching for connection. Is there wifi there? Is there an outlet for my laptop nearby? Does anyone have a charger? And for those who have transitioned from gas to electric vehicles, you know the importance of charging stations and the time it takes to recharge. Our phones don’t work without a signal or battery power. Our gas or electric vehicles cannot run forever without recharging or refueling. What makes us think we can constantly run hastily from thing to thing, place to place, and person to person without stopping for genuine connection?

Fasting is an excellent reminder in our spiritual lives that we must stop to connect to the Source of all life. Jesus understood the power and necessity of connection. In John 15, Jesus used a familiar image of connection in His day to communicate the truth about God. The vine was an important image in the 1st century. It represented a connection to the nation of Israel and the provision of God for the people. Jesus took that image and told His hearers that He was the “true vine.” He was their source of protection, provision, and promise. Jesus took this illustration further, telling them that His Father was the Gardener and that apart from the Vine, we can do nothing.

A gardener or vine dresser had three primary tasks while tending to the vine. First, the gardener would lift up the vine from the ground to avoid harm to the plant. God wants to lift us up, protecting us from possible damage. Second, the vinedresser would cut off any branch that is dying or diseased from the vine. God desires to cut off any distraction that could blind us to His provision in our lives. Thirdly, the gardener would clean off the vine. These vines grew in arid, dusty, dirty places, and a caring vinedresser would gently wash and remove any dust or dirt from the vine. God has promised to wash us clean through the work of Jesus on the cross. Let’s remain connected to the Vine and look up to our faithful Gardener who lovingly cares for us.

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Dave Simiele

Question:

• What area of your life is God offering to lift up, cut off, or clean off? Why do you think He is offering to care for you this way?

A Prayer to ‘Look Up’: Dear God, I look up to you as the Gardener of my life. Please let this season of prayer and fasting prune my life from things, people, and places detrimental to my spiritual health. You alone are the Source of my protection, provision, and promise. Amen.