For the next 15 weeks we will be writing reflections based on the scripture passage, John 15:1-15 and its theme, Abiding in the Vine. We will take one verse per week and invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection. Our writers will be sharing testimony of how this scripture has impacted their lives personally.
For those new to our community, lectio divina is a traditional monastic practice of engaging with Scripture not just for intellectual understanding but to allow the Word of God to speak to the heart and transform our lives. It involves prayerfully reading the scripture four times, pausing to notice the following:
- Read the verse and listen for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights for you.
- Read the verse and ask the question, how is my life touched by this word? What in my life needs to hear this word?
- Read the verse and ask what is my response to God because of what I have read and encountered? What am I feeling, talk to God about it, listen to Him, feel His uninterrupted love and attention toward you and follow His lead in any way He is prompting you to respond.
- Read and rest in the Word and resolve to live it out.
Listen:
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. (John 15:4)
Reflect:
Recently, my husband and I have felt a calling to pursue a different path regarding our children’s education. In short, we live across the street from a good option, one that has been smooth and comfortable. In my time of prayer and reflection, it became clear that in my comfort and routine I had somehow neglected my priority and call from God. I am funny in this way; I seek comfort but am discontent once I am comfortable. Praise God for that.
As my mentor guided me through listening to God’s call for my life and for my children that belong to Him, I found myself willing to surrender the low hanging fruit across the street, for what He might have for us as we step out in faith sowing seeds in a different direction. At the end of my rope, I cannot think of a greater disappointment than having more water in my sponge to ring out or little to no fruit to present for God.
Abiding in Him can look different for everyone. This is the trap I get caught in if I am not careful because if we are abiding in our comfort, we limit ourselves. If we are abiding in our own abilities and strength, we fall short. If we are abiding in people, we may wander. If we abide in sin, we are lost. All the different idols we look to abide in fall short. Only one true vine holds us as branches able to bear fruit; God. God asks us to walk with Him and ABIDE IN HIM.
Saying yes to Jesus means saying no to a million other distractions. I believe that our days are filled with many things we want to say yes to, and many things we in discipline say no to instead. We know that discipline builds character so that we are image bearers of Christ. Abiding in Him means exercising our discipline with a God focus so that one day we may bear fruit. I chose the picture of a red bird because it is engulfed in untamed forest but captivates our attention when we focus. May we zero in on God as the true vine and abide in Him amidst the noisy backdrop of distractions so that we are captivated by HIM alone. We serve a good God who knows our abiding in Him ultimately will bring us the most joy and ability to bear much fruit.
Prayer of Response:
Lord Jesus, Thank you for stirring in us a desire for your will when we grow too comfortable. Lord, remind us that in our own strength we are limited, but in your strength we are LIMITLESS. May we stay focused on your call and refute temptations from evil or worldly distractions. Your will is the most fulfilling and highest calling. May we rejoice in what you ask of us because you say it is good and because it leads to everlasting life WITH you.
Give us strength to abide in you.
We love you Jesus. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- What do you need to let go of or say no to in your life?
- What distractions or comforts are pulling you away from spending time with God?
Breath Prayers:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): I abide in You
Exhale (Breathe out): I release comfort, surrender, and control so that in You I may bear fruit. (Repeat)
—Submitted by: Danielle Welker
Danielle lives in Houston, TX with her husband Chris. They have 3 kids. She is a stay-at-home mom while her husband attends his 4th year of medical school at UT Health. She has a love for running and is plugged into her church Woodlands Atascocita, where she is a life group leader for students preK-5. This year she will be co-teaching her kids at a university model school part-time, as one of her greatest treasures is her children.