Last weekend I attended the FHLCW conference in Phoenix. On Sunday, I presented a workshop on being rooted (rooted by abiding in Jesus, living in wonder, and being in fellowship). And what I talked about isn’t solely for writers, so I thought I would share a little of my presentation in my post today.
John 15:4–5 says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Jesus didn’t say “produce much fruit” but “abide in Me.” Fruit comes because of connection. The vine doesn’t strain to push out grapes; it simply draws from the root. When we feel dry, it’s not a call to push harder, but to return to the Source. Abiding teaches patience—fruit takes time to ripen.
Psalm 8:1, 3–4 says “LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have set in place; What is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him?”
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by something simple—like the sound of a child’s laughter or the way light filters through autumn leaves? That’s wonder. And wonder is where creativity is born. Too often, our schedules and fears dull that sense of awe. But as followers of Christ, we serve the Creator of galaxies and garden flowers alike. What if we learned to [live] with eyes wide open to His wonder?
The first line of Scripture: “In the beginning, God created.” Creativity is God’s very nature. When we create, we partner with His Spirit to bring light into dark places.
Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
{Your work] may be solitary. Calling never is. God calls us to connection. The enemy, on the other hand, loves isolation. Discouragement grows in silence. The early church “devoted themselves to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). Community was foundational. Fellowship reminds us we’re vessels, not stars.
Father God, I thank You for abiding grace, for renewed wonder, and for faithful fellowship. Amen.
How are you abiding in Jesus, living in wonder, and/or maintaining fellowship with other believers?
~robin
Actually, fellowship is very difficult just now. Our church split, small groups disbanded, we live half an hour from anything and spouse is fed up with ‘church’, so we do not attend anywhere. I must admit, I was too right after the split. But I feel ready to join again. At least 4 days a week I get to listen to my favorite Christian radio station while making the one-hour drive to work.