KEEP IN CONTACT WITH THE CONTROL TOWER

"Every pilot knows the value of communicating with knowledgeable men during times of trouble. The natural reaction when having difficulty in the sky is to radio for help. We do not always do this in our daily living.

Our daily tendency is often to try and make it on our own. We admire the rugged. independent individual who 'pulled himself up by his bootstraps.' That is the American way. At times we are all a little like Frank Sinatra's belting out for all to hear, 'I did it my way.'

Jesus sings another song. Its words speak about fullness of joy and fruitfulness. The thesis of His song states, 'Apart from Me you can do nothing' (John 15:5). The title of His song is 'Abide in Me and I in You', or more modernly stated, 'You'll Be Fine If You're Connected to the Vine.'

Stanza 1 says, 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.' (John 15:4)

Stanza 2 says, 'I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.' (John 15:5)

Stanza 3 says, 'If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.' (John 15:6)

Stanza 4 says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.' (John 15:7)"

from the writings of Dr. John C. Maxwell in THE WINNING ATTITUDE published by Thomas Nelson

What are you facing today? I am reminded of the the bumper sticker I have seen from time to time -- "God doesn't need a co-pilot!" Are you in contact with the control tower today?
Good words to contemplate on this beautiful Friday, May 27, 2005.