Relational Devotion #20 [The Vine]

Hi, Everyone.
It's good to be back posting the Relational Devotion. I'm so grateful for Cindy, Kathi, and Christy, who posted the devotion all last week, while I had surgery and recuperated. Thank you, my friends. Today is the end of week one, and, praise God, I've released 16 lbs. since surgery weigh-in. I feel wonderfully well, and I'm thankful for God's mercy and grace.
As Thanksgiving is Thursday, I'll be taking a break from posting the devotional on Thursday and Friday, to spend time with family. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I know many of you will be traveling. My prayers go with you.
I am thankful for all *****ad this devotion. I would love to hear from each of you, by post reply or PM. Let me know what God is doing in your life, any questions you may have (I'll do my best), prayer requests you may have (praying is one of my favorite things to do), etc.

John 15:4
"[Jesus said,] 'Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.'"

     God desires that our life be like the fruitful branches of a grapevine. The only way to be fruitful is to remain connected to Jesus, the vine, and to allow God, the gardener, to prune our life, to stimulate growth and fruitfulness. It is God's cultivating, weeding, and pruning in our life that brings forth spiritual fruit, character development, and progress in any areas that are lacking. Just as sustenance for the desired fruit comes through the vine, so fulness of life comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

What this has to do with weight loss:  Do you need practical help in your weight-loss journey? Do you need a "jumpstart"? Stay close to Jesus, for He is the power and He has the help you need to progress on your weight-loss journey.

Today, imagine what your life would be like without Jesus. Listen to "Jesus, I Love You," written by Norman Hutchins, and use it as a prayer of thanksgiving today, that Jesus is here for you. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze6cHS76gy4&feature=related

Not because I've been so faithful,
not because I've been so good;
You've always been there for me,
to provide my every need.
You were there when I was lonely,
You were there in all my pain,
guiding my footsteps,
my shelter from the rain.
And it was You who made my life complete,
You are to me my everything
and that is why I sing.

Chorus
Jesus, I love You because You care,
I couldn't imagine if You weren't there.
[repeat]

You are the joy of my salvation,
You're the peace in my storm.
Your loving arms protect me,
You shelter me from harm.
You are Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end,
my strong tower, my dearest and best friend.
And it was You who made my life complete,
You are to me my everything
and that is why I sing.

Blessings,
Mary