Where You’ll Find God This Summer

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (John 15:8)

Summer plans. You got any? I love hearing about the summer plans people make. Sometimes summer plans include a family road trip to some bucket list location. At other times those summer plans include a cruise to a far-off getaway. And of course, there are summer plans that include a ‘stay-cation’.

I began to wonder what God’s summer plans might be? I know He has plans. He has had them all along according to the Scriptures. Yet, there isn’t anywhere He hasn’t been. So where will you find God this summer?

The best theology knows that in order to find God the Father one must go to Jesus the Son. And when you go to Jesus the Son you discover where God the Father is and what He is up to for His summer plans.

Jesus explains:
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1)

This summer you will find God in the garden! Out of all the summer plans I have heard mentioned to me I must admit, God’s is truly unique!

Jesus goes on to explain God’s summer plans in the garden:
He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 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. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:2-4)

God is at work in the garden to produce fruit. He prunes and severs branches. His Word are the sheers He uses to create faith and graft us into the vine which is Jesus, His Son. Jesus brings life to us branches! This means that we are in God’s garden. And He has some summer plans for you! That you would bear fruit.

And as you watch God working in His garden don’t miss His face! The smile on His face as He sees you in Jesus and the fruit of your life is bigger than those on the Incredicoaster at California Adventure!

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (John 15:8)

So, what are your summer plans? God has got some plans for you! And in Jesus and with the Holy Spirit working His Word into the gardens of our hearts and lives it is sure to be a great summer!

This is discipleship…following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and being committed to the mission of Jesus.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you for showing us the Father and for showing us the joy that He has as He works in our lives pruning and bringing about the work that is going to bear fruit, which brings Him true glory and true joy. May that work be done in us Jesus as you send to us your Holy Spirit in this summertime. Bless us and keep us to that end. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.