Psalm 1:2—3 “Blessed is the one…who meditates on the law of the Lord day and night; He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water; whose fruit does not fail and whose leaf does not wither…”

Ephesians 3:14-19. “I kneel before the father from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, and I pray that He may bestow gifts in keeping with the riches of His glory.  May He strengthen you inwardly through the working of His Spirit; may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of your life, so you may have the power to comprehend with all the saints the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love and experience this love which is beyond all knowledge…”

 

  • At this Thanksgiving tide, we reflect on our lives, on all the years and seasons past.  We recall all the many gifts which God has poured out upon us, and we recall the ways in which these gifts have shaped our lives.
  • The friends and relationships that have gone in and out of our lives have each brought us a gift, a lesson, a chapter in learning how to love.
  • The trials and crosses of life have each taught us something, and have deepened us.
  • Each experience we have has enriched our lives, even if the experience has been painful.
  • Each relationship, each happening has left us with a purpose and a task.
  • As we keep our eyes on our Master, we begin to discover the path we follow as individuals.
  • We all have something to contribute, and as we go forward in hope, keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ, we become planted ever deeper in His rich soil.
  • We become rooted in Him, for He is love.
  • We bear fruit that lasts; we do not wither or fade.

 

”I am the true vine; my Father is the vine dresser; every branch of mine that bears no fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it may bear more fruit. Abide in me and I in you; as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…remain in my love; these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full…”