Podcasts about branches

Lent is often associated with giving something up for a short period of time—chocolate, social media, or another personal habit. While these practices can be helpful, the deeper purpose of Lent goes far beyond temporary sacrifice. It is an invitation to examine our hearts and allow God to reshape us. In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and God the Father as the gardener. Every branch connected to the vine is carefully tended. Branches that do not bear fruit are removed, while fruitful branches are pruned so they can grow even stronger and produce more. Pruning is not comfortable. In gardening, it involves cutting away what is unnecessary so that the plant can flourish. Spiritually, pruning can look similar. God gently reveals attitudes, habits, or priorities that may be preventing us from growing closer to Him. Sometimes those things are obvious sins that need to be removed. Other times they may be distractions or patterns that slowly pull our focus away from Christ. Even good activities can become misplaced priorities if they keep us from remaining connected to the vine. Lent invites us to slow down and reflect. It encourages us to sit quietly before God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what needs to change. This season is not about earning God’s approval—it’s about allowing Him to shape our hearts so we can bear the fruit of His Spirit. As we remain connected to Christ, the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begins to grow in our lives. These qualities are not produced through willpower alone but through our ongoing relationship with Jesus. When we allow God to prune our hearts, the result is not loss—it is deeper growth, greater freedom, and a life that reflects His character more clearly. Main Takeaways Lent invites believers to examine their hearts and spiritual habits. God, the gardener, prunes our lives so we can grow and bear more fruit. Spiritual pruning may involve removing sinful habits or unhealthy priorities. Remaining connected to Christ allows the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us. The goal of Lent is deeper transformation, not temporary sacrifice. Today’s Bible Verse “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also 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.” - John 15:1-4 (NIV) Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “Lord, help me remain connected to You and allow Your Spirit to shape my heart.” Listen to the full prayer here. To view the prayer in written format, visit the links below. Want More? Relevant Links & Resources Continue growing in faith and encouragement: LifeAudio.com – Christian podcasts and devotionals Crosswalk.com – Daily prayers, articles, and Bible study resources This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Something about saying yes is always saying no and saying no is always saying yes and who are we saying yes to? Ourselves? Why or why not? And all of that.

BITTER BRANCHES just dropped their second LP, Let's Give The Land Back To The Animals, courtesy of Equal Vision and The Ghost Is Clear Records. Drummer Jeff Tirabassi and guitarist Matt Ryan dig into the details of the hardcore supergroup playing noisey rock and roll.Music by:SealerBitter BranchesMedicinalIntro music by:Hot ZonePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GettingitoutpodcastEmail: dan@gettingitout.netWebsite: http://gettingitout.net/Instagram: @getting_it_out_podcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/gettingitoutpodcastX: @GettingItOutPodSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/getting-it-out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COMPANION SAINT PRAYER-St. Mother Teresa, your thirst for Jesus opened your heart to love. Show me where my own soul is parched that I may drink from the Living Water that quenches all desire.SCRIPTURE- John 15:4-5"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."REFLECTION- Fr. CarlMUSIC- "Distraction Days" by The Album Leaf & Jimmy LaValle- "Loving and Forgiving" by Tom KendziaNOTES- Lent: Check out the LENT page on The God Minute website to find out more about our programming for this week.PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Hello to you listening in Aukland, New Zealand! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga. I've been walking in the rain to settle my restless, anxious spirit. I live in Washington. It rains. If don't walk in the rain I'd probably never walk.   As I walked I reflected on something my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said about people and the sturdiness of trees, “When you look at the tree during the storm you can see that the top of the tree is not solid. You can only see the tiny branches and a number of leaves on the top of the tree swaying back and forth under the effect of the wind. You have the impression that the tree is very vulnerable but if you look down to see the big branches and the trunk of the tree you see that the tree is strongly rooted in the ground. The impression that the tree is vulnerable will vanish. You see that the tree is much more solid than it looks at the top. We are like that, too." Practical Tip: When you feel anxious, uncertain or vulnerable you can practice to get solid and peaceful again. The stability of your body will help bring about the stability of your mind. Sit beautifully and practice saying: “Breathing in I see myself grounded, breathing out I feel solid, peaceful.” And so you will become. Guaranteed. You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together.  AND!  Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts Music: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

In this Lenten message from John 15, Pastor Sean reflects on Jesus' image of the vine and branches and the often difficult process of pruning in the Christian life. As a gardener cares for a vine so it can bear more fruit, God sometimes removes things that once felt meaningful or life-giving. Through personal story and reflection, this message invites us to consider what it looks like to remain connected to Christ through seasons of change and letting go. Rather than striving to produce growth on our own, we're reminded that lasting fruit grows from staying rooted in Jesus and learning to love one another well.

John 15:1-17 - Abiding in Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 3-08-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Stay Connected, Change, Joy, Fruit, Plug, Electricity, Vine, Branches, Lamp

Christina Won shares about her journey to visit all the libraries in San Francisco.

John 15:1-17 - Abiding in Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 3-08-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Stay Connected, Change, Joy, Fruit, Plug, Electricity, Vine, Branches, Lamp

Ok, damn, this Shinto "religion" (it's not a religion) is the shit. Honestly, where has Shinto been all our life? Well, it has been in Japan but it's never too late to start bringing some of the good stuff into our lives.

In this message, Pastor B. explores Jesus' powerful statement that He is the True Vine. Through this image, Jesus teaches that real spiritual life only comes from being connected to Him. Just as branches depend on the vine for life and fruit, believers must depend on Christ for strength, growth, and purpose.Jesus contrasts Himself with Israel, which was often described in Scripture as God's vine but failed to produce the fruit God desired. In contrast, Jesus is the true and faithful vine, and those who remain in Him will bear lasting fruit.We also look at what it truly means to abide in Christ. Abiding involves obeying His Word, praying faithfully, trusting in His love, and loving others within the community of believers. As we remain connected to Him, God lovingly prunes our lives, through Scripture, our choices, and even seasons of suffering to shape us into the likeness of Christ and produce spiritual fruit.Jesus makes it clear that connection to Him is essential. Branches that remain in the vine flourish, but branches that disconnect eventually wither. Our life, growth, and fruitfulness all come from staying close to Him.Finally, we reflect on how Communion reminds us of this connection. Through His sacrifice, Jesus made a way for us to remain in Him and continually return to the life-giving source of the True Vine.

John 2:23-3:15 Born of the Spirit Please turn in your Bibles to the end of John chapter 2. Our sermon text is John 2:23 to 3:15. Chapter 2 so far has included Jesus' miracle, turning water into wine, and his cleansing of the temple. The narrative now shifts from Jesus' actions to his interactions. The end of chapter 2 introduces these interactions. You'll hear that Jesus knows the heart of man (he knows your heart and my heart). And then in chapter 3, we'll hear the first example of that. A man named Nicodemus. Reading of John 2:23-3:15 Prayer "Bullfrogs and butterflies, we've both been born again." I completely forgot about that children's song until Ed Sellers mentioned it this week in a conversation. He didn't even remember I was preaching on John 3. That song was a hit back in the late 1970s into the 80s. It was that same era that President Jimmy Carter called himself a "born again Christian." Billy Graham also used that title often to describe himself and his faith. It was a Christian cultural thing for a while. In some circles it is still used. And it comes right from John 3. I've been thinking a lot about that title "born again." It has not been my preference as far as a title for a Christian. In part, that's because of its typical association with a certain brand of Christianity. The phrase is also in a sense redundant. After all, every true Christian is born again. However, the more I've through about it, the more I appreciate it - maybe not as a title per-se, but at least as a description. It's true. After all someone who believes in Christ is a new creation in him, the old has passed, the new has come. We are tadpoles and caterpillars that have been transformed into bullfrogs and butterflies. It's a helpful description because being born again means that to be a Christian is more than just believing that Jesus existed. It's more than just knowing religious things. There is something deeper that has to happen in your life. And that is what Jesus is teaching here. As I was reading, you probably noticed there are a few things going on in these verses. ·      For one, at the end of chapter 2 we learn that Jesus is still in Jerusalem. It's still the Passover. He was performing miracles (you know, signs as John calls them). And people were believing. However, not everyone who said they believed in Jesus were truly transformed. That is why in chapter 2 verse 24 it says that Jesus "did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people." He knew their hearts. He knew what was truly on the inside. ·      The second thing we learn is related. We're learning more about Jesus. As we've already seen in the first two chapters and which will continue throughout, there's a deepening revelation of who he is… and why he came. In these verses, we come to understand that Jesus does knows the heart of man; furthermore, he has come down from heaven; and he will be lifted up. We'll get to those two things later. ·      And the third thing we learn about is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit plays a significant role here. We are to be born of the Spirit, as it says - water and Spirit. We'll get to that in a few minutes. So, there's a lot going on... But I think we can boil it down to two questions: How does one see the kingdom of God? You know, where should we look in order to find it? That phrase is there in verse 3. And then, how does one enter the kingdom of God? That's in verse 5. Well, the answers to those questions come through a dialogue. The conversation is between someone seeking answers - that's Nicodemus, an esteemed teacher of Israel, and Jesus - the one in whom the wisdom and knowledge of God is found. Ok, to give us a little structure, we'll consider these things in three points. You can see them on page 4: 1. A teacher who must be taught (3:1-2, 9-10) 2. A birth that must be given (3:3-8) 3. A testimony that must be believed (3:11-15) 1. A teacher who must be taught (3:1-2, 9-10) So, #1, again, a teacher who must be taught. I'm talking, of course, about Nicodemus. We're told that he was a Pharisee. Pharisees were prominent leaders known for their careful study of Jewish law. And it wasn't just the law of Moses which we have in the first 5 books of the Bible. But Pharisees were also experts in applying of the law. They had created additional rules with the goal to help people keep it. Pharisees get a bad rap, and often for good reason because many of them were "white washed tombs" as Jesus would call them. However, some really did desired to see reform and for God's people to strive for covenant faithfulness to God. It's just that for most, their emphasis focused on keeping the rules and not a heart love for God. That's one thing about Nicodemus. He is also called "a ruler of the Jews." So, he was more than just a Pharisee, he was a member of the ruling council, called the Sanhedrin. They had significant power. The Sanhedrin were like the Supreme Court and Congress combined into one council. And furthermore, in chapter 3 verse 10, Jesus referred to Nicodemus as a teacher of Israel. He not only had the knowledge, but he had the capability and authority to teach. He had the responsibility to instruct others in matters pertaining to God's law and the covenants and the history of Israel. So, added together, here was a man of great status and responsibility. He was like a lawyer, a judge, a senator, and a renowned professor all rolled into one. And he was there in Jerusalem observing Jesus and his signs. It's possible Nicodemus had even been at the temple when Jesus cleansed it. And notice that Nicodemus was searching. The text explicitly mentions that he came to find Jesus at night. The question is, did the interaction just happen to be at night? In other words, is the reference to night just because that's when it happened? I don't think so. Why would the apostle John mention night if didn't have significance? Most likely, Nicodemus wanted to talk Jesus but didn't want to attract a crowd. Or perhaps he did not want certain Pharisees or council members to know. After all, Jesus had just made a big ruckus at the temple. And so he goes at night and finds Jesus. And before asking any questions, Nicodemus opens with an observation. Verse 2 "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." Did you notice that he said "we" and not "I?" "We know." Nicodemus was there on behalf of some of the other Pharisees. And even though he didn't ask a question, there was an implicit question in his statement. They wanted to know, was Jesus from God? Now, remember, we were just told that Jesus knows what is in man. He knows Nicodemus's heart. And at this point in his life, Nicodemus was still in the dark. By the way, it's possible that the reference to "night" indicates more than just the time of day. The apostle John loves contrasts like light and darkness and life and death. Jesus had already been described as the Light of the world. Nicodemus was still in the darkness, but was searching for the light. He was not hostile, like most of the other Pharisees, rather, he was looking for the light. That is why Jesus responded " unless one is born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God." Nicodemus was looking but could not yet see. And so, Jesus explains to him how to see and how to enter the kingdom of God. We'll come back to Jesus' answer in point 2, but in the meantime, jump ahead to verse 10. Jesus made a very eye-opening statement to Nicodemus. He said, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" Here's a man with tremendous credentials and social standing and responsibility. Nicodemus was in a sense a "Hebrew of Hebrews" as the apostle Paul described his own former life. Yet, Nicodemus did not understand. Now, you would have expected Nicodemus to react negatively. After all, Jesus had just accused him of ignorance. But Nicodemus didn't lash out in pride like we will see other Pharisees do. No, it appears that God's Spirit had been at work in his heart. He was a teacher who realized he needed to be taught. Now, we are never told that Nicodemus became born again. However, in chapter 7 he would stand up for Jesus before the chief priests. And in chapter 19, after Jesus' death, it is Nicodemus who brought 75 gallons of precious oils for Jesus' burial. It's kind of like the social media phrase today, "Tell me Nicodemus became a Christian without telling me Nicodemus became a Christian." But at this point… at this first encounter, Nicodemus had yet to understand. He was in the dark. He was a teacher who needed to be taught. 2. A birth that must be given (3:3-8) Which brings us to #2. A birth that must be given. Ok, so "born again." What does that mean? Well, for starters, the phrase "born again" can also be translated "born anew" or "born from above." I think the translation "born again" is the right one. After all, Nicodemus responded by asking, how can someone be born a second time from his mother? Born from above is true but that translation doesn't fit the dialogue. Now, think now about how radical that statement must have been to Nicodemus. Probably a majority of us have heard the phrase "born again" before. Or maybe you've read elsewhere in the Scripture that your heart needs to be regenerated… you needed to become a child of God, adopted into his family. Those ideas are related. But Nicodemus had none of that background. It was very unexpected. Born again? What do you mean? He asked, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" The question was not belligerent. Rather being born again just sounded impossible to Nicodemus. It's similar to what we considered last week. The Jews didn't understand how Jesus could raise a destroyed temple in 3 days. Here, Nicodemus didn't realize that Jesus had a deeper meaning, and so he simply asked the natural question. Jesus responded that to enter the kingdom of God, one needed to be born of water and Spirit. He went on to explain that what is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Nicodemus, your credentials don't matter in the kingdom of God. Your efforts, your labor, your study, your status as a Pharisee nor your status as a member of the Sanhedrin will not get you into heaven. None of those flesh-oriented things get you into the kingdom of God. No, Nicodemus, you need to be born of water and the Spirit. The question is, what does that mean? What does it mean to be born of water and spirit? Well, let's tackle the easier one first. I think we can get our hearts and minds around being born of the Spirit… Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. It is God's Spirit who regenerates our hearts. He opens the eyes of our hearts to see and believe. He breathes new life into us as we sang earlier. We were dead and he made us alive. Furthermore, God's Spirit is like the wind, as verse 8 tells us. We can't see the wind, but we know it's there. Branches sway. Wind chimes make music. We hear rustling and whistling when wind passes through trees and in the grass. It's the same with the Holy Spirit. He moves in the hearts of mankind. We can't see him, but we can perceive his regenerating work in others and in our own heart. The Holy Spirit causes us to be born again. It's the water reference that is more difficult. I think, though, that if we consider the context, we can understand what water signifies. The reference to water is most likely the cleansing and renewal that comes with repentance.  Let me give you three reasons: ·      First, in chapter 1, John the Baptist was baptizing with water. It was a baptism of repentance and it signified our need for cleansing. In fact, John the Baptist and his water baptism will be revisited later in this chapter. ·      Second, earlier in chapter 2 we also came across a reference to water. The ceremonial pots were filled with water. Those pots were for purification… they were for cleansing. The water was turned to wine in part to signify our need for Jesus to cleanse us… not by the outward washing by water but by the inward cleansing of our sin. ·      And third, the connection between the symbolic cleansing of water and the Holy Spirit is elsewhere in Scripture. Take, for example, Ezekiel's prophecy in chapter 36. It says that the Lord will sprinkle clean water on you and you shall be clean from all your uncleanliness. It then goes on says the Lord will give us new hearts and put his Spirit within us. So, the cleansing of water and the Spirit. Or consider Titus 4. It says that Jesus Christ "saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness." In other words, we are not saved in our flesh, our works. Rather, it says, "by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." So, the reference to water here is not talking about physical water. Rather it symbolizes our need to be cleansed from our sin. We need to be born of water and Spirit. Let me summarize: entrance into the kingdom of God comes through the cleansing ministry of Christ when the Spirit of God gives you new heart. He reveals your heart of sin and gives you a heart of repentance and faith. And all of it is God's work in us, not our work. To be born again is to be born of the Spirit and not the flesh. None of us here had anything to do with our natural birth.  It just happened to us. Well, new birth is similar in that way. It is God's Spirit who causes us to be born again.  3. A testimony that must be believed (3:11-15) #3. A testimony that must be believed. Well, that brings us to verses 11-15. Notice that at this point, the dialogue has stopped. Instead of a back and forth, Jesus now teaches the teacher of Israel. And what Jesus is now doing is he's pressing into Nicodemus about believing. I want to make a special note here. The "you" at the end of verses 11 and all the "you-s" in verse 12 are all plural. Remember, Nicodemus had come as a representative. He was inquiring on behalf of a group of Pharisees. So, while the Holy Spirit may have been softening Nicodemus's heart, that is not the case for some of the others. That is why Jesus asks a rhetorical question, " If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?." And immediately after saying that, Jesus revealed that he himself is from heaven. He was saying, if you all don't believe that you need to be born again, how will you believe in me, the Son of Man, come from heaven? We came across the Son of Man title at the end of chapter 1. It's a reference to Daniel's prophecy about the Messiah - Remember, the Son of Man was given dominion and power and a kingdom. In other words, Jesus was saying in order for someone to be truly born again, they first needed to believe in his testimony… that he is indeed is God in the flesh. But Jesus doesn't end it there. No he continued. To be born again requires not only belief in his identity, but also belief about his saving ministry. That is what verse 14 and 15 are talking about. It refers to Jesus being "lifted up." That is, lifted up on the cross. We read from Numbers chapter 21 earlier. In the wilderness, God's people had been grumbling against him. And because of that, the people had been inflicted with poisonous serpents. Many died who had been bitten. And so, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and to hoist it up on a pole. From that point onward, anyone who had been bitten by a serpent could look upon the bronze serpent, and they would live. What God was revealing in the wilderness, is that he would send one who would be lifted up. This one, this Messiah, would spiritually heal sinners condemned to death. You see, it was another pattern that displayed Christ, and more specifically it foreshadowed the cross. So, to be born again is to not only to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but also to believe that he was lifted up on the cross to bring healing from sin. And, of course, when Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, the cross had yet to happen, so he was prophesying what would come. Conclusion So, a teacher who needed to be taught, a birth that must be given, and a testimony that must be believed. Let me conclude by circle back to the two questions being answered: How do we see the kingdom of God and how do we enter it? Well, Jesus has told us. We will not find the kingdom of God through our credentials or our religious knowledge. Nicodemus had all of that and yet he still could not see. No, the kingdom of God is spiritual, and we will only see it through spiritual eyes given to us by the Spirit. And we will only enter it when we are born again. That is, when we are cleansed by the ministry of Christ and renewed by the Holy Spirit. In other words, the path into the kingdom does not come through our own efforts. You do not enter the kingdom of God because your parents are Christians or in Nicodemus's case because he was an Israelite, and a special one at that. No, rather, you need to be born again... You need a transformation from being a tadpole or a caterpillar into a bullfrog or a butterfly. You need a new heart - a heart of repentance that believes in the one who came down from heaven and was lifted up on the cross. Maybe you are like Nicodemus. You've come to Jesus at night because you are seeking. If that's you, pray to him and ask him that he would grant you to be born again… born by water and the Spirit… the cleansing ministry of Christ and new life given to you….

Sioux City library director Rigdon says budget cut of 25% would have "scary" impact on services & branches.

Japan was wild and we learned so much. This is not a, our favorite coffee shop but it is a... we were humbled, inspired, and awed by a trip.

Gentiles Grafted In 11So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusionmean! 13Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19Then you will say, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. 20That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.22Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

John 15:1-11“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”— John 15:5

A Frank Sinatra hit song, a COVID-era mask callback, and a brutally smelly airplane converge into one uncomfortable truth: spiritual independence sounds great…until it doesn't. The guys center on John 15 and the difference between staying connected to the source of life and slowly drifting into spiritual decay. Along the way, they land on two words they argue may be the most important in all of Scripture and figure out how to become best friends with Jesus. In this episode: Matthew 28, verses 18–20; Acts 17, verses 24–28; John 15, verses 1–17; 2 Corinthians 2, verses 14–16; Ephesians 1, verses 4–10; 1 John 2, verse 6; Hebrews 2, verses 5–9; Hebrews 12, verses 26–28; Psalm 8, verses 3–6 “Unashamed” Episode 1278 is sponsored by: https://timtebow.com/tree-unashamed — Get your copy of If the Tree Could Speak on Amazon today! https://cozyearth.com/unashamed — Get up to 20% off when you use our link or code UNASHAMED! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters:  00:00 Zach's Mysterious Absence 04:32 Entering the “North Carolina Research Triangle” 12:18 Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra & “I Did It My Way” 16:48 The Brick Capital of the World 24:42 What Does It Really Mean to Abide? 29:36 The Vine, the Branches & the Source 38:10 The Airplane Smell Story 43:18 The Two Most Important Words 47:26 A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken 51:38 Jesus Calls Us Friends — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Thompson from The Branches in Mora stops by the Front Porch.

Today we conclude the "Formed to Be Sent" series while launching into Lent as a season of deeper formation. We're looking at John 15:1-8, and discover that fruit grows from connection, not effort. Branches don't strain to produce grapes; they simply stay connected to the vine. Everything discussed over five weeks...formation, being sent, entrusting, everyday obedience...flows from abiding in Christ. Without abiding, formation becomes self-improvement and mission becomes exhausting activism. Lent is not religious obligation but a gift: forty days to slow down, prune distractions, and make space to remain in Jesus. Discipleship is a journey with a horizon, sustained by abiding.

Since this podcast is trying to highlight the mystics, it's probably good to talk about what the hell that even means... what are the mystics, what are they saying... what's that even mean? And to be clear, this is a massive question but we have some thoughts. Just thoughts.

John 15:1-8,“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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.This morning we come to the seventh of Jesus's seven great “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. Jesus is the bread of life; he is the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life; he is the way, the truth, and the life. And finally, in John 15, he is the vine.The vine. It's such a memorable and concrete image that it might be hard for some of us to hear it afresh. One of the challenges for us is how this old English word “abide,” which is not a word we use today. Anyone use “abide” on the street this week? It's an old word, but it's easy enough. It just means “remain” or “stay.” “Abide in me” equals “Stay in me.”Now, that command to stay or abide in Jesus doesn't come until verse 4. Verses 1-3 set the table with vital background information before Jesus turns to us, the branches, in verse 4, and says, Stay in me.So, we branches have something to do here, to engage in. In this picture of Christ's provision, you do get to play a part. You are not decisive, but you are involved: you stay, remain, continue. Or, said negatively: don't bail, don't fall away; don't coast and drift from Jesus — especially when conflict comes, when interruptions come, when agitation comes, disorientation, confusion, insults, opposition, slander.The call to abide, to stay, assumes a context of conflict, with forces pulling on the branches, trying to disconnect them from the vine.It's easy to pull these verses out of context and imagine a nice, peaceful, sunshiny day in the vineyard. But John 15 is right at the beginning of the storm. Remember this is the longest Thursday night, the night before Jesus dies. The storm is bearing down on them, and Jesus is getting his men ready.He said in 14:27:“Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”And he said in 14:31, “Rise, let us go from here.”But he keeps talking. I imagine the disciples rising to their feet, but before they go, Jesus wants to prepare them a little bit more, with a battlefield speech: I am the vine; you are branches. That's what you need for this storm. Stay in me.Then in 16:1 Jesus will say why he said what he did in chapter 15:“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.”So, abiding is not about cushy, idyllic days. It's about staying in Jesus when forces are trying to pull you away from him. Which relates to another context for this passage: our context. Jonathan called it our “Troubled Heart Situation”: the jarring interruption of our worship a few weeks ago, with its insults, and since then, the questions and many misunderstandings we've endured from those who don't know the truth and may show little interest in it.So, originally, the Vine and branches was to help Jesus's disciples, against opposition, stay with him. And now God has given Cities Church the Vine and branches this morning to help us, against opposition, stay with him.Now, when we see ourselves in this passage, it is a very simple, modest role. Jesus uses the word six times: branch. That's what you are, what I am: we are branches. Humble branches, totally dependent, powerless and unimpressive on our own — and yet branches on a good vine can be very happy, nourished, well supplied, empowered, and fruitful.So, we make our way this morning with four truths about us as humble, happy branches who need to stay in Jesus in the storm.1. We branches are distinct from the Vine. (vv. 1–2)We are just branches. We are not the Vine. Jesus is the Vine. We are distinct from the Vine and we do not become the Vine, and yet, amazingly, we are joined to the Vine. And not just Vine, but in verse 1, Jesus says “true vine.” “I am the true vine.”We've seen Jesus use the word true throughout John to talk about being the real or genuine or ultimate. He is the true light, the true bread, true food, true drink. And now true vine.True vine implies that another vine has come before, and now Jesus comes as the true one, the ultimate one. What was the previous vine? Israel. Psalm 80:8–9 is one place among many:You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. In Psalm 80, and in Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Israel is God's vine, and tragically, in the prophets, God's vine that did not bear the fruit it should have.So, this is no small claim when Jesus says he's the true vine. He's saying that God's first-covenant people, the first vine, the old vine, were not the final vine. And now Jesus comes as the new vine, the true vine, the ultimate vine. Which means he's the new and final place of connection to God, not Israel.Previously, to be God's people, you had to be born into or specially brought into God's ethnic people. But now, to be God's people, you need only to be joined to Jesus.This joining to Jesus is what we call “union with Christ.” Through faith, by the connecting power of the Holy Spirit, men and women from every nation, whatever ethnicity, are joined to Jesus and, in union with him, experience all the benefits he provides: righteousness, redemption, forgiveness, holiness, sonship, and true family, and best of all, at the center of it all, the surpassing joy of knowing Jesus.And a union works in two directions. A husband and all he has becomes his wife's, and the wife and all she has becomes her husband's. So, verse 4 says, “Abide in me, and I in you.” Verse 5: “Whoever abides in me and I in him.” This is mutual indwelling. We branches are not only in the Vine by faith, but he is in us: “I in you.” As we saw last week, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, is the presence of Jesus in our lives and ministers to us the realness of Jesus. (And we'll see in a minute how this gets more tangible.)So, we branches are not the Vine; we are distinct from the Vine. And yet, we are joined to the Vine, united to the Vine. Which raises a question in verse 2:Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he [the Father, the vinedresser; literally, the Farmer, geōrgós] takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.Get this, it's not just vine and branches. There's a Farmer in the vineyard: the Father. He walks the vineyard. He helps the Vine and the branches by pruning the good ones and removing the fruitless ones. We'll come back to the Father and his pruning, but here's the question: What do we make of these branches that are “in the Vine” but the Father “takes away”? Verse 6 continues the thought:If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away [cast out] like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.Can someone be truly in the vine and taken away? The answer is the metaphor is not meant to go that far. Jesus has made plain again and again in this Gospel that no one can take his true sheep from him (6:37; 10:29; 17:12; 18:9), and John has made it clear that there are some who seem to believe, so-called followers of Jesus, even Judas among his twelve (2:23-24; 6:60, 6; 8:30ff; 12:42-43). The reality is not that they were once truly in and then fell away, but that their falling away shows they were never truly in the Vine. Those who are truly in Jesus persevere; they abide, and bear fruit; and they are the ones the Father prunes that they might bear more fruit (like the Lord's discipline in Hebrews 12:4–11).The point is that true Christians will bear fruit, not that a person could be genuinely united to Jesus and lose their connection.Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches, distinct from him, and united to him by faith and the Holy Spirit. 2. We branches delight in the sap. (vv. 3, 7a)I assume we don't have many viticulturists in the room. I should probably make it clear that life-giving sap flows in one direction: from the Vine to the branches. Sap, containing water and nutrients and sugar flows from the vine to the branches to nourish the branches that they might grow and develop fruit.And if you ask, Okay, that's great in theory about the vine, but how does this relate to our union with Jesus? Verse 7 gives us the critical answer for how this union becomes tangible:“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…”Did you hear it? What's staying in us when we stay in Jesus? His words. And this is not the only mention of his words in this passage. Jump up to verse 3:Already you are clean [katharoí, same root as “prune” in v. 2] because of the word that I have spoken to you.So, before telling them to abide, Jesus says, already (one of the most important words in this passage) you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. What's the word he spoke to them? In chapter 13, Jesus says something very similar. He's washing the disciples' feet, and Peter objects. Jesus says, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” So, Peter says, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus responds, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean [same as 15:3], but not every one of you” (referring to Judas).So, here's the significance of this first word in 15:3: it's his word of full acceptance, a declaration of right standing (what Paul will call justification by faith). Before you're purified, you are pure. Before you're cleaned, you are clean. You are in Jesus by faith, united to him, before you abide the storms. Union first, then abiding. Not abide to secure union; abide because you're united. So, verse 3, refers to a word Jesus speaks that effects full acceptance with God, in union with him, that is already true before we abide.Then, back to verse 7, where we have his word for fresh abiding, or the word for daily strength. This is the ongoing, sustaining flow of grace that comes to us in union with Jesus through his word. This is the word for sanctification or for perseverance. Jesus's word, with his Spirit, is the sweet sap that flows to our souls and gives them life and delight. (Do you long for and enjoy his word like a branch enjoys the sweet sap of the vine? Do you, like a newborn infant, long for the pure spiritual milk of his word? 1 Peter 2:2.)Vital to abiding in Jesus is savoring the sap of his word, having his word stay in you, getting his words lodged into our hearts. How do you do that? Not just reading Scripture but meditating on it. Chewing on it. Savoring the sap, slowing down to savor the sap of his word, and ponder it, and lodge it in your heart, that Jesus himself might abide in you by his Spirit.Healthy branches stay in the vine through regular, particular moments of intentional, unhurried abiding, staying in Christ's word, not reading quick, praying quick, checking the box, and onto the rest of your day; but lingering unhurried in the Vine through his word. Put your phone away. Carve out enough time to lose track of time, to stay, without rushing, abide, in the presence of God in the Vine, savoring his words as energizing, life-giving sap for your soul.So, branches delight in the sap, that is, the word.3. We branches depend on the Vine. (vv. 4, 5, 7b)Not only does the sap of the word flow from the Vine to the branches, but there is a particular orientation of the branches back toward the Vine: utter dependance. There is in humble, happy branches a glad admission of powerlessness, and a glad response to the word called prayer, asking for more of the Vine and for his help in doing what he calls us to do: be fruitful.The powerlessness is in verses 4–5:As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. . . . [A]part from me you can do nothing.So, such powerless dependent branches, delighting in the word of the Vine, respond with their own words called prayer. The last part of verse 7:“ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”We saw another of these “ask whatever” verses in chapter 14, verses 13–14:“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”We'll see another next week in 15:16:“…whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you…”Now verse 7:“…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”I don't think Jesus is giving us a blank prayer check for natural desires, and clearly we all know from our experience that we don't have that. The key in verse 7 is to remember the context. How different it is when you're in a trial and hanging on his words! His words in us feed our desires and prayers that echo his own heart. And “in my name” qualifies it. We have a banner in Jesus's name. And we have a backstop in the Spirit interceding for us. Romans 8:26–27: …the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us [in our] groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.Perhaps the main thing to take away is how much the Vine wants his branches to pray. He wants to hear from us — to live on the sap of his word, lodge his words and his will in our souls, and then, in his name, speak back to him. Pray. He wants there to be relationship, communion in the union.And a holy heart, shaped by God's word, is unleashed to ask, and ask, and ask, and know that when we don't know how to pray, and pray for the wrong things, we have the Spirit of Jesus in us interceding for us.So, the branches are distinct from the Vine, and we delight in his words, and we depend on him in prayer.4. We branches develop fruit, and so draw attention to the Farmer. (v. 8)Go to verse 8:“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”I say develop fruit because fruit doesn't happen in a moment. It grows organically, bit by bit over time. If you ask, what does “bearing fruit” mean for us, it includes all the good that flows from our union and communion with Christ: love for one another and joy and obeying commands and being his means to others coming to abide in him (more on that next week).None of which branches should hear as a burden! Bearing fruit is a joy for branches. That's what they were made for. Branches bearing fruit are branches fully alive and happy.And if you ask how you might evaluate your fruit, I would say this: don't evaluate your fruitfulness relative to how well you could someday love or obey or be effective in evangelism, or comparing yourself to the fruit of others. But ask yourself about you: your past, your former desires, your old self — how is the life-giving sap flowing into your soul and developing the fruit of love for others in your life? Perhaps you've heard the famous quote from John Newton:I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.And verse 8 is clear that developing fruit does not make you to be Jesus's disciples but proves you are his disciples. Our fruit shows that we had already become his. Which makes the Vine look good. And the vine producing fruit, through his branches, makes his Father, the Farmer, look good.Pruning Cities ChurchSo, we come back to verse 2 and that there's a Farmer. John 15 isn't just Vine and branches. We have a Farmer, the Father, who walks the vineyard. And he serves the vine and all the fruitful branches by removing the unfruitful ones. And he prunes the fruit-producing branches so that they can produce more fruit.So, I want to end with this question: Was the Farmer away on January 18? He was not away. John 15 clues us in on what he was doing: he was pruning Cities Church for our good, that we might bear more fruit. I don't think “more fruit” means headlines or relates to the opinions of people far away. But in the Vine, God has given us fruit together in these first eleven years in worshiping Jesus together, and loving one another, and seeking the good of these Cities. And “more fruit,” I would assume, would relate to these same three avenues.Brothers and sisters, the Farmer wasn't caught off guard on January 18. And he hasn't been away since. He is ever vigilant over his Vine and his branches. He is ever gardening. He is pruning with perfect cuts. And I can already see he's done and is doing some amazing work, to take so many individuals from some fruit to more fruit, and to work on us a people to prune us from fruit to more fruit. Most of you have leaned in with an engaged hope that has been remarkable. But if the last month has distanced you from the Vine, if you sense yourself withering, with less of his word, less prayer, less fellowship, make this your day of turning. The main thing the Farmer is doing in this suffering is causing his branches to go deeper into the Vine. Don't drift from the Vine. Stay. Remain. Abide.Delight in his sap. Lodge his sweet, life-giving words into your mind and heart. Depend on his help. Having filled yourself with his words, pray in your own words. And ask him for whatever you need in his call to love each other and these Cities.Fellowship of BranchesWe said at the beginning, we are not the Vine. And now: you are not the only branch. Jesus says branches. You are never a lone branch in Christ, and never alone at this Table.We call this Communion for two reasons: communion with the Vine and communion with the other branches that are in him. So, take a morsel of nourishment, and a thimble of sap, and let's enjoy the Vine together.

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It's been four years. We've got some catching up to do before we get too far. Catching up and.... Learning, always.

We are inescapably spiritual beings. Just as we draw in physical life from food and drink, we draw sustenance from Christ. In this message from John 15, Pastor Philip Miller explores Jesus' vivid metaphor from the Vine to the Vinedresser, the Branches, the Fruit, and the Sap. When we try to find life in anything else, it never really satisfies. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders.  SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

We are inescapably spiritual beings. Just as we draw in physical life from food and drink, we draw sustenance from Christ. In this message from John 15, Pastor Philip Miller explores Jesus' vivid metaphor from the Vine to the Vinedresser, the Branches, the Fruit, and the Sap. When we try to find life in anything else, it never really satisfies. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders.  SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

It's been over four years but we're back with a new attitude for a new era and all kinds of plans. We kick it off by looking back a little, with some questions about ourselves, and some new energy moving forward. Get ready, it's going to be fun!

We are inescapably spiritual beings. Just as we draw in physical life from food and drink, we draw sustenance from Christ. In this message from John 15, Pastor Philip Miller explores Jesus' vivid metaphor from the Vine to the Vinedresser, the Branches, the Fruit, and the Sap. When we try to find life in anything else, it never really satisfies. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

We are inescapably spiritual beings. Just as we draw in physical life from food and drink, we draw sustenance from Christ. In this message from John 15, Pastor Philip Miller explores Jesus' vivid metaphor from the Vine to the Vinedresser, the Branches, the Fruit, and the Sap. When we try to find life in anything else, it never really satisfies. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

Send us a textwww.cruciformjustice.comwords: Jon Swalesmusic. pixabay 'Hope'The Waiting of All ThingsThe whole creation waits—not quietly,but leaning forwardwith the ache of expectation.Galaxies tilt toward the dark,spirals cupped like listening ears.Stars hold their breathbetween burning and blessing,knowing there is morethan endless expansion and collapse.Rocks remember touch.They remember being named goodbefore they were quarried,before they were brokenfor speed and profit.They bear the weight of violence,the long erosion of sorrow,and still they wait—patient as prayer pressed into stone.Rivers keep movingthrough poisoned veins of land.Waterfalls falllike tears that refuse to be wasted.They groan with the sound of mourning,yet rush with hope,as if every plunge knowsit is not the end.Rainbows stretch themselvesacross wounded skies,not forgetting the flood,but daring to believethat mercy still arches over ruin.They wait,colours pulled taut as promise.Whales sing in the deep.Their voices carry grief and memory,songs heavy with plastic and silence,yet tuned for joy.They groan—but their groaning is music,a labour-song for a worldnot yet born.Trees rise on tiptoes,peering through the dark.Roots remembering light.Branches leaning toward dawn.Then—they clap their hands.Not politely.Not on cue.But wildly.Leaves shudder with memory.Bark strikes barkin stubborn praise.They clap because roots know resurrectionlong before theology names it.They clap because hopeis older than despair.All creation is watching,eyes wide with longing,for the revealingof the children of God.The world is not what it will be—and it knows it.When they appear—not by courage,not by timing,but because the hour has come—creation exhales.Rocks loosen their grip.Rivers quicken their dance.Forests erupt in applause.Galaxies widen with joy.This is the glory creation waits for:not escape,not domination,but belonging made visible.And the whole world—still groaning,still hoping—keeps leaning forward,waitingfor love unveiledto take fleshagain.Rev'd Jon Swales Feb 2026. 

In this powerful message from John 15, Dave Bigler explores what it truly means to abide in Christ and bear lasting fruit as believers. Building on his previous teaching about the Parable of the Soils in Matthew 13, Dave reminds us that the seed is God's Word, and our hearts represent the different types of soil. He emphasizes that genuine disciples are called to remain deeply connected to Jesus—the Vine—allowing Him to prune us so we can produce the fruit He desires. Through personal stories, practical insights, and direct Scripture, the teaching highlights the joy, purpose, and intimacy that come from abiding, while addressing common struggles that keep us from bearing fruit.Dave unpacks key truths: the necessity of staying rooted in God's Word through consistent Bible study, prayer, and community; the reality that hardship and pruning are part of God's loving process to make us more fruitful; and the freedom found in surrendering control, naming our emotions honestly, and trusting Christ's easy yoke. Whether you're feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed by life's "weeds," or simply desiring deeper growth, this message encourages you to let go, abide in Jesus, and experience the fullness of joy He promises.Outline:0:00 – Introduction: Dave introduces himself as an elder, shares excitement about teaching, and briefly recaps his prior message on the Parable of the Soils (Matthew 13) – the seed is God's Word, with four soil types (path/rocky/thorny/good).0:30 – Quick review of the soils: Rocky (shallow faith scorched in trials), hard-packed/path (Satan snatches the word), thorny/weeds (cares of life choke fruit), good soil (produces fruit).1:40 – Transition to John 15: Response to a request for a follow-up on abiding; prayer to open.3:15 – Reading John 15:1-17 aloud.4:00 – Key verse breakdown begins: Jesus as the true vine, Father as the gardener (v.1).6:00 – Branches and fruit: God cuts off unfruitful branches, prunes fruitful ones for more fruit (v.2); already clean by the word (v.3).7:30 – Core command: Abide/remain in Jesus to bear fruit; apart from Him, nothing (v.4-5); purpose is much fruit for God's glory and to prove discipleship (v.8).9:00 – Joy in abiding: Jesus' joy in us, complete joy (v.11); love and obedience like friends, not servants (v.14-15).10:00 – Chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit; love one another (v.16-17).12:00 – Illustrations: Grape vine analogy; God as gardener/sower/potter; we are branches/conduits, not the source of fruit (Holy Spirit produces it).15:00 – Common false sources of fulfillment: relationships, social media, retail therapy, possessions, entertainment/TV stats, etc. – these are modern "idols" that can't satisfy.20:00 – What is fruit? Character of the Spirit (Galatians 5), good works, sharing the gospel; not a salvation requirement but evidence.25:00 – Pruning process: God removes dead/unfruitful things (even good things that hinder); pruning hurts but increases fruit; trust God's role as gardener.30:00 – Abiding practically: Stay connected through Bible study (cleaned by the word), prayer, community; name emotions honestly in hard times to reduce tension.40:00 – Takeaways / Steps:Know your place: God is God, we are branches (surrender control).Abide in the true vine: Daily prayer, Bible intake, obedience.See challenges/hard things as opportunities/pruning for growth.50:00 – Conclusion: Struggle of self-reliance; abide means letting go and trusting; God's yoke is easy/light.55:00 – Closing prayer: Gratitude for abiding, pruning, joy; request for strength to follow commands; Amen.Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Let us know what you think! Text us!In this episode, Deny Caballero welcomes Rick Franco, co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon, to discuss veteran entrepreneurship, responsible alcohol culture, and building a business rooted in service and honor.Rick shares how Four Branches was created by veterans from different military branches to honor sacrifice while changing the narrative around alcohol and mental health. This episode explores entrepreneurship after service, navigating the bourbon industry, and finding harmony between work, family, and purpose.Key Topics Covered:Veteran-owned business and entrepreneurshipResponsible drinking and mental health awarenessHonoring military sacrifice through businessNavigating the bourbon industryFinding harmony in life and leadershipFollow Security Halt! Podcast for more conversations on leadership, service, and purpose.Chapters:00:00 – Veteran-Owned Bourbon With a Mission 01:15 – The Story Behind Four Branches Bourbon 05:30 – Military Service, CIA Experience, and Leadership 10:27 – Honoring Sacrifice Through Business 15:55 – Changing Alcohol Culture and Responsibility 18:48 – Mental Health and Responsible Drinking 22:54 – Navigating the Bourbon Industry 28:03 – Crafting a Veteran-Built Brand 33:27 – Entrepreneurship After Military Service 39:47 – Lessons Learned From Business Failures 48:14 – Family, Business, and Life Harmony 52:55 – Defining Success Beyond Profit 55:10 – The Future of Four Branches Bourbon Sponsored by: Dr. Mark Gordon & Millennium Health Centers  Get the book Peptides for Health Vol.1 Medical Edition today.  Use code PTH25 for 25% off through March 15  Use code Phase2P for 10% off Millennium products  Available only at MillenniumHealthStore.com PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/  Security Halt Mediahttps://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.podLinkedIn: Deny Caballero Connect with Rick Today!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-franco/Website: https://www.fourbranches.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooy2ANhz1vnVgx8z5ZsFUFarnguDV4ACE2_CqtMJJRRYkZKjarK Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/Support the showProduced by Security Halt Media

Message preached by Pastor Daren Downs on Sunday, January 25, 2026 AM.

What does it look like to abide in Christ? And what are the implications of Jesus words about us being the branches and He being the vine? If you prefer to listen, stream, and/or watch, join us and subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingwoodmethodist

An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!

The Oak Lawn Branch, the Skyline Branch in the Buckner Terrace neighborhood, the Renner Frankford Branch in Far North Dallas and the Arcadia Park Branch in West Dallas are being recommended for closure as the city moves toward a regional library model. In other news, two North Texas companies are moving their headquarters. Brinks Home is moving into a new headquarters just down the road in Farmers Branch. FiberLight, a Plano-based firm that designs, builds and deploys fiber optic networks, is moving to a new headquarters in Allen; country music star Kacey Musgraves will headline 2026's Big Night, an annual fundraiser in Fort Worth; and Celina has been rocked this week by more fallout in the case of former Moore Middle School employee and football coach William “Caleb” Elliott, who is accused of recording boys in the locker room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen in as Pastor Michael continues our sermon series 'Forward' through the book of Philippians!

Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers your walk with God, making it possible to remain faithful and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Learn the difference between following Jesus through self-effort versus full surrender, and how the Holy Spirit guides, strengthens, and sustains you daily.Scriptures ReferencedEzekiel 36:26-27; Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:35, 14:15-21, 15:12-13, 16:12-14a; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23, 5:16Key InsightsThe Holy Spirit is a person, not a force or feeling.You need the Holy Spirit to sustain your faith in following Jesus.Remaining faithful isn't about trying harder but surrendering to the Holy Spirit.Love is a fruit of the Spirit and reflects how we point others to Jesus.The Holy Spirit helps you hear God's voice and make discerning decisions.Christianity isn't self-improvement; it's full surrender through the Spirit.The Holy Spirit's role is to guide, strengthen, and counsel you daily.https://springhouse.captivate.fm/episode/the-vine-and-the-branches Subscribe & Follow the PodcastDownload our appOur WebsiteOnline Tithes & OfferingsJoin our LivestreamGathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PM Contact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 CCLI License 2070006

Episode Maxim"Purpose doesn't end when you take off the uniform—find your next mission."Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with retired Green Beret and motorsports competitor, Nick Merrick. After a career built on strategic thinking and resilience in Special Forces, Nick Merrick decided to channel that same drive into motorsports—founding Green Beret Racing as a way to help fellow veterans rediscover purpose through competition. We dive into his military experiences, the transition to civilian life, why competition is key to wellness, and how racing parallels operating in high-pressure environments. Plus, we explore what it means to build a supportive community for veterans beyond service and the wild story behind lifted Crown Vics racing for the Battle of the Branches.Call to ActionIf you enjoyed today's episode, hit subscribe and share it with your friends. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to support the show, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Discord, and Spotify to stay in the loop!Show SponsorsSpecial thanks to tonight's sponsors:OnSite Firearms Training (OFT) – Top-notch instructors who keep your skills sharp. Find a class near you at OFTllcUS.Modern Gun Trade School – Turn your passion for firearms into a career with flexible, online assignments. Learn more at MGS Edu.Key TakeawaysTrust and teamwork are fundamental both in Special Forces and racing—put people in positions that let them succeed and empower them.Competitive hobbies (racing, jiu jitsu, marathons) give veterans purpose and drive, helping with the transition to civilian life.The ability to push past comfort and face adversity is what sets operators apart, but it's also what helps anyone grow.Veterans benefit from organizations that let them choose their path to wellness—competition, camaraderie, and having a mission matter.Green Beret Racing is evolving beyond motorsports, introducing the Battle of the Branches and aiming for nationwide reach across all first responder communities.Guest InformationNick MerrickFounder of Green Beret Racing, retired Army Special Forces warrant officer, and veteran outreach leader. Through Green Beret Racing, Nick creates opportunities for veterans to reclaim purpose, community, and challenge—whether it's through off-road racing, competitions, or simply having something to wake up for.Learn more: greenberetracing.orgFind Nick on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook: Green Beret RacingContact: nick@greenberetracing.orgKeywordsGreen Beret Racing, Special Forces, Nick Merrick, veteran transition, motorsports, Battle of the Branches, purpose...

This week in our Family Tree series, we talked about how real growth happens when we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine. We reflected on what it looks like to be a church that welcomes everyone, keeps Jesus at the center, and lives out His love in everyday ways through unity, generosity, and service. Let's move beyond simply showing up and instead choose to belong, participate, and invest in what God is growing among us.

Today's Passage: John 15:1-5I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

What does it mean to ABIDE in Christ? Come Bible Study WITH ME through John 15 and ask all the questions!

Someone who once attended a meditation class I taught called my work AI slop.I didn't argue. I saved it.This episode isn't a defense of artificial intelligence, and it isn't a productivity flex. It's an honest look at how I actually think and write — through handwritten chaos, half-formed ideas, panic, mysticism, coffee spills, and a process that looks nothing like efficiency.Sometimes that process includes a machine.Not to generate thoughts for me, but to reflect them back — faster, clearer, and occasionally in ways that force me to confront what I actually mean.Not magic. Just legibility. My confusion spell-checked. My chaos folded into something readable.Every tool that ever made expression easier was accused of being impure.The typewriter. The word processor. Editors. Spellcheck. This one is no different. What people often react to isn't automation — it's the removal of visible suffering. We don't trust clarity unless we can see the sweat.When I use AI, it doesn't erase my thinking. It challenges it. Sometimes it misunderstands me beautifully. Sometimes it saves me from my own over-philosophizing. Sometimes it just sits there while I fall apart mid-sentence — which, honestly, is what most good editors do.The madness is mine.The coherence is shared.And no — this isn't an AI voice.Just human emotion, divine confusion, one very judgmental cup of coffee, and a machine that politely declined to take credit.Oh and here's the link to the blog post this was inspired by : Source Code: A Standing Note on AI Use in 2025 | Zak El Fassi | Systems Engineering for the Agentic AI AgeIf this resonates and you want a quieter place to keep thinking together, you're welcome to join the community or explore more work here:

12-28-25 AM Let Some Branches Run Over the Wall by Clays Mill Baptist

What if the biggest myth in banking is that customers don't need branches anymore? Because every time Bank of America opens a new financial center, digital sales in that market jump by 50 percent. Physical presence isn't competing with digital — it's accelerating it. Now, Bank of America is putting $750 million behind a bet the rest of the industry walked away from too soon, opening 150 new financial centers across 60 markets by 2027 at more than $5 million per location. Bold? Yes. Contradictory? Maybe. But the timing suggests something deeper: after shrinking from 6,000 branches to about 3,700, they now believe the future isn't fewer branches… it's smarter ones. These next-generation centers aren't transaction factories. They're advisory hubs staffed by 12,000 relationship bankers, designed to anchor communities and handle the conversations digital can't — at least not yet. My guest on the Banking Transformed podcast, Will Smayda, leads this transformation. He'll explain why Bank of America is expanding while others retreat and what these new financial centers reveal about how clients actually want to bank. So, here's the question we all need to wrestle with: Is this the future of the branch — or the most expensive contradiction in banking?

After overcoming a storm of challenges, Old Mr. Beetle practically skitters on a cloud as he makes his way, oh so merrily, to his Wednesday night story time for young bugs on the 25th branch. But when he nears his story time stage, he discovers that the end of the branch has been blocked off. The 26th branch, directly above, is dangling ominously and presents too much of a hazard to allow his story time to proceed. But even more disappointing is the fact that this new obstacle may impact something very important that is coming in three week's time. Listen in to find out whether Mr. Beetle is able to overcome yet another challenge...and come through for his dearest friend. Thank you to DECLAN for the super important reminder message at the beginning! Thank you to the many premium subscribers who supplied sound effects used in this story! Thank you to RYLEE, LUNA, LEVI, ADRIAN, OLIVIA, LINGLING, REUVY, EZRA, ELENORE, FIONA, LOLA, ARIANA, LILY, THEO, ALICE, SAGE, DAVID, JAMES, WREN, JUNI, EMERSON, CEDI, KADEN, KENNA, NELLY, CHARLI, and FIA! Unlock the full Little Stories Library and access Little Stories for Sleep--an exclusive bedtime podcast--with Little Stories Premium! Join or GIFT a subscription at http://www.littlestoriespremium.com