How do we leave behind a life of negativity and walk in the peace Christ has for us? 1. WE MUST REMAIN IN CHRIST. John 15:4-5 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 fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. Psalm 23 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST WHEN HE FULFILLS OUR WANTS. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST BY GOING TO HIM FOR PEACE & RENEWAL He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST WHEN WE DO LIFE HIS WAY. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST WHEN WE TRUST HIS GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST WHEN OUR IDENTITY IS SECURE IN HIM. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. WE REMAIN IN CHRIST WHEN WE HAVE AN ETERNAL MINDSET. 2. WE MUST BE WILLING TO BE PRUNED. John 15:2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 3. WE MUST BEAR FRUIT. John 15:7-8 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Most individuals concentrate their efforts on picking fruit instead of producing it. It’s easier to be a consumer than a contributor. Philippians 4:4-9 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Psalm 30:11-12 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! Matthew 6:33-34 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.