Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15 : 4
Readings this week : Acts 8 : 26 - end; 1 John : 7 -- end; John 15 : 1 - 8
Thought for this week
On Monday this week we celebrated Earth Day, a reminder of our relationship as human beings with our beautiful planet and the environmental needs for biodiversity and sustainability.
In our Gospel reading today Jesus speaks of our relationship with Him, and through Jesus with the Father. Jesus’ phrase, ‘I am the true vine’ immediately involves us. Jesus tells us we are the branches, and we are to bear fruit. Yet this is only possible through being in a personal relationship with Him. Receiving from Him. Trusting in Him, talking with Him, listening to Him, walking with Him, following Him.
All the ‘I am’ sayings point us to who Jesus is. ‘I am the true vine’ points us especially to our call to be in a relationship with Jesus. This is the only way we can be fruitful for Him, by being connected daily to Him, and receiving our strength, inspiration, motivation, grace and forgiveness from Him.
As we show Jesus’ care for others, and care for the planet, we are called first and foremost to grow in our relationship with Jesus, and to know He is the source of all Life, love, goodness and hope.
It begins with us personally. Only then will the world know Jesus’ love.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
This is love.
Not that you spoke words of comfort,
walked with the unclean and unloved,
shared wisdom, bread and wine,
brought healing into lives
and challenged the status quo.
This is love.
That you spoke the word of God,
walked a painful road to the Cross,
shared living water, bread of life,
brought Salvation to the world
and died for the sake of all.
This is love.
It is a seed sown in the ground,
which germinates, blossoms,
and spreads its sweet perfume.
~ written by John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com/
People to pray for
All those seeking a relationship with Jesus
Our contacts through the St Ed's May Fair (6th May)