³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

These are the words of Jesus.

I can add nothing that is worth adding.

Read these words over and over again.  It is your message from Jesus today.  Blessings.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

This one truth presented by Christ SHOULD be enough to have every Christian on their knees in continual connection with God. Unfortunately most of us have this thing we call ‘life’ that gets in the way.  We are busy and our schedules get out of control to the point where God seems to get the crumbs left over in our calendar.  We become experts at justifying our disconnect and shaking our fist at God when our efforts prove to be unprofitable.

Today’s simple challenge is this:  Remain in Christ.

Remain in Christ through regular bible study.

Remain in Christ through fellowship with strong Christian believers.

Remain in Christ through regular heart-wrenching prayer.

Remain in Christ by repenting often.

Remain in Christ by praising Him for the blessings He has already brought to you.

Whatever you do, focus on Jesus & remain in Him.

This is THE main focus of the believer…remain in Christ.

⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” - John 14:5-7

Jesus is the way.

As Americans we are bombarded with thousands of advertisements, signs and markers. Television, radio and street signs are all vying for our attention to follow the sign to a place that will take money from us to exchange a good or service.  Peer pressure gives us even more avenues to follow when you consider the innate desire for us to be on the ‘in crowd’ of whatever the latest fad and fun may be.  When it comes to morality it gets difficult to surf the internet without bumping into content that reveals a little too much skin.  From sporting events to a casual stroll through the mall, no place seems to be safe from the lure of appeal to the worst that is in us.

Then take religion. With 3,000 gods to chose from and beliefs that are more plentiful than flavors of ice cream at Baskin Robins it’s no wonder most people just throw their hands in the air from the confusion and clutter.

There is a voice however that pierces the confusion.  The voice of Jesus.  Emmanuel.  God with us.

Jesus makes a powerful statement in this passage about his exclusivity. “I am the way…”

For Salvation, follow Jesus because He is the way to the Father.

Discouraged, turn to Jesus because He is the way to the Father.

Too much pride? Follow Jesus because He is the way to the Father.

Angry? Follow Jesus because He is the way to the Father.

Fearful? Follow Jesus because He is the way to the Father.

Our Father in Heaven is the ultimate father. He has good gifts for His children.  He is the ultimate protector and provider.  He has our ultimate interest at heart.  Our father is not tossed by circumstance or popular opinion.  He is the ultimate in reliability.  Our Father is a good, honest, just and loving God.  He is worthy of our love and affection.

Jesus points to the Father.

No matter what you may be going through…keep going. As you are walking through your trial, look for Jesus because He is the way to the Father and the Father is the ultimate in love, healing, redemption and restoration.  Make your way to the Father through Jesus Christ.  He is the way above every other way.