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True joy and spiritual growth are found by abiding in the true vine, who is Christ.
We all want transformation—but most of us still want control.In Week 06 of Rooted, we arrive at the hinge point of the series: Surrender. For the first six weeks we've been working beneath the surface—our roots, identity, mind, truth, and faith. Now we discover that real spiritual growth happens when we stop trying to control our lives and begin abiding in Christ.Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches." Branches don't struggle to produce fruit. They simply stay connected to the source of life. That's the invitation of John 15—not to try harder, but to abide deeper.We'll explore what it means to remain in Christ, why surrender is an act of trust rather than weakness, how God lovingly prunes our lives for greater fruitfulness, and why the deepest transformation doesn't come from striving—it comes from staying connected to Jesus.Because healthy fruit is never manufactured. It grows naturally from healthy roots connected to the True Vine.Transformation is not behavior management. It is life from the roots up.Follow Coach Dan Holland:Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/CoachDanHollandYouTube ➡️ @CoachDanHollandVisit us online
Do the ordinary tasks of my day actually matter to God?You're doing all of it — the meals, the laundry, the emails, the driving, the remembering. And somewhere in the middle of it a question surfaces. Does any of this actually matter? This episode is about what happens when we move through our lives productive but not present, and what abiding in the ordinary actually looks like.Through the story of Brother Lawrence and the theology of Andrew Murray's The True Vine, this episode reframes the mundane as the very place God is forming you. The laundry isn't the obstacle to your spiritual life. It is your spiritual life.In This Episode•Why productivity without presence leaves us spiritually exhausted•How Brother Lawrence practiced God's presence in unglamorous ordinary work•What Psalm 16 teaches us about security and presence in our assigned portion•How Murray reframes pruning as God's precision formation in everyday life•The three questions that help you abide in the ordinary instead of just endure itKey Takeaways•The ordinary moments of your day are not the obstacle to your spiritual life — they are your spiritual life•Abiding is a connection you maintain in the middle of the doing, not a feeling you chase•The laundry is the pruning — God is actively forming you in the mundane moments•The fruit grows while you remain connected to the vine — not when you finally finish the listSeries NoteEpisode three of the Simply Remain series, which began on episode 156.Keywords•Abiding in God in everyday life•Christian women and spiritual exhaustion•Finding God in the ordinary•Spiritual formation in daily routines•John 15 abiding and fruit•Andrew Murray The True VineIf you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com. That's where I share free resources and ways to stay connected.Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
In this episode of This is Kingdom, we discuss Elder Suarez's General Conference message, Jesus Christ, the True Vine, and what it truly means to abide in Christ.What is the difference between liking Jesus and loving Him?Through personal stories, experiences from Thailand, marriage, fitness, and even an unforgettable New York Knicks comeback, we explore how discipleship isn't about convenience—it's about commitment.If you've ever felt distant from God, struggled to stay consistent spiritually, or wondered how to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, this conversation is for you.We hope this episode encourages you to consciously choose Christ every single day.
In this episode of This is Kingdom, we discuss Elder Suarez's General Conference message, Jesus Christ, the True Vine, and what it truly means to abide in Christ.What is the difference between liking Jesus and loving Him?Through personal stories, experiences from Thailand, marriage, fitness, and even an unforgettable New York Knicks comeback, we explore how discipleship isn't about convenience—it's about commitment.If you've ever felt distant from God, struggled to stay consistent spiritually, or wondered how to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, this conversation is for you.We hope this episode encourages you to consciously choose Christ every single day.
Rooted in God's Presence | Rooted: Standing Strong in a Shifting WorldWhat if the strength, peace, and transformation you've been searching for aren't found in striving, but in simply abiding?In this powerful message from the Rooted: Standing Strong in a Shifting World series, discover God's invitation to stop performing and start remaining in His presence. Through Jesus' teaching in John 15, you'll learn that lasting spiritual fruit isn't produced by working harder, it's the natural result of staying connected to the True Vine.In this message, you'll discover: Why God's presence always comes before performance. How abiding in Christ renews your strength during life's most difficult seasons. The transforming power of spending time in God's presence. Why spiritual fruit is the evidence of connection, not striving. Whether you're feeling exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, this message will remind you that God isn't asking you to do more, He's inviting you to draw closer. As you remain rooted in His presence, He will produce in you what you could never accomplish on your own.Key Scriptures: John 15:1–5, Luke 10:38–42, 1 Samuel 30:6, Isaiah 40:31, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22–23This Week's Challenge: Set aside 15 uninterrupted minutes each day to simply be with Jesus. No phone. No agenda. No requests. Just His presence. Because intimacy always precedes impact.Stay rooted. Abide in Christ. Let His presence transform your life from the inside out.
Text Me Here!!!So happy to be back in the same week with another episode! Pray for me as we try to crank as many as we can out before baby girl gets here! I have faith that we can do it!This was such a fascinating talk to go through and study about, espeically being able to go deeper into truly what a vine is and it's purpose it serves, it doesn't surprise me now how much a vine is constantly referred to in the scriptures.I'm so excited for you to go through this talk and don't forget to really sit and ponder these 2 questions: 1. What am I attached to for my life?2. What am I drawing life from every day?********Links:Elder Soares Bio: https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/07/08/relief-society-general-presidency-teaches-about-ministering/Elder Soares Talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/210soares?lang=eng'Abide with Me' Mormon Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1ar9gjIrEQ E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.comInsta: @munchandminglepodcast
Yesterday was my birthday, but it became much more than a celebration—it became my Ebenezer. In this deeply personal episode of Still Waters, I share a heartfelt letter to my younger self and reflect on God's unseen faithfulness through seasons of brokenness, wandering, silent battles, depression I didn't recognize, unanswered prayers, and extraordinary grace. If you've ever wondered where God was in your darkest moments, this testimony is a reminder that He never stopped pursuing you. Stay connected to the True Vine, because your story isn't over—God is still weaving every thread for His glory.I pray this episode reminds you that He never stopped holding you.God Bless You
Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal today! What happens when the relentless treadmill of busyness slowly crimps your connection to the True Vine? Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a candid devotional on Psalm 67, a brief but powerful psalm that celebrates God's heart for every tribe and nation, and reminds us of our calling to reflect His glory to the ends of the earth. Jaime unpacks the subtle, spiritual dangers of our fast-paced, technology-driven world, exploring the uncomfortable reality that 'busyness' can become an idol that drains our energy and starves our souls. Likening our spiritual health to a wind-whipped grapevine, she discusses how easily we can become "crimped" and withered without even realizing we've been disconnected from our life source. Sharing her own transparent struggles with slowing down, Jaime encourages us to intentionally step off the daily grind and carve out sacred, meditative white space for God's Word. Just as the ancient Israelites were blessed so that all the earth might revere Him, we are reminded that our blessings—and our connection to the local body of Christ—are never meant to be kept in a self-contained survival pod, but poured out to bless the world. Come ready to evaluate your own spiritual branches—the places of hidden withering, the exhausting routines, and the moments when reading the Bible feels more like a chore than a lifeline. Let this episode remind you that God is always waiting with open arms to breathe fresh life into your fading embers. Because He is a gracious God whose face shines upon us, who guides the nations on the earth, and whose presence can revive even the driest, crunchiest parts of our faith. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Everyone wants the win. Whether it's cheering for your favorite team during the FIFA World Cup, crossing the finish line of a race, or reaching a personal goal, we're naturally drawn to moments of victory. But what if the greatest victories aren't found at the finish line—but in the journey that leads there?In this message, we explore Jesus' invitation in John 15 to "abide" in Him. Using the imagery of soccer, marathon training, and the Christian life, we're reminded that spiritual growth isn't about chasing success or trying harder—it's about walking daily with Christ and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.Discover why the process matters, what it means to remain connected to the True Vine, and how God defines real victory—not by trophies collected, but by the fruit produced in a life surrendered to Him.Whether you're in a season of waiting, striving, or searching for your next "win," this message offers encouragement to trust God's process and keep walking with Jesus every step of the way.Visit Us at oacvancouver.ca We believe that Jesus is needed and relevant for people in Vancouver today. The message of God's love and promise of wholeness was destined to be experienced within a faith community that worships, studies scripture and prays together. Let us warmly welcome you to journey with us toward greater connection, purpose and peace.Follow Us Instagram: instagram.com/oacvancouver Facebook: facebook.com/oacvancouver Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjUJ9XmAMJc1piS1IwOQH?si=dc0f2377d0454e31
The True Vine | Pastor Justin Sommer | With Jesus: Week 05 | July 5, 2026
Featuring the symbolism of the vine in John 15:1 from Isaiah 5:1-7.Don't forget to check out our website! https://treasurehuntpodcast.wixsite.com/realtreasure
In John 15, Jesus will tell us that He is the true vine and apart from Him we can do nothing. Danny and Kurt discuss this eternal truth and the implications that it has for all of us. Thank you for studying with us!
Every human being understands the longing to be seen. As Curt Thompson says, “We are all born into this world looking for someone looking for us.” In this sermon, we explore Psalm 80 and its plea to God: "let your face shine that we may be saved." We discover how longing for God's face to shine upon us finds its perfect, saving resolution in the ultimate Shepherd and True Vine, Jesus Christ.
In John 15, Pastor Sean Gasperetti unpacks Jesus' final "I AM" statement: "I am the true vine." Discover why there are no alternate sources of life, why abiding in Christ is the highest priority of every believer, and how God's pruning produces lasting fruit.
Sunday, July 5, 2026 Life in the Vine | The Fruit of the Spirit Pastor Brad Whitaker Scripture: Galatians 5:16–26 & John 15:1–8 What does it mean to bear spiritual fruit that lasts? In this message from The Fruit of the Spirit series, Pastor Brad Whitaker unpacks Jesus' teaching about abiding in the True Vine and Paul's call to walk by the Spirit. Discover how a daily relationship with Christ transforms your character, produces the fruit of the Spirit, and empowers you to live a life that glorifies God. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement in your faith journey, or a deeper understanding of biblical discipleship, this message will remind you that lasting transformation comes from remaining connected to Jesus. In this episode you'll discover: Why abiding in Christ is the foundation for spiritual growth. How the Holy Spirit produces Christlike character in every believer. The difference between striving in your own strength and living through God's power. Practical encouragement for cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life. If this message encourages you, be sure to follow the podcast, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others discover these biblical teachings. Connect with us at www.bcn.org! Need prayer? We would love to pray for you, simply submit your request here. Keywords: Fruit of the Spirit, Life in the Vine, Abide in Christ, John 15, Galatians 5, Christian podcast, Bible teaching, Pastor Brad Whitaker, discipleship, Holy Spirit, spiritual growth, biblical preaching, Christian living, faith, Bedford Church of the Nazarene.
Are you exhausted from chasing outcomes that never quite deliver the peace you're after?Underneath every goal is a feeling — security, love, peace, worthiness. And that feeling is already available to you through abiding in Christ, not through achieving. In this episode Jill opens a new series called Simply Remain, anchored in John 15 and Andrew Murray's The True Vine. She names the works of the flesh we don't recognize because they look like diligence, introduces the idea of hard moments as portals into faith rather than detours around it, and shows what remaining actually looks like in a real moment of grief and loneliness.In This Episode•Why the fruit of the Spirit is not a to-do list•How to trace any outcome back to the feeling underneath it•The works of the flesh that look like virtue but quietly deplete you•What remaining in Christ looks like in a real hard moment•Why your hardest circumstances are doorways into abidingKey Takeaways•You're chasing the feeling underneath the outcome — and it's already available through abiding•The branch has one job: to stay•Striving and controlling are works of the flesh — they never deliver what they promise•Your hard moments are portals, not interruptionsSeries NoteEpisode 1 of the Simply Remain series, based on John 15 and Andrew Murray's The True Vine.Keywords•Abiding in Christ•John 15 vine and branches•Fruit of the Spirit•Christian podcast for women•Overcoming striving and perfectionism•Spiritual growth for womenIf you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com. That's where I share free resources and ways to stay connected.Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
In the first talk of CMF National Conference 2026, main speaker Piyush Jani takes us through John 15:1-17. We learn that Jesus is the True Vine, and when we abide in him, we will bear much fruit, and experience the source of joy.Support the show
In episode 420 of the Words of the Prophets podcast Todd, Burke, Rivka and Alia discuss the talk “Jesus Christ - the True Vine" by Elder Soares from the April 2026 General Conference. Have a listen!Words of the Prophets is a podcast dedicated to discussing every talk from the general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is our 12th general conference and we love hearing the words of the prophets through conference.#wordsoftheprophets #generalconference #conference #ldsconference #LDS #ldspodcast #podcast #sharegoodnesshttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/words-of-the-prophetsFind us on twitter, instagram or email us at wordsoftheprophetspodcast@gmail.comFind us at youtube.com/wordsoftheprophetspodcast
In "The True Vine," Pastor Dave Gustavsen reminds us that real growth doesn't come from trying harder - it comes from staying connected to Jesus. Teaching from John 15, he encourages us to depend on Jesus daily, trust Him in the pruning, treasure His Word, and obey His commands. As we remain connected to Him, He changes us from the inside out, resulting in a life marked by answered prayer, lasting fruit, and complete joy. Dave Gustavsen | June 21, 2026Visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Jesus teaches us that we can do nothing without Him. And he calls us to live a life of significance that produces fruit - fruit that will last! As we learn to follow him more fully, what fruit are we leaving behind?
Much debate has occurred over the meaning of the pruning of the vine in John 15. If we simply take the plain words of Jesus in their context, we will learn the valuable lesson He is teaching. In this message, I look at the meaning of the true Vine and how the pruning of the …
Who is Jesus, according to Jesus? We will answer that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 15, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine." Often, we focus primarily on His command to "abide." We rightly understand that this passage holds a profound truth about our need to be rooted in Him as our ultimate source of rest and life. However, we sometimes overlook the fact that this text has just as much to say about what we produce. Because we are rooted in the vine, we inevitably "bear fruit" as we participate in the mission of God all around us.Ultimately, this is a message about rest and work—abiding and going. It challenges us to simultaneously dig deep into the source of life and reach out to offer that life to the world around us.
A CEO who interviews some of the world's most powerful people sat down with a Christian apologist and said something that stopped Brian From cold: "One of the most compelling arguments for God isn't anything you've written or said. It's actually you." That four-word sentence becomes the thread running through this entire hour. Russell Moore follows with a careful word on apologetics — we need debaters, yes, but winning arguments alone isn't the kingdom of God, and sometimes the most powerful witness is a fifth-grade preacher explaining grace. Then: I am the true vine — what Jesus means when he says remain in me, why abiding is not the same as striving, and why fruit flows from connection, not effort. A look at the Mormon/Latter-day Saint rebranding effort and why the Jesus they describe is not the biblical Jesus. Travel sports, church, and why the either-or framing isn't always honest or helpful. The sudden death of Bulls champion and beloved Chicago broadcaster Stacey King at 59. A study showing more than half of men feel they're failing at manhood because of financial pressure. And a piece that lands personally for Brian: your calling is a zigzag, your assignment changes with the seasons, and nothing — not even the parts that felt like detours — is wasted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all want fruit. Not just that stuff that gets baked into a muffin, the good stuff: love, joy, peace, patience, and all that. But every gardener knows if you really want your vines to give you the best stuff, it's gotta be pruned first.This week, our Campus Pastors walk us through an immersive experience that show you how you can remain connected to the True Vine, and how that will get us to that real fruit that you're wanting. Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In John 15, Jesus teaches that he is the true vine. This image is still true for us today. When we abide or remain in him, we will bear fruit. What will that fruit look like? Love. Learn more about The Bridge Church: Website: https://thebridgechurch.hk/
Message from Rev. Dr. John Yates III on May 31, 2026
In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the true vine,” inviting us to remain connected to Him as the source of true life, love, and fruitfulness. This message by Andrew Mayne explores how Jesus doesn't simply offer a better way to live, He invites us to find our life in Him._____If you need prayer, we're here for you. Reach out at www.gatewaybaptist.com.au/prayerNew to faith or returning to Jesus today? We'd love to help you take a next step. Reach out via gtwy.au/online and our team will connect with you.Subscribe for more content to help you grow as a fully devoted follower of Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/c/GatewayBaptistChurchAus?sub_confirmation=1Key Scriptures:John 15:1–10Psalm 80:8–9Isaiah 5:1–2Galatians 5:22–231 John 4:7–8________________________Gateway Baptist Church meets across six locations in South-East Queensland and online.For over 90 years, we've been committed to guiding people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.Learn more about us at https://gatewaybaptist.com.au or join us on Sundays at gtwy.au/live#John15 #TrueVine #RemainInJesus #AbideInChrist #GatewayBaptist #Gospel #Salvation #Jesus #Faith #Christian #Church #Churchonline #GatewayOnline #JasonElsmore #AndrewMayne
In this episode, we dive deep into the weight and significance of John 15:1: “I am the true vine."What did He really mean by that? And why did He say "true" vine instead of just "vine?"This episode serves to be just one example of how Yahusha's words are not isolated sayings, but direct fulfillments of the Tanakh (Old Testament). From Isaiah's vineyard prophecy to Jeremiah's broken branches to Ezekiel's lamentation of the branches being consumed by fire, we trace the full biblical narrative of Israel as Yahuah's vine—called to bear fruit, yet ultimately broken through disobedience.But the story doesn't end in judgment. It ends with restoration. Yahusha steps in as the True Vine—the faithful embodiment of everything Israel was always meant to be. Through Him, right covenant standing is restored, the vineyard is renewed, and both natural and wild branches are brought into one covenant household.This episode also unpacks:--The deeper meaning behind “the way, the truth, and the life” in light of Torah--The prophetic significance of the “choice vine” and Messiah's fulfillment of it--The parable of the vineyard (Matthew 21) and what it reveals about the Kingdom--What it truly means to “bear fruit” and abide in MessiahIf you've ever wrestled with what it really means to be part of the Father's vineyard, I hope that this episode will challenge and deepen your perspective.Visit my website: www.promise-perspective.comFollow on Instagram: @the_promise_perspective Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promiseperspective Donate on Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/stephanie-green0611Donate on PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephaniegreentppDonate on Patreon: http://patreon.com/thepromiseperspective Your support is greatly appreciated ❤️Contact me: stephanie@promise-perspective.comSupport the show
Season 22: Abide | #6 – My Soul WaitsScripture: Psalm 62:1-7 NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!Show Notes: The vineyard has seasons. After flowers appear on the branches, grapes will be ready for harvest 150-180 days later. What happens to the vine and branches during the rest of the year? Jesus gave His disciples the command, “Abide in Me,” in the Upper Room before His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. How do we abide in the True Vine?For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.I shall not be greatly shaken.Psalm 62:1–2 True peace belongs to those who abide in quietness of heart before Him. Silence is not emptiness — it is an invitation. When we quiet the noise around and within us, we create space for God to speak. Most of us are deeply uncomfortable with silence. We fill every gap with sound, activity, or distraction. Yet it is often in silence that God does His deepest work in us. Waiting is also an act of faith. When we wait on the Lord, we say with our actions what David said with his words: I trust that You are at work, even when I cannot see it. I believe Your timing is best for me. Waiting is not doing nothing — it is choosing to hold still long enough for God to move. It is resisting the temptation to run ahead of Him or to manufacture our own solutions. It is one of the most difficult yet holy things a believer can do.Truly, He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.Psalm 62:6 THE PRACTICE OF ABIDING – It is the daily practice of ABIDING in the VINE — in prayer, the Word, worship, and quiet dependence. This is a deliberate, intentional posture.When we set the Lord before us (Psalm 16:8), we find He is already there, waiting for us to come in silence. From that place of nearness, we can face whatever comes with courage and calm, not because our circumstances are easy, but because our God is faithful. “I will not be shaken” is not wishful thinking — it is a declaration rooted in the character of the One who holds us.Song: Speak O Lord - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH1Wn4fTiBs&list=RDaH1Wn4fTiBs&start_radio=1
Join us as Pastor Cole Camp brings us today's message. To learn more about NLC Greenbrier- TEXT "Greenbrier" TO: 88000 to connect with us!
SUNDAY SERMON SERIES - I AM - Week 6
The post I am the True Vine appeared first on Grace Fellowship Church.
Read Online“Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” John 17:11In the ancient world, a name was not only a means of identification but also an expression of the authority and power that the person possessed. For instance, when a king or ruler issued a decree, it was done “in the name” of the king, meaning with his full authority and power behind it.In the Bible, the “name” of God is much more than a simple designation or label; it signifies the full revelation of God's identity, character, and power. The concept of God's name is deeply tied to His nature and His actions in the world. His name represents who God is and His relationship with His people.In the Old Testament, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and instructed him to go to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. Moses inquired, “But... if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is His name?' what do I tell them?” God replied to Moses: “I am who I am.” Then He added: “This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:13–14).God's mysterious name—“I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM”—is also His identity. It expresses God's eternal existence and His self-sufficiency. He is the one who exists by His own nature, without beginning or end, having sovereignty over all creation.In John's Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name numerous times: “I am he;” “I am the Bread of Life;” “I am the Light of the World;” “Before Abraham was, I AM;” “I am the Gate;” “I am the Good Shepherd;” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;” “I am the True Vine;” and “I told you that I AM.” Therefore, when Jesus prayed to the Father, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me…,” His prayer was authoritative, by which the Father's will is implemented, because Jesus is I AM, and in that name, He prays.Jesus' prayer was “that they may be one just as we are one.” This prayer should give us great hope. To “be one” with God, just as the Father and Son are one, reveals that we are called to share in God's very life, to be united to Him in a way that goes beyond intellectual agreement or friendship. We are invited into God's unity, taking our identity in Him, sharing in His very essence and life. We become members of Christ's Body, the Church, acting in Him, with Him, and through Him. This is why Jesus said three times during the Last Supper that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will give us.In 2 Peter 1:4, we read that God's power has enabled us to escape corruption and evil desire and has bestowed upon us “precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature.” This foundational Scripture has led many Church Fathers to speak of our high calling to “divinization.” As Saint Athanasius of Alexandria famously said, “For He was made man that we might be made God; and He manifested Himself by a body that we might receive the idea of the unseen Father; and He endured the insolence of men that we might inherit immortality” (On the Incarnation, 54:3).Reflect today on the high calling you have received. You are invited to share in God's life, to take your identity in Him, to live and act in God's divine name, exercising His authority and manifesting His sacrificial love. This is only possible when we are united to Christ as He is united to the Father. We become one with God, by His will, with His authority and grace. What high dignity we have received to act in His name and with His authority! Have hope in the ability to be drawn into this high calling, taking on this new identity, so that Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper becomes a reality in your life. My divine Lord, the great I AM, You have existed from all eternity as the one and eternal God. You invite me to share in Your life by uniting me with You in Christ through His humanity. I accept this high calling and pray, as You prayed during the Last Supper, that I may be one with You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and live and act in Your Name. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Jesus is the true vine and desires his disciples to bear much fruit by abiding in Him. Luke 15:1-17, Galatians 5:22-23
Read OnlineThe disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” John 16:29–30Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus often speaks in allegories and metaphors that the disciples struggle to comprehend. Among these, He referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the True Vine, and Living Water. However, during the Last Supper, Jesus speaks clearly and openly, without the veiled language they were accustomed to. He speaks of the Father's love for them, His imminent departure and return to the Father, and how He would send the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth—to guide them into all truth.As the Apostles listened to Jesus speak plainly, they rejoiced in a newfound clarity, indicating that their faith had reached a deeper level. At this pivotal moment, just hours before Jesus' arrest and Passion, their new insight must have amazed even them: “Now we realize that you know everything…we believe that you came from God.”This new level of understanding was just the beginning of a journey that would lead them deeper into all Truth in the years to come. However, despite their new understanding, Jesus quickly adds that they will soon “be scattered” and leave Jesus alone. Their newfound clarity would quickly come face to face with the Cross.The experience of the Apostles teaches us much about our own spiritual journeys. Prior to the Last Supper, the Apostles grew in faith through years of listening to Jesus, grappling with veiled language, and witnessing miracles. As Jesus spoke plainly and lovingly during the Passover meal, He lifted the veil more fully to help their faith blossom. He did this, in part, because He knew they would be traumatized by His Passion—and indeed, they were.In each of our lives, we find a similar pattern. As we learn to pray, meditate on the Gospels, and study divine truths, we are encouraged as we begin to realize the treasure we have discovered. We might then experience a moment of clarity, sensing God speaking directly to us. When that happens, it's easy to assume that everything in life will immediately be easier. Yet the Cross often comes next. Like the Apostles, we might stumble, become confused or fearful, and scatter.The lesson taught by the Apostles is one we must grasp. When we are gifted with spiritual insights and consolations, finding that life and God's Word make more sense, we must remember that these consolations and moments of clarity must deepen. To draw us closer to Him, God needs to purify our faith and strengthen our wills. He does this by preparing us for a fuller participation in His Sacrifice.When we face a heavy cross, our first response is often to resist it. We might wonder where God is and why this suffering has afflicted us. The lesson from the Apostles' lives is that the crosses we face become our greatest blessings when they are united to Christ's Cross. The momentary confusion and affliction must give way to God's power to deepen us in ways that good spiritual feelings and insights alone cannot.Once the Holy Spirit descended fully on the disciples at Pentecost, their clarity and consolations were even greater, but so were the crosses they endured. The journey of faith to which we are called is first and foremost a journey into Christ's Passion. We need many moments of clarity to help us understand the value of the sacrifices we are invited to make. We need consolations so that our wills are strengthened when strength is needed the most. Reflect today on your own journey ahead. As you look to the future, know that God wants to teach you much and lift the veil from His divine truths. He does so not because He wants everything to be easy or one unending consolation, but because He wants you to share in the sacrificial love revealed through His Passion. In the end, it is that purified love that has the potential to make us holy and share in the glory of the saints. My revealing Lord, You lifted the veil to divine mysteries for the Apostles during the Last Supper as a way of preparing them for Your coming Passion and the confusion they would endure. As I journey through life, I trust that You will continually reveal Yourself to me so that I can share more fully in Your sacrificial love, which is the only way to the glory of the Resurrection. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Ascension of Jesus in side apse of church kostel Svatého Václava by S. G. Rudl Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Hydroplaning through an intersection with zero control. That's the picture that opened this episode — and honestly? It's a little too relatable.LINKS:Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms A Prayer to Surrender Control to the True Vine by Doris Swift As moms, we carry so much. And sometimes what looks like nurturing or serving is actually just... control in disguise.Jesus offers us the truth that control was never our job. We are the branches. He is the vine. And apart from Him, we can do nothing — which means we were never meant to do it all anyway.Surrender isn't waving a white flag in defeat. It's the moment victory actually begins. Reference: John 15:5 Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for reminding us that you are the vine and we are the branches. Help us to abide in you daily, and to remember it’s not our role to control, and apart from you, we can do nothing. May we bear much fruit, be a light that shines brightly, say yes when the yes is meant for us, and allow your joy in us to overflow and pour out over our families, as we surrender all to you. In Jesus’ name, amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Have you ever been tempted to throw your computer out the window? Maybe you need to plug into a better power source. Join us for the message “I AM the True Vine.”
"Rogation Sunday: Rooted in the True Vine," Eastertide, John 15:1-11, The Rev. Dcn. Steven Hebbard.
If He Said It… is a study through the “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John; exploring the identity of Christ and the promises He makes to humanity.Each week highlights a different “I Am” statement from Jesus - revealing how He speaks to pain, brings light in darkness, satisfies emptiness, offers connection, provides direction, and reminds us that we are seen and not alone.More than statements of identity, these are promises fulfilled and secured through His resurrection. Because Jesus defeated death, His words can be trusted, inviting a response of faith and a life shaped by who He says He is.At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time, by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 11:00 am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!