Theme: Dependence upon God

The Lenten Season

Theme: Dependence upon God

By Rev. Dr. Emmanuel E James

Text:  “It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy” (Rom 9:16-17).

It is always good to trust God and depend upon Him. He is our heavenly Father and like a good Father He provides everything we need, protects us, prospers us, loves us and is ever present to help us. How can we neglect such a God and not depend upon Him? Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will 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.  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:4-7).  As this passage points out, we can not bear fruit without depending upon Him. Any good works we accomplish, any gifts or wisdom we have come from God.

God will help us if we depend on Him, and give Him thanks for everything He does for us and through us. He replenishes us with His love all the time.  In return to all this, do we really love God with our heart, soul, strength and mind? Or do we reach upto God only when we need help?

 If we feel disconnected from God, if we feel we are lacking His love, let us examine and see how close we are to Him. If we feel disconnected from God, then something unworthy or sinful might have crept into our life. Sin always separates us from God. In order to get connected with God again, we need to be forgiven of our sins. If we confess our sins before Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. We will then realize how much we need to depend upon Him for all the blessings and graces in our life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive my sins, my selfishness, and  my lack of faith. Father I want to follow the greatest commandment you have given. I want to love you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind.   Thank you for being there for me always. Thank you for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Open my heart to love you all the time and depend upon you for everything always. In Jesus name, Amen.