Remain We’re still in the coldest part of the year when the trees are still leafless and bracing against an occasional freeze. In just a few weeks, however, the temperatures will rise as brand-new branches begin to appear. As these offshoots become an extension of the larger branch, they come with a potential to someday bear fruit. There is just one thing that they must do, however – remain connected to the tree long enough for maturity to produce that fruit. I know, a bit simple, right? And yet, if they are broken or trimmed away, instead of becoming a part of a flourishing tree, they only fall to the ground where they’re picked up and disposed of. When the warmth of the gospel’s truth brings to life a branchlet from the Vine, there is excitement for the incredible potential already budding within it. Though there is an immediate glory in the sprouting, for the full potential of fruit-bearing to be realized, it must remain connected to the Vine. Just as the truth of God’s Word produced that initial connection, so it will be maintained by the continual residence of truth in the heart and mouth. Whenever this life source is discontinued, it’s as if a blade were used to trim it. Not only will it not bear fruit, but it will be thrown away as well. We are so blessed to have been joined together with such a wonderful portion of His body. Remaining connected and drawing from the wealth of resources in Him is critical, not just for surviving the storm, but doing so with joy while producing fruit for God’s glory. Notes Jesus’ passionate purpose – Connection/Unity John 17:23 (NKJV) 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. To connect to the Father – must consume the Son John 6:56-58 (NKJV) 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." Consume the Son – feed on His words John 6:63 (NKJV) 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. Critical moment – to remain or not John 6:66-69 (NKJV) 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Purpose of Unity - fruit John 15:1-17 (NKJV) 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. Fruit Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. To connect to the Father’s heart – walk in love 1 John 2:4-6 (NKJV) 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. Overview: Jesus purpose – Unity/Connection To connect with the Father, must consume the Son. Consuming the Son is feeding on His Words. To remain connected to Him, continually consume His words of life. Feeding on His Word produces the fruit of love for the Father’s glory. Remaining connected is walking in love – connected to Jesus/His body. Prayer: I am so grateful for Your love that has pursued me and provided me with life even when I was sinning against You. Fill me with the truth of Your Word and empower me to remain perfectly united with You and Your body by the Spirit. Declarations: I am amazed and drawn to an Almighty God who desires to be one with me. I have been connected to the Father’s heart by consuming the truth of His love. I have been given new life in Christ and made one with Him in Spirit. As I continue to feed on His words, I abide in the source of my new life. Connected to the Vine, I produce the fruit of the Spirit that unites me with His body. As I remain in Christ, I live by His love-producing words.