The original Greek word “rule” meant Trellis.

A trellis is a frame or structure of latticework that supports the branches of grapevines. Without that support, the grapes end up small and the vine is not very strong. But if you put the vine next to a trellis, the vines become more fruitful, rich and full.

John 15 tells us we are the branches and Jesus is the Vine. Having a Trellis or a “Rule of Life” in our Christian walk helps us abide in Christ and bear much fruit.

This rule of life or trellis is really referring to a framework or structure to help us continually pay attention to God and hear His voice. The ultimate goal is to grow into the likeness of Christ; to grow in love towards God and others.

1. Talk about your own Trellis or "Rule of Life". Is your Trellis similar to what we see in Acts 2 (Sitting at the feet of Scripture, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, Prayer)? Is your "Trellis" helping you pay attention to God and hear His voice? Is it providing the necessary structure for you to grow in the love of Christ?

2. Have a look at what Henry Nouwen writes concerning the true nature of love. “Often we speak about love as if it is a feeling. But if we wait for a feeling of love before loving, we may never learn to love well. The feeling of love is beautiful and life giving, but our loving cannot be based in that feeling. To love is to think, speak, and act according to the spiritual knowledge that we are infinitely loved by God and called to make that love visible in this world. Mostly we know what the loving thing to do is.  When we "do" love, even if others are not able to respond with love, we will discover that our feelings catch up with our acts." Why is it difficult loving like this? How do we grow into this kind of loving?

3. What two "slats" of your Trellis do you want to develop this coming year. Pick one "spiritual" (from the category Prayer, Rest or Work) and one "emotional" (Relationships)." So you might pick the area of developing silence & solitude, and developing spiritual friendship or companions for the journey.

Prayer: Scripture, Silence & Solitude, Pausing throughout the day (Daily Office), Study

Rest: Sabbath, Simplicity, Play & Recreation

Work: Service or Mission, Care for your physical body

Relationships: Emotional Health, Family, Marriage, Companions for the Journey

4. Every local church has a Trellis. We the River have a Trellis or a way of following Jesus that makes us unique. There are certain qualities to the River's Trellis? What might those qualities be? Any areas that you feel the River could develop that are currently weak or lacking?

Pray for one another.