Due to the winter storm, many of our ARP churches are closed today. We’re thankful to share a devotion from Rev. Charles Hammond, Pastor of Unity ARP Church in Lancaster, SC.
I hope you all are staying safe and warm today!
A few days ago, we started preparing for the storm. We knew the ice was coming, and with ice comes the inevitable threat of power outages. While we were thankful for gas heat to keep us warm, our biggest concern was funny but true: Would our devices stay charged? What would we do if we lost access to the internet?
It is amazing how much we depend on power. Without it, the most expensive gadgets in our homes become completely useless. In the tech world, we call an electronic device that can’t do anything a “brick.”
The Need for Power
I’ll be honest—I actually enjoy it when the power first goes out. I love the quiet, the candlelight, and huddling by the fire. But that “cozy” feeling has a shelf life. Eventually, we all start longing for that moment when the lights flicker back on and our devices start chirping again.
“Yeah! We have power again!”
The truth is, we were never created to be self-sufficient. Physically, our bodies need food and water for fuel that can be generated into power. But spiritually, the same rule applies. We aren’t capable of producing righteousness or peace on our own. When we try to bear fruit in our own strength, we will always fail because we weren’t created to do it on our own. We simply become spiritual “bricks.”
The True Vine
Just before Jesus went to the cross, He gave His disciples a vital truth:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Jesus is the Vine; we are just the branches. If a branch is cut off from the source, it doesn’t just “struggle”—it withers and dies. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
A Power That Never Fails
The incredible news is that while the local power grid might fail during a storm, Jesus never fails. There is never a time when He is unable to give us life or the strength we need to bear fruit. If we find ourselves feeling “unplugged” or fruitless, it isn’t because the Source moved; it’s usually because we stopped abiding.
When we stay connected to Him—through prayer, His Word, and trust—we aren’t just surviving; we are thriving. Jesus told us these things so that our joy might be full.
Reflection:
As you check your phone battery or look at the lights today, ask yourself: Am I plugged into the Vine, or am I trying to run on my own power?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being our constant Source. Forgive us for the times we try to be self-sufficient. Help us to abide in You today so that Your power can flow through us, bringing life and joy to everything we do. Amen.
Stay warm, stay connected to the Source, and God bless!
I really needed to hear that this morning. Thank you
Good word, Charles!