Each day we plug something in...a hair dryer, flat iron, curling iron, coffee 
maker ( though when it comes to coffee, I would prefer an IV drip!). We all know about plugging in. When I speak at retreats I often use my own hair dryer as a visual illustration. It’s made by Conair, model 1875. I point out that Conair, the manufacturer, made this particular hair dryer for a very specific purpose…to blow hot air, the dry wet hair! Now I realize I am a genius here, so stick with me….
But the one thing that has to happen before Conair, Model 1875, can operate as the manufacturer intended is that it must be plugged into an electrical outlet for power. Without being plugged in, Conair, Model 1875, can not operate as planned. The same is true for us.
Each of us were created for a specific purpose. Our manufacturer, The Almighty God, had a design for each individual life. But,what was intended for us spiritually can not take place unless we are plugged into the outlet of all power…Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look at what Christ himself said about this power connection, thousands of years ago. This is relevant truth for every day living…and exciting!
Today’s Truth: John 15, 1 John 2:27
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be my disciples…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
John later speaks about the anointing that happens as we remain connected…
” As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit, just as it has taught you remain in him.”
A branch can not bear fruit apart from the vine anymore than a hair dryer can dry hair apart from being hooked up to a power source. Jesus used an illustration that we were like the branches attached to the vine ( the power source of Christ himself.) When not connected we are void of power and fruit. But when we are connected all things are possible in and through us. When connected we can operate as the manufacturer intended.
I don’t know the plans God has for me, I just know He does have plans. I also know that I have tried in my own strength to live as a “good Christian woman” and failed. Just throw me a curve ball in life, and all bets are off, when operating in “myself”.
But…when I am connected to my maker, His power pulsing through me, my life is filled with the very things that I so desperately desire…love, joy, peace, patience…..Any one else need these?
Funny thing is, you can not buy these things…they come from the Holy Spirit. You can not spray the Holy Spirit on life purfume in the morning, you must be connected to Jesus to receive the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.
How do we connect?
- We connect to Christ through Prayer…talk to Him!
- We connect to Christ through His Word…listen to His viewpoint!
- We connect to Christ through Fellowship…learn from those in your circle!
- We connect to Christ through Obedience…God is pleased with faith and when we walk it out in our lives in baby steps, big steps, or any steps!
I have found that it’s important for me to connect first thing in the morning. As I open my sleepy eyes, I begin the connection with an immediate prayer of surrendering my “self” to God that day. I ask to be connected to His power, and to be equipped to follow His purpose and plan for me that particular day.
Even if my day just has “grocery shopping” on the agenda, I still connect with Christ. From that point on, it seems I am more attuned to listen for Him, look for Him, and be drawn to the the awareness of Him in my midst. It is amazing how such a simple thing can start the day off differently.
When I remain in him, the very real anointing, gives me power to live. In this authentic encounter with God, I no longer need to rely on counterfeits and imposter power. I can relax, remain in him, and be renewed in him. In this place I can hardly wait for the time that I scheduled to read his word and just “be with him”. Coffee with Jesus is one of my favorite things. It is there that I sit before him and He just blows me away…with his power, presence and love.
Today’s Prayer
Father, blow me away as I connect to you. Be my power, the rhythm of my life, the cadence of my steps, and everything that represents “me” walking here on this earth. Live in me, work through me, have your intended way in my life…today, tommorrow, next week, next month…..always Lord. I desire to remain in you and be blown away by your power, presence and love.
Don’t Miss Out! Design4Living Tickets are only $50 for the entire weekend. A special offer to celebrate Women for mother’s day. This ends Sunday night at midnight www.cornerstoneweb.org, or go to the front page of this site and click on buy tickets…it will take you there. See you at the end of the month, I am excited to share with you what it means to be WILD for Jesus!
