Today during both Sunday School and "Big Church," the focus was on the book of John. During the sermon, John 15:5-8 was discussed.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
I started thinking about ways that I am a branch from the vine of Jesus. He is a vine that is deeply rooted. How deep do my roots go? Would a good rainfall flood the area and wash my roots away? I surely hope not. But it says that I am a branch--an offshoot of the Perfect Vine. I'm connected with the Beautiful Vine of Life that will never wither or die. That's pretty awesome!
Will my actions this week produce much fruit? We will be having our Senior High Girls' Bible Study--His Girl--staring back up tomorrow night. I know that I had prayed for guidance and wisdom about this. He has answered this prayer in a way that never crossed my mind! (Yes, His ways are definitely higher than mine!!) I really wanted to just focus on the Women's Ministry at our church. Instead, He has placed THREE more women in this ministry to help me lead! We can take turns leading, break into small groups, etc.! I am really excited about tomorrow night! I'll let y'all know how it goes.
So...how will you produce much fruit this week? I'd love to hear about it!!
Many Blessings!
16 comments:
Great post Susan. My fruit can only grow if it is watered and fed by God's Word. Thankfully, I don't have to try and produce a crop by myself. Fruit is the growth of His love and Word living in me. Our part is the 'remaining'. May the fruit of His Spirit be evident in me as I abide in Him.
Remaining,
Joy
I love how God thinks outside our little boxes. How cool that you now have help for your girls Bible study.
I pray all goes well and you bear much fruit! ;)
Awesome post. I'm not sure yet how God will produce fruit in my life. I pray it is in two places, home and work. There are pending layoffs at work and my heart is heavy for any non-believers who might get laid off. I pray I can show them Jesus that they might have hope. At home I hope to be a better example to my daughters this week than last. That's my prayer each week. But we'll see where God decides to setup the fruit colelction basket :)
I love how God leads us each and every day. Our church started a small group emphasis today and all week, I've been talking to people I never would have at my kid's school, inviting them to be part of my group. One lady was so thankful that I shared with her. She's new to the school and doesn't know anyone. It was such a God-moment. So, this week, I'll keep an eye out for God's leading and where he'll drop the next apple! =) Shane
We are doing a study on integrity and this scripture on the Vine and Branches was the first one we focused on. It really struck me that Jesus tells us to remain in Him 9 times in that portion of scripture.
I love that He orchestrated circumstances to bring you help in your Bible study.
Thanks for the reminder, sweet Susan.
When I think of the whole branch thing....I think of the pruning that has to come in order to me to bear much fruit...fruit that will last. I feel the Lord doing some major cutting on me lately! He is really for me to take a flying leap into the pool of obedience and submission...and I'm just not sure I'm quite willing yet.
Great thoughts. I want to bear fruit, too!
Thinking about the fruit I bear - I guess sometimes my fruit can be not ripe & bitter (doing things at church I really don't want to do, but odn't say no to!) or sometimes perhaps I can let my fruit get too ripe (not giving others a chance to lead by hogging the leadership role - which I love).
Other times my fruit can be just right - and that is when I am truly connected to the vine and listening for his guidance.
Blessings!
Susan,
Great post. Praise God for leading these women into your life. I know the women, young and older, will be richly blessed by all you have to teach and share with them.
Guess what, today is your lucky day! :-) I awarded you your second blog award in as many weeks! Thanks for your ministry. Come to my blog to check it out.
Blessings,
Kelli
I want my fruit to be pure organic natural fruit. I don't want it to be "self enhanced" in anyway. I want it all to be God's growth in me coming out to the surface...to bring glory to Him
Praying for your Bible Study tonight!
Hey Susan! Congrats! You were #122, and you won a book from Lysa! Please email me which one you'd like and I will also need your mailing address.
Thanks! I was excited when I saw you were the winner!
Blessings,
holly
Woohoo!!! I've won two prizes today! One from Kelli and the other from Lysa--via Holly! Thank you darling girfriends! God is good!
Thanks for your prayers tonight--for the High school girls and for tomorrow--with the "Yes" to God Bible study.
Love y'all!
Susan
Congratulations bloggy friend!
His blessings are so sweet, aren't they!
Abiding in Him is the only place to be!
Go and be fruity!
Sharon
Hey Susan...swinging by with a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! YEAH!!!
It's so neat to actually KNOW the winner!!!
Have a great day!
Love & prayers,
Joy
Hooray! Hooray! I am so excited that you won!!! :)
Wanting to be fruitful right along with ya',
K :)
It seems my branches are not very fruit bearing as of late. I just need to keep in line with God and let Him be in control. Such a daily struggle. I want to produce much fruit from having deep connection with Him!! I do, I do.
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