We spend time in places where we are comfortable and
where we know we are welcome. Some
people like controversy and others don’t.
That also determines where we spend time.
Fact is where
we find ourselves often determines or points to our character. These verses help us understand that we are
Christians and belong to God. People who
know their identity share their identity.
To know we belong to God and to love God will guide us to spend more and
more time with God.
Take some
time to read the following verses. Take
note of the work “remain” and how it is used.
This person has chosen where they spend time. This is a good thing!
John 15:1-16
NLT
I am the
true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 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. 3 You have already
been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 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. 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. 9 “I have loved
you even as the Father has loved me. REMAIN in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments,
you REMAIN in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and REMAIN
in his love. 11 I have told
you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will
overflow! 12 This is my
commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves,
because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I
have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go
and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask
for, using my name. 17 This
is my command: Love each other.
The more time we
spend with God the more like God we are, the more our lives will reflect God
and the more our lives align with the principles of faith!
REMAIN notes where
we spend lots of time, and where we spend extra time brings blessings and even
change. If we remain in God, we can
expect God’s promises to come true.
There are promises if we remain.
Further, REMAIN IN
MY LOVE is not only a promise but a command.
The person who wants God will remain in Him. That is what I want more of. What about you?
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