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We are not perfect, but we have been saved by the one who is. He did it by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone, revealed infallibly by the Scripture alone.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Abide-Thoughts from John 15

In my personal time of study this week there just seems to be a common theme that arose in everything that I have faced, what does it mean to abide? This theme is constant in the Scriptures and one that deserves our utmost attention. John 15 speaks on this with great clarity, and amazing relevance.
V.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.

So if Jesus says that we cannot bear any good fruit unless we abide in Him we must know what it means to abide. Here is how I would describe what it means to abide: to continue in daily and personal relationship with Jesus, this is characterized by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy.

Let's break those down a little bit:
Trust-where is your trust, do you trust that in all things, no matter the circumstances that arise, or the bumps in the road, that Christ is good, that He does good and is truth. You cannot trust Him only with the good things of life, we must trust His sovereignty over all things.
This allows us to go where He desires us to go and do what He desires us to do. This is a key element to the Christian walk, it is why men and women all throughout history have died for the gospel.
Prayer-What does your prayer life look like, is it a wish list of sorts, a montra to state, or is it a way of life, where you are trying to line your life up with the way that things are. Are you seeking in your prayer life to draw closer to Him, that He may lift the fog and that you may see clearly what He is doing.
Obedience-to what? V.10-His Word-once you have prayer and trusted and God has opened your eyes to see the truth, are you walking in obedience or are you running away from the simple, uncomfortable things He is asking you to do. Here's a bit of advice, God doesn't always ask us to do things that come easy, often they are painful but in the end produce life and movement.
Joy-are you walking in joy? Joy that cannot be stolen by anything this world throws at us. Joy that is produced only by trusting in the King of Kings, praying to our Father in heaven, and walking in obedience to His call. That is the joy that cannot be sustained by sheer will or positive thinking, rather by a life that abides in Christ.

Today may we strive to characterize ourselves as men and women who abide in Him and do all that we can to make Him our supreme affection.

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE
Brandon
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1 comment:

  1. Annie GilbertOctober 1, 2009 at 4:13 PM

    This is awesome babe. I am so encouraged by you! Mom read it today, too, and was very blessed. Love you!! :)

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