Abide for strength

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitfull unless you remain in me."  (John 15:4 NLT)

Connected.... how many ways are you connected?  Most of us have cell phones so it is one way -- right?  Then email, Facebook and other social media.  What about actually talking to someone - regularly?  I connect once a week with two clergy friends - we check on each other because each of us lives by ourselves.  What about face-to-face which I know is more difficult right now but.... do you have it as a connection for say coffee?

The Gospel reading, today, is Jesus speaking to the Disciples and us.  This conversation takes place during what we refer to as the Last Supper.  Jesus has already washed the Disciples feet, sent Judas to "what you do, do quickly" (13:27), spoken of Peter's denial and is now answering questions.  He is reminding the Disciples (and us) of the strength they have by "abiding" in Him.  He is reminding the Disciples (again) of His upcoming death and resurrection.  He is pointing out, to them and to us, how things will change AND be difficult.  He is, however, also pointing out Emmanuel -- God WITH us - as we "abide," get strength from and grow with the "vine."

So.....  How often do you connect to the various things you thought of?  How often do you have to "charge," connect, your devices to a power source?  How often do YOU connect to your Power Source -- Emmanuel, "the Vine"?  Something to think about..........