Give Us Understanding
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) The Lord will never use a person working in his or her own strength or sense of righteousness, and no one makes a real difference in the world until they stop trying to make a difference. We can expect to receive nothing from the Lord, until we realize the only thing we have to offer God is emptiness. It is doubtful the Lord will fill anyone who is not empty, or that he will help anyone who is not helpless. The Lord does not come alongside us to make our dreams come true or to satisfy our wants. He is after something much more profound – brokenness. Jesus laid down the prerogatives of His deity and became broken bread and poured-out wine for us. We must do the same for Him. . . . for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) Our Lord tells us to pick ...