Wednesday, March 20, 2013

That Your Joy May Be Complete


Day 32: March 20th Wednesday
Scripture: John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 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. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so I have 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. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

Two weeks ago, on March 6th, we read the same scripture.  Do you remember?  Go back to Day 18 and re-read the exercise. 
Today we will do the same thing. There are many parts of this scripture we could focus on. 
Right now, ask God to show you what part God wants you to concentrate on.
Re-read the scripture.  Which part is popping out at you?
Silently repeat this line or word or sentence. 
Is it the same part from two weeks ago? Is it different?
Today, whenever you walk through a door way, remember that part of scripture.
At the end of the day, consider what you learned from this scripture.  Why did God focus your mind on that particular part of scripture? 
If it was the same as last time, why? If it was different, why?  What new insight do you have into Jesus’ farewell words to his disciples?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

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