“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” John 15:4
We easily claim to abide in Him–but is He abiding? Are we consciously conforming and taking captive thoughts so that He is not grieved by our actions, choices, words, eyes, and above all: the motive of our hearts?
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
God has chosen to forgive us: who believe, love, trust, and abide…not because of us…but because Jesus paid for us!
“…and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“But be ye doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12*
Prayer:
Lord,
I want to bear MUCH fruit in You. Please strengthen me, and help me, to be consciously aware of my responses to “life things”. Help me to choose Your Way.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
AMEN
*Please consider reading the entire chapter of Philippians 3. It brings even further insight. 🙂
