Meditating on John 15

Hi Ladies,

As I have prayed about how to continue growing our understanding of abiding in Christ through these weekly devotionals, the Lord has directed toward John 15. Since it is one of the most concentrated passages on abiding, we'll plan to park here for a few weeks. 

But before diving in, I'd like us all to spend this week praying through and meditating on the passage together. Below is John 15:1-11. 

Would you prayerfully read it every day this next week? 

I have a few questions at the bottom to help guide your meditation on it as well: 

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." 

Questions for meditation this week: 

1) What is Jesus telling us to abide in? (Hint: there is more than one answer!)

2) What does Jesus point to as the purposes for this abiding?

Know that I am praying for you, and for myself, that the Spirit would illumine our minds and hearts to gain all that we can from this powerful portion of Scripture, so that we might live it! 

I also covet your prayers as I spend this next week away, prepping for our upcoming retreat. 🙂❤️🙏🏼

Anna