Week 2
“I came that they may have life in all its fullness.” —John 10:10
“I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will produce much fruit, but apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
Jesus offers us more than mere survival. He offers us a life of fullness, of spiritual abundance. And yet, many of us experience spiritual drought and exhaustion. Why? Often, it's because we’ve allowed the good things to crowd out the best thing: time with him.
Are you burdened and stressed by the never-ending series of responsibilities and appointments? Demands at home, work, church, school, and from civic duties combine with issues that cry for our attention from around the world. As these many concerns cry out for our attention, we must learn to come to him to discern which of them he wants us to attend to now.
The world constantly invites us into a state of urgency and overload. But life in Christ begins with abiding. When we live connected to him, fruit flows naturally—not forced, not frantic, but as a byproduct of intimacy. If we want to live the “full life” Jesus promised, we must learn to discern which demands are from God—and which are not.
Reflection Questions
How would you describe “life in all its fullness?”
What do you think Jesus would do in your current callings (family, work or school, and ministry)? How is this different from what you are currently doing?
Does this comparison inspire you to spend your time differently? If so, how?
Review your past twenty-four hours. Record how you spent large amounts of your time (or how small amounts of your time added up).
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?