Be with Jesus #2 In the shelter When Jesus called his disciples, he first called them to simply be with him. Mark 3:13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. We think about the disciples, we may forget the first thing that Jesus wanted from them. He just wanted them to be with him. Be with him like this… John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. The keyword is abide. Stay connected to. To attach ourselves to. To bond with. And receive the life of the vine into your body, soul and mind. To make your emotional home in Jesus. We read about abiding even in the Old Testament; Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Jesus invites us to be at home with him. The fact is, what Jesus calls the “fruit” of your life really betrays where you are spending your time, who is forming you and what kind of stuff is happening in your heart. This is a Jesus – Matthew 12:33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. The words that we say is a direct betrayal of what is going on in our heart. Jesus says that your heart is like a treasury, it’s like a bank. Intentionally or unintentionally, you are making deposits into the treasury of your heart. Other people are making deposits. The events and the problems of your life are making deposits. And whatever your heart is full of – whatever those deposits are – they are coming out of your mouth and your actions. Jesus puts out the invitation. Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Come to me. If you’re tired come to me. If your load is heavy come to me. Come. This is intentional. What is your plan for spiritual growth? What is your plan for spending time with Jesus? Be with him in prayer. Be with him in silence. Be with him in the word. Be with him with musical worship. Be with him by giving. Be with him. Let’s see what GOD can do! Pastor Brian Harrell