Keeping in Touch
Scripture – John 15:1-4:“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There’s a natural inclination in me to do things my way. I have this inner arrogance that pops up from time to time telling me I have the answer – the right way of doing things. I have often been reminded that’s not true. Usually it just takes someone else pointing out a flaw in my plan. Sometimes, though, the whole thing falls apart and I end up really messing something up. Those are very humbling experiences. Jesus reminds me here I can’t do anything of value on my own. Along with that comes the reminder I don’t ever have to. I’m never alone if I remain connected with Him. And more often than not, I have other people around to share in the planning and the implementing.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will not act alone today. As the day unfolds and decisions come up, I will rely on Christ and the people around me. Together, we will come up with plans for continued mission. I will trust the collective power of discernment we share in the church.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your abiding presence. I’m sorry for the way I run off ahead of you sometimes. Keep me in touch with you and the people you have placed around me. In all things, help me serve you today as I discern your direction.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There’s a natural inclination in me to do things my way. I have this inner arrogance that pops up from time to time telling me I have the answer – the right way of doing things. I have often been reminded that’s not true. Usually it just takes someone else pointing out a flaw in my plan. Sometimes, though, the whole thing falls apart and I end up really messing something up. Those are very humbling experiences. Jesus reminds me here I can’t do anything of value on my own. Along with that comes the reminder I don’t ever have to. I’m never alone if I remain connected with Him. And more often than not, I have other people around to share in the planning and the implementing.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will not act alone today. As the day unfolds and decisions come up, I will rely on Christ and the people around me. Together, we will come up with plans for continued mission. I will trust the collective power of discernment we share in the church.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your abiding presence. I’m sorry for the way I run off ahead of you sometimes. Keep me in touch with you and the people you have placed around me. In all things, help me serve you today as I discern your direction.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
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