The Sweet Flow of Eternal Life
Scripture Reading — John 15:1-17
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
—John 15:4
In late winter, when sap begins to flow, you drill into a maple tree, and drops fall from the hole. You gather the liquid and cook it. Syrup like this is one of God’s simplest, sweetest miracles. (And you can pour it onto a pancake!) If you lived in a suitable climate, and if you had a maple tree, why wouldn’t you do it?
Jesus said, “Remain in me.” By praying and memorizing God’s Word, you can experience the flow of love and grace—rivers of it flow from the cross. It is God’s greatest miracle, to all eternity. God pours it, and it makes your life sweet. Knowing this, why wouldn’t you want to experience it?
I know why, because I too avoided this flow for many years. There I was, trying very hard to do the work of God without the nourishment of God. That is not fun at all.
Talk to God every day. Just talk. Also memorize a piece of the Bible—happy verses, like Psalm 23; Psalm 46; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
Don’t pray to make points, and don’t memorize to get a little star on your chart.
Praying and memorizing the Bible is like gathering the flow of God’s heart. Do it because Jesus is your life. Do it because God is how you breathe. Start small and do it consistently, and you will find your soul is growing.
Lord, help me; teach me from your heart, and grant me your wisdom and strength. Jesus, help me to remain in you. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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