The Bible reminds us over and over that God wants to be as close to us as a branch is to a vine. One is an extension of the other. It's impossible to tell where one starts and the other ends. The branch isn't connected only at the moment of bearing fruit. The gardener doesn't keep branches in a box and then, on the day he wants grapes, glues them to the vine, either. No, the branch constantly draws nutrition from the vine, doesn't it?

Keep that thought.

I just got off the phone with a delightful young woman. She was witty, bright. I could sense the smile on her face as she asked me if I would "perform" her upcoming wedding. "Would you talk to me a little about your faith?" I replied. "I have a church," she said. "I haven't been there for about 10 years, but it's still my church." "How does God fit into your life?" I quizzed. "What do you mean? I mean, I believe in God and stuff. It's just that I'm so busy with work," she answered.

Since I was writing this message when she called, I read the first paragraph of it out loud to her on the phone. She responded after a long pause: "Then you won't do my wedding for me?" "Come to worship God at Salem with us this Sunday," I suggested, "and then we can talk about it." She abruptly hung up the phone and that was that.

February is the month in which we associate hearts, flowers, and love because of Valentine's Day. As true believers, I hope that you will also think of vines, branches, and grapes as true symbols of what love really means. Loving God and God loving us is the total connectedness that has no beginning and no end and bears the sweet fruit of faith, discipleship, assurance, goodness, courage, and joy from that lasting, meaningful connection. (see also "The fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22)

That's the way God loves us. And that's the way God wants us to love Him.

How's your connection these days? Is it close enough to bear fruit?

P. S. - There is a banner in our church atrium to remind you as you come into the building to make an intentional effort to connect with Him while you're here. Happy Valentine's Day!