John – God Speaks!

This is the first day of the new year. There are insane, persistent ads running on social media that seem full of wisdom and insight about being a better person in the coming year, as if we were not so good last year. There is always room for growth! They (media) talk about fresh starts, eating healthier, being warriors who fight for significance not letting anyone get in their way. The ads tell us to exercise our bodies so we will be fit and have power to be better, look better and feel better. The world also tells us to be our own person who takes no guff from anyone. Follow our dreams and ambitions.
Okay, but here’s what Jesus says….”Remain in Me”.
John 15, New Living Translation
Jesus, the True Vine


5 “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. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.


1. “…continue to exist, especially after other similar or related people or things have ceased to exist.”
2. “…stay in the place that one has been occupying”.
3. “…continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role”.
Here’s how Jesus defines remain:
–Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
–Remain attached to Me, the true Vine, as a branch that comes from Me. Stay connected to Me.
–Apart from Me you can do nothing that is “fruitful”.

–Don’t sever yourself from the Source of Life! That’s just dumb.
–“I love you as the Father loves Me”…remain in My love.

–Think like Jesus, love like Jesus, so we behave like Jesus. Remain in Him. Ask for help in His Name. Remain in His love, realizing that His love is the model for our love for others.
–JOY is a result! “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

–Remain in His love. “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Self has nothing to do with this kind of love. We love others unconditionally, without judgement because Jesus loves us in the same way. This is love, so…
–Love each other. We can do this IF we remain in His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior,
I know from growing your roses that pruning brings a better yield of health and beauty. I know that you have been pruning me all of my life, taking away all that is not good for my growth or necessary in my life. I know that you will continue to do what you must to make me more like you so I can think more like you, love more like you and behave more like you. Do what you must, but be gentle.

In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.