Abiding

As we end the Christmas season and head into a new year we would do well to remember that we would not have a Christmas at all without the Love of a Father; making provisions to pay our debt, and the Love of a Friend; laying down his life for ours.  Christmas, by definition, is a church service to celebrate the birth of a savior – Christ’s Mass.  The highest honor we can give as a celebration of Christ is to follow His commandment given in John 15:12-13.  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”  This whole chapter in the book of John is a wonderful outline of how to live a life full of love and joy. Since God is love if we live in Him, love is the fruit produced and joy overflows.

In 2009 I was given an article that spoke of this abiding lifestyle. It was by Gary Goodell from Third Day Churches, San Diego.  The writer asked “ Where does Jesus live at your house (heart), Is He in the guest room occasionally, or is He a resident – free to move about in every room?”  The writer goes on to caution that Jesus should not be a weekend visitor or just a handyman you call when you need help but instead He should be the one from which all life flows in the house.  It’s the difference between habitation and visitation. Gary states, “We no longer do devotions and go to meetings but instead enter into a lifestyle of full communion and connection with God.”  

Verse 4 of John 15 begins with the words, “Abide in me and I in you”.  This indicates it’s a mutual relationship.  Also, in verse 15 Jesus tells us that this relationship is a friendship, no longer like master to servant. Jesus likens this relationship to the vine and the branches. The vine gives life to the branches so it can bear the vines fruit. Each one needs the other. This friendship aspect can be a bit confusing when He also uses the word commandment but if we look at verse 10 Jesus explains that He too followed the commandments of the Father. Following a commandment is about honoring the relationship; Parent/child or friend. Honor is a way to express love.  The only way to truly abide with each other is to have love as a bond.

In verse 11 Jesus gives us a blessing of Joy.  The Merry we say to one another at Christmas is also a blessing of Joy because Merry also means “Joyful”. So today I pray for you... a  lifestyle of Joyful Christ Mass filled with God’s abiding Love all through this next year.

 **Lord,  I chose to enter into a new level of abiding with you.  I invite you in to my life as a resident.  Thank you for giving your love and giving your son for my sin.   Forgive me for the days I left you outside.  Let me be a fruitful vine as I draw my life from you alone. **

" 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 according to the will of God, 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.

¹² “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”  John 15:4-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

Click here for a link to one of my favorite TV shows: Rehab Addict

Believe

Long ago there was a trend in churches promoting “name it and claim it” prayers.  Most of the time they quoted the verse found in 1st John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us”.   While I, personally, have great faith in God and believe His word, taking a verse to build a whole theology from – maybe not.  I do believe that God wants us to first have some faith before blessings are released.  God is a God of order and math is a principal that can never be denied.  A + B = C.

Some people think that believing in God is a crutch or an unnecessary element for being able to live with a high moral standard.  Others see God as a sacred part of their lives or even the thing that brings them hope.  What does it matter?  Believing in God is a personal decision and a very personal relationship.  In 2004 I heard pastor H. Spees at Northwest Church in Fresno California teaching on faith.  He said, “When I believe, I receive, what I need to achieve.”   

Most people tend to be drawn to the part about receiving or achieving but the real focus needs to be on our part of this equation.  Before God can even get started in giving what we need to achieve we have to bring the belief. Giving and receiving is a two part transaction that doesn't really need a relationship but believing, receiving, and achieving is an active never ending circle that requires a bond of faith. Everyday our faith is given oportunities to grow and it is our continued belief that keeps the circle moving.

As we enter the Christmas season it’s a good time to confirm our belief in the greatest gift God gave – His son, Jesus.  There is another verse that also asks us to do something before God moves – 1^st Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray, I will come and heal their land”.  Will you choose to be called by His Name?  Whether you know God already,  it’s been while since you chatted, or it’s the first real conversation you’ll have with Him – it’s never too late.  When you choose to believe… it will open the gates for God to give the gift of life and all the gifts you’ll need to achieve life’s purposes.

**Lord,  I believe.  I love you and choose today to be called by your name.   Forgive me for the times I lacked faith.  Today I place my faith in you, and your Son, Jesus.  I believe you will provide everything I need to live according to your purposes.   Thank you for your gift of Christ, and thank you for the gift of faith. **

”For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes (believe) in Him shall not perish (receive) but have eternal life (achieve).”  John 3:16

Click here for a link to an awesome song that can also be a statement of faith to the Lord.  Select the version from “The Preachers Wife”. I Believe in You and Me (3:58)