Remain in Me, and I in you.
Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in Me. “I am the vine; you are the branches.
The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit,
because you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not remain in Me,
he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers.
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you,
ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:1-5

REMAINING! We have learned that remaining, staying at home, staying connected to Jesus, the vine, is absolutely indispensable for a life of multiplication that magnifies the Father’s glory! John 15 is my focus in that it records Jesus’ last words to the Eleven hours before his death. You may think this melodramatic. So, I ask: IF you knew the precise time of your death, what would you say to those whom you love? 

There’s no more vivid illustration of remaining than baby in a mother’s womb, the place of connection and attachment. It’s the ultimate home! Padded by sponge rubber of flesh, baby is able to endure the most shocking bump. And, given the mother’s health, baby receives a constant flow of gourmet nourishment. No need for anything outside the home!

So, how does one “stay at home“?

It’s not that difficult. Jesus said: “The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be (home).” (Matthew 6:21) Why do we say, “There’s no place like home“? Because home represents everything we value most!  heart and home go together.

 There are three fundamentals, two of which I’ve alluded to before. (Maintenance of Life: Intimacy with Jesus). Interestingly, Step 11 of the Big Book outlines two steps: “Sought through prayer and mediation to improve our conscious contact with God.”

What’s the purpose of the womb? GROWTH … a secluded, private, comfortable place for growth.