Verse of the Day 1/30
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.
Yesterday's verse was from Matthew 11 and Jesus call "come to me", to learn and to find rest. The call isn't to come for a day, or for a week. We are called to come and to abide, remain in HIm. I closed with a song "Abide", which speaks of depending on God, following His leading, and abiding. The last line posted was "draw me close and teachj me to abide."
I couldn't help but go directly to John 15 where we find Jesus teaching, saying "I Am the true vine" where we learn what this means. Today people are given all kinds of "self help" advice, 10 or 12 "step" programs to follow. Jesus has something else in mind here. It is sort of a 10 step program, and the same word is used for each of those steps, it is "abide", remain in Him. Depend on Him. Trist in Him. Lean on Him. Follow Him. Apart from Him we can do nothing.
David Jeremiah writes:
A" stands for absolute surrender. We have to come to Him just as we are, confessing our sin and saying, "You are the potter and I am the clay."
"B" stands for believe. We have to trust Him completely to do with us, for us, and around us what is very best while we stand on His promises.
"I" stands for insight. We have to pour ourselves into His Word each day, learning His ways and gaining His insights for living.
"D" stands for dedication. We have to persevere over time, separating ourselves from sinful habits and from people or places that may hinder our purity.
"E" stands for enthusiasm. We go about His work in the power and energy He provides.
May we abide, reamain in HIm.
1 There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Tho' the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I've a peace that has come there to stay!
Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, O, so kind:
"I will never leave thee," Jesus is mine.
2 All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart;
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art! (Constantly Abiding - Anne Murphy)
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
I Am the True Vine
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.
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