Sunday May 14, 2006

Text for the Day -- John 15:1-5
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'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes
every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit
he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed
by the word that I have spoken to you. 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. I am the vine, you
are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much
fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.'

Devotional
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The key concept in this teaching by Jesus is image of abiding -
'Abide in me and as I abide in you.' Jesus calls us to become aware
of and respond to his indwelling presence. It is not as if we have to
go somewhere else, some where special, to find out where Jesus
dwells. Like a vine and its branches we have a living relationship
and connection. Under the direction of his word we live out his love
in the world, bearing the fruit of his kingdom.


Prayer
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Help me be more conscious of your indwelling presence, gracious Lord.
Amen