True Vine Vol. 2

By Lynetta C. Hunter

True Vine Vol. 2 is a series of biblical thoughts, based on personal revelations of stories in Scripture. Each thought relates to daily life, the struggles, as well as victories, obtained through Gods promises and power. Biblical people faced the same challenges as people do today. Their weaknesses, personalities, and faith dont differ from mankind now; therefore, their lives are an inspirational advantage to those who use their stories as a learning tool.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512725308

Lynetta C. Hunter

Lynetta Hunter was born and raised in Garrard County, Kentucky. She has been a writer and columnist of biblical stories since 2009. Her greatest passion is to serve others through community outreach programs, by being an advocate for physical provision and a Christian teacher to help fulfill spiritual needs.

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Copyright © 2016 Lynetta C. Hunter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the Amplified Bible, copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-2529-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-2530-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015921358

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/25/2016

(John 6:1-14)

Philip just couldn't see it happening. Sure, Jesus had performed miracles before, but to provide enough food for this great of a multitude was virtually impossible. Andrew remembered seeing a boy in the crowd who had five loaves of bread and two small fish, but that was nothing compared to the number of people who needed fed. What was the boy doing there, this time and this place? Why was he the only one noticeable with food? This boy had a purpose in the mighty miracle Jesus performed that day. The lad was of no high stature and was sure not expecting to be chosen for part of a divine miracle, however he had something Jesus needed to use. To the boy, the thought would have never crossed his mind of his food being anything special, certainly not miracle material. Everybody had bread and fish in those days.

This lad had no idea this ordinary simple substance that belonged to him, would become an amazing abundant supply of provision for so many others, once he gave it to Jesus and He blessed it. He could've been selfish and held back part for himself or his family, but chose to give it all.

The results of this awesome miracle reached many people that day, as well as in a spiritual teaching by Jesus the next day. From there, it is untold how many were touched and came to have faith in Jesus because of it. Everyone has something that God can use for the sake of others and the gospel. It could be a special gift or talent, or simply something everyone else has. Either way, when it is given over to God for His use, the ordinary will become extraordinary and impossible will become a miracle.

(Luke 18:1-8) The widow woman may have been neglected, degraded, and abused. According to history, most widows were afflicted in some way during this time. For this woman, there came a time in her life where she made a choice to step out and take a chance on asking for help. Even though she was nobody special or had no favor with the judge, who could avenge her of her adversary, she understood her problem was one that required his authority.

This request would require her time, effort, and persistence. She probably knew the unjust judge would ignore her at first, but where else could she turn for help? God is a just judge who wants to hear about problems and issues. He is the only authority who offers protection from Satan's afflictions, and is an avenger to those who are determined to remain steadfast and faithful in persistent prayer.

The widow didn't go to the judge with self-pity or self-righteousness, so he would feel sorry for her. She acknowledged his supreme authority, for she needed help that was only possible through him. Humbleness before God, realizing only He can defend against Satan's accusations and evil afflictions, with steadfast faith to see the request through, conveys answered prayers and peace. The patience and perseverance learned through trials can then be applied to spiritual life, adding endurance and strengthened faith until Jesus' return.

(Matt. 9:9-13, 20-22, Is. 1:10-20, Hos. 6:6) Matthew made a great feast to celebrate his newfound faith in Jesus. Many people attended, but not all for the same reason. The Pharisees were never far from Jesus, thinking they might miss an opportunity to accuse Him of doing something that went against their religion. Because of their high-mindedness, they missed many chances to be in the presence and fellowship of Him. They were too spiritually blind to see how the publicans and sinners, had what they lacked, to sit down and eat with the Son of God. The ones who were considered to be lower status wasn't considered good enough to be a part of the religious in crowd, but they had something that was much more important, which was faith in Jesus with a desire to know more about Him.

On a separate occasion, there was a woman who had had an issue of blood for twelve years. She had sold all she had in order to pay for a physical healing, but still had no relief and only grew worse. Because of her status and condition, she was ignored, overlooked, and cast aside by people, yet she had the faith she needed to reach Jesus for a healing.

There are deceptions still today that keep people from having fellowship with Jesus. Most have been guilty, at one time or another, of sitting in a sacred gathering, for reasons other than to express love for Jesus. Nevertheless, being able to commune with Him and to feel His divine touch requires having loyal and heartfelt love for Him.

(John 8:12, 11:1-16) The miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from his death was essential for the disciples and others to experience. This dramatic event left them with deeper faith and understanding of God's power. After hearing the news of Lazarus' death, Jesus waited two days, and then beckoned the disciples to go with Him to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. The disciples presumed Lazarus was only sleeping and couldn't justify going all the way to Bethany just to wake him up. It seemed like a small matter considering it would take a day's journey to get there, and not to mention going into Judea again, which meant risking their lives by being followers of Jesus. Some Jews in Judea had tried to stone Jesus several times just days before, so the thought of returning there was not a pleasant one for the disciples. Nevertheless, they went with Him.

There are times of not understanding God's commands or timing, but no earthly excuse is spiritually justifiable. The disciples had the same amount of choice to either obey and continue in the light of Jesus, or rebel and stumble in the darkness of disobedience. It was significant that Jesus wait two days before going to Lazarus, for God's direction and timing made the purpose completely effective. Believers often face fearful circumstances, but by letting fear and doubt hinder their walk with Jesus, they could miss out on seeing, and possibly being a part of, the greatest miracle of a lifetime.

Popular belief passed on through generations can be hard to break, because the root goes deep and embedded faith becomes too strong to simply change. (Luke 8:43-48) The woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years knew the part of law that specified a blood flow was unclean and touching or being around anyone else was prohibited. Atonement could be made, but only after seven days of stopped flow, which disqualified her even for that. She must have watched as crowds of people followed Jesus, openly touching Him and freely asking Him for help with their issues, leaving her with a yearning for His touch. Her issue caused her to be lonely, broken, abandoned, avoided, and weak in mind and body. She learned how to survive and manage her affliction, but knew if she could get a touch of divine virtue, her life would change forever. Her day came when she, in spite of popular belief, let her faith become prominent and humbly came within reach of Jesus, receiving a healing. (2 Pet. 1:5)

Everyone has adverse issues or a flow of something negative, meaning a continual problem or mindset. Yet excuses like, I'm too unworthy, unclean, unpopular, unknown, unrighteous or too drained and weak, hinder personal encounters with Jesus. Many popular beliefs cause hesitation to approach Him, but when faith in Him overrides all else, truth will reveal His grace, making any negative physical flow, a positive spiritual flow. (Heb. 11:6)

Passion Week, as it is called, may have been an interesting experience to be part of, depending on what part was played in the scenario. Lazarus' part is sort of enviable, the only man ever mentioned of whom Jesus spoke life into after being dead for four days. But then again, that miracle is what caused him to be a marked man for the chief priests who wanted him dead, for good this time.

Every woman envies Mary, who had the unique opportunity to anoint Jesus' head and feet, wiping His feet with her hair, preparing Him for the day of His burial. On the other hand, no one envies Judas Iscariot, who sold Jesus out for a measly thirty pieces of silver. The role of Peter seems to be exciting, he was the first Apostle to be called, one of the leading disciples, and the first Apostle to recognize Jesus as Messiah. He's still famous today for the miraculous act of walking on water and his bold personality in reacting to confrontations concerning the defense of Jesus. Nevertheless, he did deny Jesus three times before He was crucified, which left Peter to struggle with the guilt of rejection, while he watched Him die on the cross.

The character of being a high priest as Caiaphas, a prefect as Pontius Pilate, or a tetrarch as Herod, must have been exhilarating in those days. Seemingly they used their authority to their advantage, but then again, the thought of being responsible for Jesus' fate as He stood before them, makes chills of fear go up ones back.

Though many more were personally involved in this final week of Jesus' time on earth, these testaments are enough to teach that they were not really that different from people today, who also play a role in the purpose of the spiritual body of Jesus.

(Luke 4:16-21) His listeners didn't entirely comprehend the realization of scripture He was quoting from Isaiah. Any divine benefit needed in life is promised in this contained phrase that can be spoken in one breath. The supremacy of Jesus is summed up, and faith needs not to be far extended, in this prophesy of the Savior and His healing power.

A heart is described as being inner self that has central personality, by which emotions are experienced. Hurtful circumstances of life chip and tear a little at a time, here and there, until the heart becomes weak, thin, and fragile. Eventually an affliction will be more than it can handle and crumbling happens. (Ps. 34:18, 51:17) confirm God is near to those with a broken heart, to deliver, heal, and redeem them.

A physical picture of an emotional heart would show scars, areas of strength and weakness, maybe even open wounds, and possibly lots of crevices filled with past hurts. Wrong choices, let downs, and abuse, leave feelings of guilt, fear, insecurity, and frustration, which settle in the heart even after life goes on. A mental piece of transparent tape is put over negative emotions to block them out of mind and exposure, keeping the pain compressed in. The tape is a temporary fix that Satan pokes at every opportunity. Divine healing puts an end to his vexation and clears the way for further blessings.

When God is healing a mingled heart, the temporary tape fix is removed. Once the healing is completed, the result of the restoration will be beneficial enough to make the details of the healing action forgotten. Peace of mind opens doors to accomplishments and freedom to enjoy life as He intended, and it's all done by the application of His perfect healing.

Jesus said, I am the Light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life (John 8:12). Darkness hides, deceives, and causes fear. Light reveals the truth, removing imaginations and doubt.

(John 8:12-47) The light of Jesus reveals the true nature and ways of God. Some of the religious leaders had a false concept of God. They believed God was real and used His law to their prideful advantage, but was blinded from seeing God's grace and truth through Jesus.

(John 11:1-10) The light of Jesus reveals God's perfect will. The disciples didn't see the mighty miracle that was ahead, they only saw the danger and uselessness of traveling toward it. Jesus leads the way and lights the path into God's purpose for every life. Though the way may look impossible and pointless, He has great things waiting up ahead.

(John 12:35-50) The light of Jesus reveals personal identity. Jesus told his disciples to learn of Him while He was near, to learn of His ways and let His power work through them, so they would become the children of light. He knew the time would come that unseen faith would be their guide (Heb. 11:6).

There is a belief stating once a person is in the spotlight of God, His punishment and wrath take place. The Light does reveal the need for a Savior, but not without grace, forgiveness, and mercy to remove the exposed sin and shame. The Light reveals truth, which in turn portrays freedom, God's perfect will, and clear vision to know Him in a way like never before.

God gave Adam the privilege of (Gen. 2:5) tilling the ground and (Gen. 2:15) tending and maintaining the garden, but because of his rebellion, Adam's liberty became responsibility (Gen. 3:19,23) to tend to the cursed ground in toil and sorrow by the sweat of his face. (Rom. 5:12-21) Adam is represented as the head of humanity, through whom sin and death entered upon all mankind. In contrast, the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus is justification for righteousness and eternal life.

(John 1:1) In a spiritual sense, there is an agriculture science relating to the parable of sowing seed. It is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility, to sow the Word of God. The genuine seed is unchangeable and the true process incorruptible, leaving the growth of the crop dependent on the ground, which is an honest heart.

Several years ago, tobacco was a main farming crop for many. Experience in loss of poundage forced farmers to make certain rules and be proficient in keeping them. One of them was to always wait until summer before planting, avoiding the threat of frost. The weather in spring was often tricky and previous consequences proved it wasn't worth taking the risk. The Holy Spirit knows and will direct the perfect timing for impartation of God's Word.

The plants were tender, but most would take root quickly and start growing. Any storm, hard rain, or high wind could easily break them, causing complete destruction. Even after maturity, blight could hit and if not treated right away, quickly destroy the whole field. If there was still time for maturity, farmers would replant and try it again. In seed sowing, discouragement will happen, there will be loss, and replanting is often necessary, but the harvest will be enough to do it all over again next season.

(1 Peter 5:8) An adversary is one who opposes or hinders another. Satan's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) everything in his path and to hinder God's planned purposes. His goal is to push a person to self-destruct, knowing everyone in their path will suffer from it also. He loves civil wars between family, church, work place, schools, and government bodies. Once the war has begun, he sits back and watches as one destroys the other.

(Matt. 7:13-14) The two paths traveled in this life are parallel, one leading to eternal life and the other leading to eternal hell. The unrighteous path is fast-paced, full of mischief, trouble, and anxiety. Here, humanity is quickly and deceitfully seduced into motives that only lead to ruin and punishment. No one is