JESUS tells HIS people to "abide" in HIM.
Abide means live.
Many of us who believe in our LORD do not dwell with HIM, we merely visit HIM.
Abide means live.
Many of us who believe in our LORD do not dwell with HIM, we merely visit HIM.
We may read the BIBLE daily. We would never neglect to garner the blessing that can be obtained by perusing its pages.
We may go to church regularly. We would never deny ourselves the admonition that comes from the pulpit.
We may surround ourselves with CHRISTIAN friends. We know that the gathering of ourselves together affords great blessing.
But we don't abide in JESUS.
When we're at work, we comport ourselves as the world does. We lapse into our human nature, which is to seek our own advantage and to pursue our own interests, failing to "do everything your hand finds to do as unto the LORD."
When we're in the society of the world, we act like the world. We over- indulge our alcoholic intake. We laugh at off-color stories. We chuckle at those who are too spiritually minded.
When we're nurturing our young, we admonish them to stand up for themselves rather than to trust in the LORD for all they need. We tell them to vie for first place, forgetting to assure them that it is HIS intent to let them "be the head and not the tail."
When we're assessing our assets, we count our material possessions but overlook our spiritual treasure.
When we abide in CHRIST, we will govern what we think and do and say by HIS WORD.
When we abide in CHRIST, it will be our desire to magnify HIS HOLY NAME in every aspect of our lives.
When we abide in CHRIST, we will evidence HIM without thinking about it because HIS mind in us will orchestrate the essence of who we are.
We may go to church regularly. We would never deny ourselves the admonition that comes from the pulpit.
We may surround ourselves with CHRISTIAN friends. We know that the gathering of ourselves together affords great blessing.
But we don't abide in JESUS.
When we're at work, we comport ourselves as the world does. We lapse into our human nature, which is to seek our own advantage and to pursue our own interests, failing to "do everything your hand finds to do as unto the LORD."
When we're in the society of the world, we act like the world. We over- indulge our alcoholic intake. We laugh at off-color stories. We chuckle at those who are too spiritually minded.
When we're nurturing our young, we admonish them to stand up for themselves rather than to trust in the LORD for all they need. We tell them to vie for first place, forgetting to assure them that it is HIS intent to let them "be the head and not the tail."
When we're assessing our assets, we count our material possessions but overlook our spiritual treasure.
When we abide in CHRIST, we will govern what we think and do and say by HIS WORD.
When we abide in CHRIST, it will be our desire to magnify HIS HOLY NAME in every aspect of our lives.
When we abide in CHRIST, we will evidence HIM without thinking about it because HIS mind in us will orchestrate the essence of who we are.
Abiding: what does that really mean? In John 15, Jesus compares us to branches connected to Him, the Vine. Think about that powerful image: branches bearing amazing fruit all because of the vine, from whom they draw all their energy and strength.
If you are facing difficulty today, focus on the cross. Like a branch draws all its energy from a vine, so you must draw all your strength and energy from Jesus alone. He alone can satisfy your soul. He alone can give you the fulfillment you need.
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