The Vine and the Branches

I was visiting with my friend and pastor, Melodi, again this morning, and we were talking about the text for the Gospel reading on Sunday. 

It 's from John 15:1-2, 5-8.  1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.  5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.  6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this is My father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples."

I loved this text.  It's so cut and dry.  I just want to encourage anyone who reads this to use the gifts God has given you and live your life for God.  Be a living branch on the vine, (one that uses your God-given gifts, is pruned and given more gifts), not one that dies and is burned!