Day 18 - Away we go

I don't know why but it felt good getting on the bike today. It is interesting to me how all of our systems; the mental, emotional, physical, and the spiritual all tie in together and how when they are working in harmony, life just sails (or rides) along so well. Of course I think that could be said about our families, churches and probably even out government. That might explain why some of these aspects are in such disarray. Enough on that - but it did come into my mind so I guess I should say it. Today, I road 40.1 miles in 2 hours and 8 minutes at an average of 18.7 mph. I think I have kind of found my groove. I will be interested when I try some century rides outside this summer whether I will be able to keep that kind of average. I hope so. The temperatures in the area of New Mexico we are in was 48 degrees this morning with a high of around 83. I really thought it would be warmer but they said that 83 would be near record high temperatures. Anyway, it is beautiful sunshine and a great day for a ride. Although my basement is 66 degrees this morning.
Got to thinking about John 15 again this morning. It is interesting to me that all mankind is called a branch. We have to remember what Paul says in Romans 11:36, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." Without Him, none of us would have our existence so in that aspect we are all "a branch." He makes sure we know that when He says, "Every branch in Me." I don't think the "in Me" is describing just Christians but the whole of the earth's population. But what He says next to this intimate group of disciples is what we really need to take notice of, "Every branch that does not bear fruit he takes away." Several questions could be asked here. What does it mean to bear fruit? Where are the unfruitful branches taken away to? Verse 6 gives us a picture of the answer to the second question, "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and tha branches are gathered, thrown inrto the fire, and burned." Not a pretty picture! But I think verse 6 also gives us an idea what bearing fruit means when He talks about abiding in Him. In this passage, that is a main theme. See, the two go hand-in-hand. A branch is not bearing fruit unless it is abiding in Him and a branch is not abiding in Him unless it is bearing fruit. I will be thinking a whole lot more about that tomorrow. Check out the NLM website when you get a chance (northernlightministries.org) and enjoy the Ride Across Our Land. Talk to you tomorrow.