<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture: John 15:4 <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.”<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Discipleship begins with relationship. Jesus calls us to remain in Him, not simply work harder for Him.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A branch does not produce fruit by trying harder on its own. It bears fruit because it stays connected to the vine. In the same way, we grow as disciples by staying close to Jesus.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus lived in constant relationship with the Father and the Spirit. He was sent by the Father, listened to the Father, shared the Father’s love, cared with the Father’s heart, and taught the Father’s truth.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the heart behind J-APEST. The gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher are not just activities Jesus performed. They flowed from His deep relationship with the Father and the Spirit.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are invited into that same kind of life. We do not follow Jesus alone or in our own strength. The Father welcomes us, the Son leads us, and the Spirit helps us.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When our relationship with God grows, other parts of our lives begin to change too. Our loves, thoughts, actions, and relationships become healthier because they are rooted in Jesus.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, begin with connection. Before you try to do more for God, make space to be with Him.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflection questions:<ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What helps me stay connected to Jesus in everyday life?</li><li aria-level="1" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where am I trying to grow by effort alone instead of remaining in Him?</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prayer: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Father, draw me closer to Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit. Let every part of my discipleship flow from living relationship with You. Amen.

We are invited into that same kind of life. We do not follow Jesus alone or in our own strength. The Father welcomes us, the Son leads us, and the Spirit helps us.

4.Life With the Father and the Spirit

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4.Life With the Father and the Spirit

4.Life With the Father and the Spirit

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