“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.” John 15:1-11 ESV
Jesus spoke the words above to His disciples just before they left the table and took a walk through the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was ahead in the next few hours. He knew the pain. He knew the anguish. He knew the denial of Peter and that nearly all of the disciples would flee. He knew the heart of His mother was about to be broken. He knew it all … yet He spoke of love. He spoke of staying connected and abiding in Him. He knew these words would be written down by John and read for generations to follow – that is you and me.
Abiding is essential. Without the branch being connected to the vine, it withers and does not bear fruit. We are called to bear fruit as followers of Jesus Christ. We must stay connected, and it is through Scripture we can know God, obey God, follow Him and love Him with our whole hearts.
This past weekend we finally had the CCW Women’s Event which had been rescheduled several times over the last two years due to Covid restrictions, but I must say…it was worth the wait. Tara-Leigh Cobble spoke to us from John 15. She shared with us that every time we open God’s Word we are entering into a date with Him and this is His conversation with us. It is not a checklist of something to do every day, but our opportunity and privilege to get to know God – and He is where the joy is!
Here are a few of the tips she gave us for reading, understanding and loving the Bible:
  • Look for God.
Scripture is not about you and finding yourself in the passage, but about God and who He is.
Ask these questions as you read: What does God say or do in this passage? What does God love or hate in this passage? What motivates God to do what He does in the passage? What attributes of God are displayed here?
  • Consider context.
It is impossible to understand Scriptures only in fragments or by pulling verses out of their context. We rob ourselves of truth when we do not seek to better understand the full context of a verse or passage.
  • Embrace uncertainty.
Do not let what you don’t know keep you from Who you want to know – God. Be patient. This is a journey and it takes time to get to know Him.
  • Don’t go it alone.
We are called to be in community to encourage each other, support each other and help each other. It is always okay to ask for help if you are struggling with Scripture.
This weekend we gathered, worshiped, smiled, laughed, prayed, cried, hugged, and were filled. We needed this event at just this time. God knew when we would gather, who would be in attendance and what we needed to hear.
Are you ready for your daily date with your Savior, Bible Readers?
If so, you can jump in with Tara-Leigh’s chronological Bible reading plan, the Bible Recap, on October 1 when the plan starts reading through the New Testament and you will finish on December 31. From there, you can start with Genesis on January 1.
For a little perspective, she shared that you can read through the entire Bible in just 12 minutes a day … we can do this!
There are a few books left over from the event. If you would like to purchase one for $24, give Sue a call at the Parish Office (843-757-2661).