Prepper Recon

 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

John 15:5-6

For some people John 3:16 encapsulates the entire message of the Gospel. For me, it’s John 15:5-6. That’s why I keep coming back to it so often. People who get this verse, and apply it, live the abundant Christian life that Christ promised.

I believe all of our downfalls and shortcoming can be accredited to being disconnected from the Vine. When we allow other things to get in the way of the disciplines that keep us connected to the Vine, that’s when all manner of corruption pops up and invades our lives.

As a recovered alcoholic/addict, I don’t wake up every morning and tell myself, “I’m not going to smoke pot, (yes, pot is addictive), I’m not going to drink today, I’m not going to pop any pills today. I spend zero time telling myself any of that stuff.

Rather, before I get out of bed, I pray. Mostly for other people, but I also to ask for strength. Then I listen to worship music while I stretch. Then I do the most important thing that I’ll do all day. I read my Bible. These are the three disciplines that keep me firmly connected to the Vine. By doing these thing, I have the life blood of the Vine, the Holy Spirit coursing through my veins. As I’m filled with the Spirit, my life naturally produces fruit.

Do I still sin? Of course I do! But, I sin a lot less than I did when I was totally disconnected from the Vine. Back then, I walked in darkness. Now, my life is characterized by the Light of Life, and I make a conscious effort to walk in that Light daily.

Folks, that’s the Gospel. Over and over, the Bible tells us that those who continue to willfully live in sin have no part with God. The answer isn’t forcing yourself to be a better person. The answer is to spend time getting connected to the Vine everyday, and then just letting nature take it’s course as the Spirit bears fruit in your life.

Jesus said, “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war, or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.

Have a blessed day and happy prepping!

Mark