Stay Connected


 

Stay Connected

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

John 15:1-8

 

In 1943, amidst the turmoil of World War II and the civil rights movement, Thomas Dorsey penned a timeless hymn, "If We Ever Needed the Lord Before, We Sure Do Need Him Now." This song resonates through the decades, reminding us of our constant need for divine guidance and support. Today, its message rings truer than ever.

As we navigate the challenges of our time, let us find solace in the enduring hope, deliverance, and victory that come from staying connected to God. In John 15:1-8, Jesus urges his disciples to remain rooted in him, promising sustenance and purpose despite the storms of life.

Jesus, speaking in the language of his agrarian audience, compares himself to a vine, with God as the gardener. He illustrates that by staying connected to him, we find the spiritual resources needed to bear fruit, undergo necessary pruning for growth, and maintain a close relationship marked by faith and obedience.

Jesus assures his disciples, then and now, that remaining connected to him ensures functionality and productivity. Yet, it's all too easy to become disconnected amid life's distractions, desires, and doubts. Like the prodigal son, we may stray, but it's in those moments of need that we must remember God's promises and goodness, rekindling our connection with him.

The role of the church is to stay tethered to Christ, bearing fruit that glorifies God and blesses others. Through continual dependence, prayer, and faith, we align ourselves with God's will, bearing the fruits of love, joy, and peace that define genuine discipleship.

In our connection to Christ, we're not alone. We're part of a global community of believers nurtured by God's grace. As we pray and work together, God equips us to overcome obstacles and spread his goodness to all.

In these uncertain times, let us echo Dorsey's words: "If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need him now." Let us seek God's guidance for rain in the droughts of our souls, peace amidst chaos, and wisdom to sow seeds of faith wherever we go. As we stay connected to Christ, may our lives bear abundant fruit, bringing glory to God and blessings to the world.

Heavenly Father,

Amid the chaos and uncertainty gripping our nation and the world, we seek to remain tethered to You through Jesus Christ. Our aim is to bear the fruits of the spirit in our relationships with others. We ask that our connection with fellow believers, rooted in our connection with You, will have a meaningful impact wherever we find ourselves. May the spread of Your love and grace surpass any threat to humanity, becoming a contagion of hope and healing.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Embracing God's Immutable Love

Image
  Embracing God's Immutable Love Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35 By Dr. Russell M. Morrow On St. Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, the magnificent Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, has withstood the test of time, enduring countless storms and environmental changes. Its sprawling branches offer shelter and refuge to all who seek its shade, standing as a testament to resilience and endurance. Just as this ancient oak remains steadfast and unyielding, God's immutable love has endured from the beginning of time through every age. In our scripture reading, we witness Jesus facing significant challenges. His family thought He was out of His mind due to the intense demands of His ministry, and the scribes accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Despite these false accusations and misunderstandings, Jesus responded with patience and explicit teaching. He dismantled the scribes' claims by explaining that a divided house cannot stand and emph...
Read more

A New Year Greeting from Russell & Elaine Morrow

Image
  Happy New Year, Beloved Family, Friends, Church Family,  Colleagues, and Coworkers, to All Who Read this Letter. As we resume the rhythms of everyday life now that we have crossed the threshold to the new year of 2024, we leave behind the diversity of life experiences in 2023 that ranged from joy to sorrow, a baby’s first cry and a loved one’s last breath, and the tension between the yin and yang of human relationships that is manageable for some and intolerable for others. Yet, the manifestation of God’s love is present all around us and has maintained a stronghold amid the chaos of “man’s inhumanity to man.” As difficult as it may be, there are always reasons to give God thanks and praise for who he is and what He has done and continues to do to reveal his justice, love, grace, mercy, healing, and restoration. For example, we see this in the 2023 iteration of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple Musical.” For the followers of Christ - Protégés of Jesus, the true meaning of...
Read more

Get A Piece of the Rock

Image
Get A Piece of the Rock By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Text: Psalms 61 This Psalm of David was set in the background of David's trouble as King of Israel. King David is in big trouble,   He is in exile from Jerusalem in defense of his kingdom.   His nation was divided. And his son Absalom was killed by his soldiers. All this was the result of family problems based on David's sin with Bathsheba that seemingly put a curse on his family, specifically his children. So, he prays to God: Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. This passage reminded me of the Prudential Life Insurance Company and their famous logo of The Rock of Gibraltar in Southern Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. Are you ...
Read more