Becoming a Productive Branch

I have a few things to share with you all today so I guess I better get too it.

First off if you have not taken the time to read my last post with Ronnie's article please do so...

Next I am posting some info on keeping you all healthy in an unhealthy world.... and then I will continue the posts from Gentle Shepherd....

I will probably be writing a blog article soon..I can feel the urge starting up in my fingers...HA!

Have a blessed rest of the week....

Judy


Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know:

The only portals of entry for the H1N1 virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.


Reading: Proverbs 11:28

BECOMING A PRODUCTIVE BRANCH

We have considered the Vine, now we must consider what it means to be a branch. The branch is simply an extension of the vine. It will not produce like branches, but fruit that represents the vine. The branches do not speak of themselves; they remain silent as the fruit speaks of the vine.
The reason branches do not speak of themselves is because they are not the source of life. They are simply the connection between the life of the vine as it produces the fruit, while its very life flows through the branches.
In religious zeal we can forget this reality. We think that, as branches, we are something special, but without the Vine we are nothing. It is vital that we keep this in mind. The life comes from the Vine. As branches, we are as dependent on the Vine, while the type of fruit that comes from our lives depends on our heart condition. In fact, the Vine not only gives life to the branches but purpose. The very life of Jesus is what buds out from the branches to produce the fruit. Therefore, we must allow all of our strength to be channeled and spent out to ensure fruit is produced to honor Him.
Solomon in his wisdom referred to people as branches. He gave us insight into what it would take for us to become a branch. It takes righteousness. We must become upright in our lives towards God to flourish like a branch in God’s vineyard.
This brings us to a walk of faith. We must walk by faith to flourish like a branch that is prepared and capable of producing fruit.
What about you? Are you flourishing in your life in Christ because of Your faith?

Prayer: Lord, You are the Vine, but it is in Your righteousness that I will flourish like a branch. I do desire Your righteousness. Amen.

Reading: Zechariah 3:8

MY SERVANT

The amazing part about the revelation of Jesus becoming a branch was a mystery that was veiled to the eyes of those who failed to walk by the simple faith of a child. Such people will never see the revelation of this mystery because of unbelief. They are blinded by the darkness that is in this present world. They will never come to the realization of who God is nor will they discover how to love Him. The reality is they prefer to choose another god and follow their particular concept of their idol, but they will never have that living witness of the true God.
As we follow Jesus as the branch, we will see the part He played in our redemption. We will follow the Branch as He progresses from being a stem of Jessie to becoming the Branch that will be used up for the glory of God.
In this prophecy concerning Jesus, we see into His disposition. He will become a Branch in the Father’s hand. In order to do this He had to take on the disposition of a servant. Keep in mind the branch has no significance outside of the vine. In His humanity, Jesus had no significance outside of fulfilling the plan of the Father. The winds of the world would blow against His resolve to finish the course as the Lamb of God. Satan would use the platform of the barren wilderness to tempt Him to veer away from the plan. The noisome sounds of men mocking Him to step outside of His mission would also follow Him to the cross. However, He was firmly grounded into the very plan of the Father. Nothing would deter Him from becoming the Lamb of God.
The Word tells us that the Father would bring forth Jesus as His Branch, and as His servant. His very roots would reach into the corridors of heaven. His purpose would be ordained from the very throne of the Almighty. This Branch would be used by the Father to bring forth our redemption.

Prayer: Lord, we have much to be thankful for. You are the Branch that brought forth the eternal plan of redemption. Praise Your Holy name. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
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