April 17th, 2024
As a follower of Jesus, we are RAISED TO WALK in the newness of life. Each new day
is an opportunity to live out your baptism. How do you ‘live out’ your new identity with
Jesus marked by baptism? It’s by a continual union with Him. Let’s prayerfully read
John chapter 15. What is a highlight of your reading? How would you explain it to a
friend? What application does this have to your life? Write a prayer response of your
heart to the Lord.
Let’s Zero into V. 5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches.”
The metaphor of us as branches attached to Jesus the vine is a picture of extreme
connection, dependence, and intimacy. It’s hard to think of a more vivid metaphor of the
type of relationship God wants to have with us. Such devotion to Jesus means we can
joyfully place him first in every area of our lives, prioritizing our connection to him above
all else.
Just as Jesus often withdrew to spend time with his Father (Mark 1: 35), so we can
choose to engage with God in our day to day lives as we prioritize our relationship with
him. Like the branch receiving life and nourishment from the vine, so we receive the
love, peace, presence and power of God as we focus our attention and affection on
him. Then, with our connection to Jesus as our life’s foundation, his presence with us
will naturally overflow in the way we live and interact with others, bringing wonderful
Kingdom potential and possibilities.
Take a moment now to pause, take a deep breath, relax and connect with Jesus in a
way that is personal to you, receiving all he has for you in this moment as you give your
affection to him.
THOUGHTS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION
What times do you feel most connected to Jesus? Why?
When do you feel most distant from Jesus? Identify and seek space & time to
give Jesus your loving attention.
is an opportunity to live out your baptism. How do you ‘live out’ your new identity with
Jesus marked by baptism? It’s by a continual union with Him. Let’s prayerfully read
John chapter 15. What is a highlight of your reading? How would you explain it to a
friend? What application does this have to your life? Write a prayer response of your
heart to the Lord.
Let’s Zero into V. 5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches.”
The metaphor of us as branches attached to Jesus the vine is a picture of extreme
connection, dependence, and intimacy. It’s hard to think of a more vivid metaphor of the
type of relationship God wants to have with us. Such devotion to Jesus means we can
joyfully place him first in every area of our lives, prioritizing our connection to him above
all else.
Just as Jesus often withdrew to spend time with his Father (Mark 1: 35), so we can
choose to engage with God in our day to day lives as we prioritize our relationship with
him. Like the branch receiving life and nourishment from the vine, so we receive the
love, peace, presence and power of God as we focus our attention and affection on
him. Then, with our connection to Jesus as our life’s foundation, his presence with us
will naturally overflow in the way we live and interact with others, bringing wonderful
Kingdom potential and possibilities.
Take a moment now to pause, take a deep breath, relax and connect with Jesus in a
way that is personal to you, receiving all he has for you in this moment as you give your
affection to him.
THOUGHTS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION
What times do you feel most connected to Jesus? Why?
When do you feel most distant from Jesus? Identify and seek space & time to
give Jesus your loving attention.
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