Abide

Good Morning! 

Yet another rainy day at our Cleveland Georgia home. I did go out to WalMart for a few supplies early … but otherwise sequestered myself.  Oscar, my little wiener dog, is enjoying cuddling time. Oscar was Miss Norma’s dog when she was living. He was her constant companion … needing her attention 24/7.  Since her death, Oscar has gravitated to me.  When I am home, he is right beside me wherever I go.  And, to tell the truth, I really like having him close.

If you haven’t been out to see the sermon on Facebook, I would encourage you to do so.  The preacher talked about abiding in Christ … giving five benefits.  Let’s take a look at the Scripture …

John 15:1-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

The preacher pointed out five benefits of abiding in Christ:

1.      Abiding in Christ produces Spiritual fruit.  Paul points to this “fruit” in his letter to the churches in Galatia (Galatians 5:22).  Love, joy, peace, patience and so on come from a close relationship with Christ.  

2.      Abiding in Christ changes my desires. Instead of the “me first, me only” attitude, I realize that God wants me to be in a relationship with both Him and my neighbors.

3.      Abiding in Christ brings glory to God. The new life in Christ should be reflected in the way I act towards others.

4.      Abiding in Christ deepens my obedience to God. I no longer think of God’s Word as being a list of “thou shall not” commands but rather a guidepost for me to live more fully with God and my fellow human beings. In doing so, I realize His ways are better than my ways.

5.      Abiding in Christ results in a fullness of joy.  We can live our lives with a positive attitude, knowing that this life is not the end but the beginning of eternity.

In these times of uncertainty, abiding in Christ takes on much more importance.  I believe humans have the need to feel secure.  What better security can we have than to know that we are Christ’s and He is abiding with us.  Like Oscar, I need to be close to the Lord – seeking to please Him.  I know it when I fail to do so. 

Abide in Jesus and allow Him to abide in you this good, good day.

God bless you all this morning.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer:  Father, in the Name of Jesus, my Savior and my Lord, teach me to abide in You more and more each day.  Amen.

Scripture for today: John 15:1-11