"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Saturday morning found many of us at the altar in tears...Alicia was speaking on John 15 using inductive tools to explain the text 'in context'. Jesus is clear that the branches that are in Him will bear fruit as the Master Gardner prunes and tends them, and they will receive eternal life. He is equally clear that the branches that do not remain in Him will be cut off and thrown into the fire. It grieves His heart that people reject Him. He is not willing that any would perish, but they do.
As the Holy Spirit prompted me, I walked forward in tears of greif, grief over my timidity, grief over the darkness that is swallowing people up. I also had tears of dedication. Dedication to serve the Lord more faithfully, more diligently. That I will speak the truth, pray more zealously, and seek the face of Jesus more passionately...that I may be like Him by getting out of the way and letting Him have His way in me. That I will bear the fruit that He prepared in advance for me. I prayed for a bold spirit. I prayed for a humble, trusting heart. I prayed for people who have yet to see the risen Christ who died to save them. That they will see Him. Know Him. Receive Him. Abide in Him...and bear fruit that will last...
The theme of the conference was "Remain" or "Abide". The sub-theme was intimacy with Jesus. How is it that we can have friendship with The One we cannot see?
By the Spirit. By faith we meet Him in His Word daily, listen to Him as we sit down, talk with Him as we walk and work and play.
I recently heard Suzie speak about intimacy with God; she broke the word "intimacy" down into: IN-TO-ME-SEE. Isn't that true about intimate relationships? Intimacy is knowing and being known. Talking and lisenting. I think that is the most exciting news of all. That we can sit in the Presence of the King of Heaven. We can know Him and are known by Him!
