Abiding in Christ - Philadelphia

1 John 2:10 (NKJV) - "He who loves his brother abides in the light...."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. To abide in Christ, loves his brother.

We have considered that abiding in Christ requires us to love others. John in this verse brings it down a little more specifically for us to think about. We have to love our fellow believers. I had a co-worker years ago who took pleasure in hassling me in a friendly way. He was a fellow believer and would do things to try to get my goat. He would do something, and then he would look at me and smile - and he would then say - "You gotta love me."

I don't think John was saying that we have the rights to torment fellow believers and then remind them they have to love us. In fact, the mark of Christianity is what Jesus said - "If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples." John 13:35 (CEV). Maybe one of the reasons that people don't see us as having something they want because we spend so much time being unloving to other fellow believers.

Today, stop and ponder how you can love that unlovable brother or sister in Christ. How can you obey Christ, how can you open up your abiding in Christ, how can you entice others to want what you have? Try loving the fellow believers unconditionally.

Sunday Prayertime

Dear God, There are people in this world that I can learn so much from; people who have gone through hard things that have strengthened their faith, people who have been Christians for years and are so much more spiritually mature than I am. On the other hand, there are people in this world who can learn from me. Please show me if there is someone you would have me be a mentor to or someone who should be my mentor. And please, keep working on me so that I might be the witness in the world that you want me to be. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

The things you give are nothing like the things of the world. While the things of the world may entice and look pretty, they are temporary and cannot give true and lasting fulfillment. The things of the spirit are eternal and bring meaningful and lasting fulfillment. Thank you for your many, many blessings. Thank you for my family both biological and adoptive through the church of the living Christ. Thank you for your encouraging touches and miracles in the midst of pain and suffering. Thank you for teaching me through life's circumstances and for giving me strength to endure and peace for the journey. Thank you for all things, for every need you meet, and for Jesus Christ in whose name I pray. Amen.

Abiding in Christ - Surrendered

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. To abide in Christ, a person actively surrenders himself to keep His commandment.

We already saw where we do not continue in habitual, continual sin. We are able to abide in Christ in fullness and abundance by keeping Christ's commandment. To obey Christ is one mark that we are abiding in Him. 

When you consider that the Old Testament contains 613 laws or commandments, the question is do we have to keep them all to abide? If we watch closely, we see that God gave us 10 commandments that summarize the 613 that He showed in the Old Testament. But, we see in the New Testament that the 10 are reduced to just two. Love God and love others. That's what Jesus taught. In fact He said that all the Law and the Prophets was based on these two.

Now, in First John, we see that John tells us what commandments he is speaking about in the verse previous the one in our opening picture. In 1 John 3: 23, John writes these words - "Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us." We can abide in Christ if we believe and love. Believe in Jesus Christ, and love one another.

Muse over how you can keep those two commandments today. What ways can you look to show your belief in Jesus Christ, and what ways can you show your love to others. And, be prepared for God to surprise you with ways to do this today.

Abiding in Christ - Confident

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Jesus is coming back, and the question is whether we will be ashamed when we stand before Him.

1 John 2:28 - "So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."

When we seek to continue to abide in Christ now, by leaving the habitual, continual sinful lifestyles behind, by confessing and forsaking sin - this gives us a confidence. We possess a confidence and unashamedness in life that prepares us for eternity.

I know, when Jesus comes back, I want to be able to stand unashamed before Him. By my own righteousness? Of course not. By the righteousness of Jesus that I have because I am abiding in Him. I can live my life today not fearing His Return, because I am already abiding in Him day by day.

Today, as we muse over the fact that Jesus is coming again - consider, is there anything in my life that would cause me to be ashamed to look Him in the eye? If there is - I need to get rid of it now, and keep it out. Abide in Christ so that we can stand unashamed and confident before Him.

Abiding in Christ - No Sin

1 John 3:6 (Phillips) - "The man who lives “in Christ” does not habitually sin. The regular sinner has never seen or known him."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. We cannot continue in habitual sin and abide with Jesus.

Some groups have tried to make this passage in 1 John point to sinless perfection of a believer. The fact is, that John understood that we continue to sin - even as believers. However, when we are abiding in Christ, the Spirit makes it plain when we are in sin.

In 1 John 1:10 (HCSB) it makes it clear that John knew we would sin. He writes, "If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." Now, as I read this I thought, well if I thought I hadn't sinned and said so, I just called God a liar - and that is sin. So, I am a sinner. He gives us the antidote for it in verse 9 of the first chapter. Confess it.

John here is not saying that if we sin we lose our salvation, he is stressing that we cannot have the fellowship we should have with Him. He is speaking here of a continual, habitual life of sin. If we think we can live in sin and still abide in Him, we are dead wrong. We do not truly know Jesus if we prefer to live in a life of habitual sin.

So, to abide in Christ, we need to keep short accounts with Him. When the Spirit makes us aware of a sin (or sinful lifestyle) we need to immediately confess it, and seek the forgiveness and restoration that He wants to freely give us. And, when we do - we regain the joy of abiding in Christ.

Muse today over your life. Is it a lifestyle that is truly pleasing to God - or is it one of habitual sin? If the Spirit brings anything to mind, confess it, and forsake it. And the abiding joy of Jesus will overflow you.

Abiding in Christ - Church Life

Hebrews 1):25 (MSG)  - "Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching...."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. God's Word reminds us that we need one another to encourage and maintain our abiding in Christ.

I like the Message's way of translating this verse. "Let’s see how inventive we can be...." God is a Creator God. He is very creative in the world around us and in His ways of working in and through us. And, I believe He likes for us to be creative in serving Him. As long as we are abiding and maintaining the correct Scriptural concerns. In our passage, we are to be creative in encouraging each other in love and helping each other. And, the writer gives us a way to accomplish this - by worshipping together. People always say they can worship God anywhere (and in the right settings this is true), but Gd designed, bought, and equipped the church to provide what we need to continue keeping on keeping on.

So, today, muse upon the truth of our keeping on, keeping on - abiding in Christ - by maintaining our time each week in worship and assembly with one another. If you have let this slip - get back as quick as you can. Don't miss out on the blessings of being united with one another in worship, and in our abiding in Christ.

Abiding in Christ - Loving Others

1 John 4:12-13 - "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse minds us that if we are abiding in Christ, we live love others and live and walk in love toward others.

The world is looking for something different. They have heard all the promises. They have been given all the hype. They watch and watch - and yet they do not see anything different in today's Christian churches than what they can find in the social clubs, social organizations, and other activities. What do we have to offer that is so different?

We understand that we have eternal life - but we live in a world that only sees the here and now. So, if we want to attract those around us, they need to see physical manifestations that we are abiding in Christ. And they will see this if we live a love that displays love for our fellow man. We are not to be focused on ourselves. It is not what we want in the world - it is what God wants to do in His world. When we spend time arguing, gossiping, talking behind each other's backs, putting others down, leaving people out, doing anything but what we see Jesus doing in the New Testament, we are not showing love. And, according to our verse - God dwells in us when we love one another.

Today, muse over how you can show love to that person you have recently shown contempt or lack of concern for. Can you help them see Jesus by letting Him work through you?

Sunday Prayertime - June 22

God, today, I'm thinking about all the people in my life. I pray for each and every one and their special needs. I want to stand in the gap and lift them up. Show me who needs Your special touch. Bring their needs to my attention. Work through me to minister to them. Right now, I can think of many of my Pastor friends who are needing that special touch - to bring them comfort and assurance of Your presence in their lives. Please intervene. May You be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray and give You thanks, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime - June 21

A borrowed prayer for a friend -

Dear God, You have instructed me to not be anxious, worrisome, overly concerned for any thing...but instead to bring everything to you in prayer and thanksgiving. If I do this, you have promised me that your peace, which passes all understanding, shall keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). I come to you now for myself and on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for those who suffer so much due to anxiety and depression. I pray that you will fill us with your peace; that you will touch our minds and remind us that we do not need to worry. You are our God and maker. You will handle it for us. Worrying does no good. May we lean into you, talk with you, spend time in your Word and before the throne of grace. May we fellowship with other Christians, those who will encourage us, even more so as the day approaches. Right now, this day, we give you our concerns and ask that you will work out all to our good and your glory. Thank you, Father, for loving us and carrying our burdens. Thank you, Father, for providing our needs. Thank you, Father, for Jesus Christ our Savior and the hope He has given. For it is in His name I pray, Amen.

Abiding in Christ - Fruitful

John 15: 5 (KJV) - "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse minds us that if we are abiding in Christ, we will be fruitful.

Many people discuss what it is that Jesus means when He says that we bear fruit and live a fruitful life. Some say that Jesus is speaking of making other believers, while others say He is speaking of the Fruit of the Spirit. I believe that they are both right. When we consider bearing fruit - I think that as we abide in Christ, we will be seeking to share the gospel and help lead people to the Savior. We will be looking for ways to have the opportunity to converse with people about finding Jesus and accepting His free gift of eternal life. I also believe that we must have a fruitful life - in other words we should be living in such a way that the Fruit of the Spirit (shown in Galatians 5 - we will look at these in the future) shines out of our day-to-day living experiences.

For a person to claim to have fellowship and abide in Christ, and not show forth the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives - well, they might need to do a spiritual checkup. After all, if we are truly dwelling IN Christ, then He will be shining OUT of us.

Muse today over whether the Fruit of the Spirit identifies your life. And if not, if we are failing somewhere in the list, what can we do to allow Jesus to develop what is lacking, and shine through us.

Abiding in Christ - Koinonia

John 17: 21 - 23 (KJV): "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verses at the start, John 17: 21-23, remind us that abiding in Christ means that we live in love, unity, and fellowship with other believers.

Jesus and the Father lived in perfect fellowship with One another. They have perfect harmony. They have perfect unity. And, this is Jesus prayer (part of His High Priestly prayer in John 17) for all of the believers. That's you and me. Notice, He prays the we "may be one, even as we are one...." We are to seek to be just like Christ, and if we dwell in Him, we need to be in unity and harmony with our fellow believers.

Today, consider how you have been doing in the fellowship with other believers part. Are you at odds with anyone? Is there a quarrelsome relationship going on? If so, what would God have you to do to make it right. It is not up to the other person, it is up to each of us to do what  God has shown us - and He will take care of the other person.

Abiding in Christ - Power to Live

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse on the left - John 15:7 causes us to muse over the factor that having the Word of God abiding in us, gives us the power to live our lives as we should.

When Jesus was speaking these words to His disciples, He was talking in a metaphoric way using the picture of a grape vine. Possibly they were standing in the midst of a vineyard, and thus the picture was very clear to those He was talking too.

They were looking at a vine - and they could see His imagery of His words very plainly. Jesus compared Himself to the vine - that part of the plant that connected with the earth and brought the water and nutrients to the branches - who then took it to the fruit. As long as a branch remained connected to, attached to the main vine, it received the power to continue living. And, with this power, the branch is able to produce the fruit that is expected from it. The grapes (fruit) received its life from the branch, which received it from the vine.

A Christian is to produce fruit - we find the description of this fruit in Galatians 5:22-23 - and this fruit is Christlikeness. We are incapable of truly being Christlike under our own power. We need to receive this power from somewhere - and that comes directly from Christ. For us to have the power to live our lives as we should, we must be abiding in Christ. To be Christlike, we MUST receive the power to do this from Jesus Himself, and we must abide (fellowship) with Him completely.

Today, muse over the ways that you abide in Christ - and seek for the power to live life as you should.

Abiding in Christ - Holy Spirit Presence

1 John 4: 12-13 (NLT) - No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.

We are continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse at the start of this musing speaks to us that a proof that we have that we are abiding in Christ is the experience and witness of God's Holy Spirit living in us.

I remember when I received Christ as my Savior in 1962 at the age of 10. I can still see the place, and the people there. It was a real experience, and I can know that I know for certain that I have Eternal Life. God's Word makes it clear that when we have received Christ, we have Eternal Life and it is permanent. That is because we have been sealed by the Spirit of God - Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV) - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." We are Saved by Christ, Sanctified by Christ, and Secure by Christ.

Going back to my remembrance - it was just a couple of weeks later that I went to my Pastor, Rev. Cecil Anderson, and told him I didn't think I was saved. He asked me why I felt that way. I told him it was because I was sinning so much. He asked me what I had been doing, I shared with him, and then he asked if I had been doing these things before I was saved. I said Yes, and that was why I thought I was still unsaved. He then asked me a profound question - "Did I sense that these things were wrong before I was Saved? Did they bother me then?" As I thought I realized that no, I wasn't even aware of the things I was doing.

He told me, that this seemed to point to the fact that I was saved - because I had the Holy Spirit living in me, and now He was causing me to sense those things that were wrong. He said that according to 1st John, that was a good sign that I had received Christ.

So, today, consider if you know that the Spirit of God is living in you? How do you know? I'm not talking about feelings, but what proves that the Holy Spirit is in you? How does He make His presence felt in your life? In line with this, tomorrow's devotion will talk about having the power to live life as we should. See you then.

Abiding in Christ - Word Dweller

1 John 2:14 (HCSB) - "I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the One who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have had victory over the evil one."

Continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we have come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse at the start of this musing speaks that we ought to dwell in God's Word - and more importantly - it should dwell in us.

"God's word remains in you...." What a great statement to be given to a believer. I desire above all other things that people recognize me as a person that the Word of God dwells in them. I know that I have failed (miserably at times) to display that I have God's Word dwelling (abiding) in me. I have many times gone to my knees and asked God's forgiveness in not displaying Him in my actions or words.

Here the apostle John says that those who are mature in the faith are to remember that they have accepted Jesus Christ - the message given from the very beginning (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) that Jesus is the Son of God, He died and rose again, and offers us salvation, forgiveness, and reconciliation to God the Father. This is the first most important step anyone must take to be accepted into God's family. Then John goes on to say to the growing Christian that they are strong when God's Word is dwelling in them. When they read, study and apply God's Word, then it will live inside of us. And this dwelling of God's Word will give us the ultimate victory over the evil one - Satan.

How do we have the word dwell in us? Start by reading it. Then memorize the Scriptures. Everyone can memorize Scripture. To say we can't is making God a liar. Psalm 119:9,11 (HCSB) says - "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. ¹¹ I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You." And we see in Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...." 

Today, make a commitment to God to memorize at least one verse every month. and each verse means that God is dwelling (abiding) in your heart, mind and person.

Sunday Prayertime - June 15 - Father's Day

God, bless all the fathers in the world.

Guide them to be good role models

and loving to all their children.

Help them to be a father like You are.

Give them grace and patience

to handle situations in a loving way.

Amen!

Saturday Prayertime - June 14

Dear Lord, Thank you for this day. Thank you for my being able to see, to hear, to speak, to move about this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving and understanding God. You have done so much for me. I have witnessed your hand of blessing, your miraculous power in my my life and the lives of those I love, and you just keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me, my family, and my church family safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a positive and Christ-focused attitude and plenty of gratitude. Please clear my mind of distractions so that I can hear from you and please direct my steps today. Thank you so much, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Abiding in Christ - Know the Truth

John 8:31-32 - "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse at the start of this musing speaks that we ought to walk in a state of freedom by the knowledge of the Word.

To often believers take lightly the time spent reading the Bible. There are two things we need to do each and every day - Read our Bibles and Pray. I have many books in my library that I have read. Each one was important to me as I read it. However, most of these books I read once and shelved for future reference in ministry. Very few books have I read more than one time in their entirety. Having read them, I gleaned the information that I needed, and will go back if I need to refresh or annotate the information.

That is not so with the Bible. God tells us in Joshua 1:8 (NLT) - "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." Notice God says continually. Not once, twice or even a few times - He says continually. And then to stress it again, He says day and night we are to be meditating on what we have read. I think He is trying to make us understand the importance of reading His word. 

You see, as Jesus said in our verse and in John 17:17 (HCSB) - "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." If we as believers are to abide in Christ, to dwell in Him continually, then we must know how to live this way. And the way to know the truth of abiding in Christ is found only in God's Word. There are many good professors, instructors, commentators, writers, preachers and teachers of God's Word, but the way to know the truth is to spend time in God's Word. 

Today, start the habit of reading God's Word daily. Today is the day to take that first step. And, if you are reading it daily, recommit to God that you will read, study, and apply His Word to your life. This is abiding in Christ in truth. 

Abiding in Christ - Open Confession

1 John 1: 6-10 (NKJV) - "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."

Continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse at the start of this musing speaks that we ought to walk in a state of open confession with the Father.

Sin. Something that is detestable and unaccepted in the sight of God. Some say that when we accept Christ that we no longer sin. We are perfect. That we know from experience and looking at the world (and Church) around us is not true. Only a deceived and deluded person thinks that they are without any sin in their life. In fact, John makes it clear that "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." Uhh, wouldn't calling God a liar be a sin?

So, if God cannot be in the presence of sin, and if we are sinners (even as believers) can God fellowship with us? The answer is that "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (Psalm 66:18 NLT) We break our fellowship with the Father, not our salvation. So, how do we restore this fellowship? By keeping a constant confessional open between ourselves and God. We need to immediately confess (Greek word means to agree, or say the same thing) to God that we had sinned, and ask His forgiveness for it. When we do - the sin is forgiven, we are cleansed, and we are restored to full fellowship with our Father.

BTW - if you are wondering how confession connects with abiding in Christ - we cannot abide if we are not in fellowship. Remember what Amos said. Today, pause and reflect upon your communion with God - is there anything between you and your Father? Set it right now.

Abiding in Christ - Fellowship

1 John 2:6 (NKJV) - "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."

Continuing in the study of what Abiding in Christ means, we come to the understanding that abiding in Christ means that a person walks and is in fellowship with Him. We already noted the words of the prophet Amos - "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" If we are in fellowship with God, we are walking with Christ in an intimate and continual way. Our verse at the start of this musing speaks that we ought to walk as Jesus did.

So, does that mean sinless perfection? Of course not. It is not possible while living in this body to be completely free from all sin. Sanctification (the cleaning up of ourselves) has three parts. We are positionally sanctified when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. At that point in time we appear to God the Father pure and righteous because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Receiving Christ moves us out of the condemned category and places us into fellowship with God. We are daily being sanctified from the sins that we commit through confession to God (1 John 1:9), and we will have total sanctification when we die and go before God in our glorified bodies. So even though we are sanctified by the Blood of Christ, we still need the daily confession and restoration of fellowship because we still maintain the old sin nature until death.

So, how did Jesus walk while on this earth? He walked by believing the Father, He walked by worshipping the Father,He walked by serving the Father, He walked by seeking others, and He walked by loving others. There is not enough room here to go into each of these, but let me challenge you to go to your Bible today and find verses that support what I have just written.  And then, apply these truths to your life on a daily basis and you will continue in fellowship with God. Tomorrow, we will consider the area of open confession in our abiding with Christ.

Abide in Christ - Confession

1 John 4:14-15 (NKJV) - "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."

In our present musings, we are considering what it means to abide in Christ. There are a number of items that the Scriptures give as ways to see that we are abiding in Christ. Each day I want us to spend time together musing over these points. It is vital that we dwell in Christ to have complete fellowship with Him. I want to help us understand that I am not talking about salvation, I am talking about fellowship and fruitfulness. No man can abide in Christ unless he first belongs to Him.

John in his letter to believers (1 John) tells us that abiding in Christ means that a person confesses that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. By this John means that we must be saved to even begin to abide in Christ. For a person to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, first they must believe that He is who He says He is. One must believe that Jesus is God, He was in all eternity past, He is in eternity present, and He will always be in eternity future. One must believe that Jesus took human flesh and dwelt upon this earth. One must believe that Jesus Christ went to the Cross for them, to pay the penalty of their sin. They must believe that Jesus rose on the third day- victorious over sin, death, and Hell.

And then, they must take that knowledge 18 inches - from their head to their heart. They must come to Him, confess they are a sinner, and receive the free gift of forgiveness, the gift of having the penalty paid and making them free. They must see that God now comes and lives inside of them - they have exchanged their sinfulness for the righteousness of Jesus - and therefore can stand clean and pure before the Holy and Righteous Creator.

So, muse over the teaching that for one to abide in Christ, it means that they confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Abide in Christ

John 15:4 (NKJV) - "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

We are going to embark upon a study of a very vital part of our Christian life and walk. That is the teaching of Jesus in John 15 about our being a part of the Vine. He spoke in John 15:5 (NKJV) - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him..." This is an important issue that we need to make a part of our life daily. In the Old Testament the prophet Amos asks the question, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3, NKJV) And we know that the answer is in reality - No.

The word "abide" (Greek meinate) means to continue, dwell, endure, remain, or tarry. This word is used 120 times in the New Testament. What Jesus is speaking about here is that we dwell with Him, we stay in fellowship with Him continually. This verse can be taken in two ways. First, it is a promise - "You abide in me, and I will abide in you," or it can be an admonition - "See to it that you abide in me, and I will abide in you." Either way, Jesus is stressing the importance of us abiding, dwelling, in Him. In fact, following up from last week's musings - maybe one of reasons we don't share and see results is because we are not abiding in Jesus.

The Bible gives us a number of images and defining items that show we are abiding in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Over the next ponderings, we will consider many of these.

Today, take the time to read John 15 three or four times. Pause, listen - what is God sharing with you? Are you willing to apply what He is teaching you?

Sunday Prayertime - June 8

God, I know that You have begun a work in me. I'm trusting You to "carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Please keep my eyes open, that I will see what is Your work and Your will; that I will follow You and You only; that I will obey Your prompting and resist the detours and roadblocks that Satan will attempt to put in the way. Please give me wisdom and strength for the journey. With thanksgiving and praise for You, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime - June 7

Dear God, Sometimes I feel like I have poured myself into something or someone, and worked and fought for a cause, only to see no fruits for my labors. It all seemed in vain. But I know that You can work in all of that to fulfill a greater purpose. Please, don't let the labor of my heart and hands be in vain. I pray that all I do would be as unto You and for a good purpose and eternal value. Please bless the works of my heart and hands for Your glory. Please empower me with wisdom and insight through Your Holy Spirit. Please guide me every step and every day, to have a part in reaching this world for You and ministering to those I love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Four Simple Words - Told

John 4:28-29 (KJV) - "The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (emphasis mine)

We are discussing that we often find it hard to share with others about Jesus Christ. We find in John 4 the account of a sinful woman meeting the Savior - the Messiah - and how He changed her life. By changing her life, she found it impossible to not share Jesus with others.

We are looking at four words - come, see, went and tell. We mused over the word "come." We discovered that the woman wasn't just saying that they needed to go and see Jesus - she was urging them to come with her. The word is used in the imperative form - she is really giving a command - "Come with me, now!" And in with this command was another - see - experience - find what I have found. And we pondered the word "went" - we are not to sit, soak, and sour - God wants us to go, grow and glow for Him.

We now will take time to consider the final word in this study - "saith" or told. This is from the Greek word légō (no, not the toy plastic blocks) - and it means to tell, to teach, to exhort. Jesus mission on earth was "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). Our mission is set forth in Matthew 28:18-20 (Phillips) - "But Jesus came and spoke these words to them, 'All power in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. You, then, are to go and make disciples of all the nations and baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and, remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.'”

We can't do this sitting in our pews - it demands that we are on the pathways of life sharing the experience that we have had with Jesus Christ.

A final thought to this set of musings - ask yourself today (search your inner self carefully) - "Do I have an experience with the risen Christ that  excites me to tell others about it?" What is your answer? If you do have this experience, why am we not sharing? If you must answer truthfully, No, then today is the day to establish your relationship with the King of Glory, the Savior - Jesus Christ.

Four Simple Words - Went

John 4:28-29 (KJV) - "The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (emphasis mine)

We are discussing that we often find it hard to share with others about Jesus Christ. We find in John 4 the account of a sinful woman meeting the Savior - the Messiah - and how He changed her life. By changing her life, she found it impossible to not share Jesus with others.

We are looking at four words - come, see, went and tell. We mused over the word "come." We discovered that the woman wasn't just saying that they needed to go and see Jesus - she was urging them to come with her. The word is used in the imperative form - she is really giving a command - "Come with me, now!" And in with this command was another - see - experience - find what I have found.

Our word to ponder and muse over today is went. The Greek word used here is aphíēmi - "to leave, go way from one in order to go to another place."  So, you may wonder, why is this word important in this account. Too often we Christians want to stay in our comfort zones. We like to come to church and "sit, soak, and sour" as Dr. Elmer Towns often says. We like to hang close to Jesus and His friends. However, when we truly consider what He has done for us, we are compelled to leave the confines of our comfort zones and go to those around us. We cannot share with the lost and dying if we do not go. Too often we get the idea confused - we think once we come to Jesus that is where we need to stay, when really we need to "go" and share the experience of what knowing Christ involves.

Today, as you ponder John 4 again, consider where He wants you to go - to whom has He placed around you - to just share what He has done for you.

Four Simple Words - See

John 4:28-29 (KJV) - "The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (emphasis mine)

We are discussing that we often find it hard to share with others about Jesus Christ. We find in John 4 the account of a sinful woman meeting the Savior - the Messiah - and how He changed her life. By changing her life, she found it impossible to not share Jesus with others.

We are looking at four words - come, see, went and tell. Yesterday we mused over the word "come." we discovered that the woman wasn't just saying that they needed to go and see Jesus - she was urging them to come with her. The word is used in the imperative form - she is really giving a command - "Come with me, now!"

She uses two commands (imperative tense) in this sentence - come and see. She urges them to follow her to the Savior, and then urges them to see (Greek - horáō - to see with the eyes, the mind, by experience), to follow her and to experience what she had experienced herself. As has been stated - witnessing is simply one beggar telling another where to find bread. She had found the Savior, the answer for forgiveness, the solution to a useless life, the doorway into eternal life. And now, she wanted everyone to experience the same thing.

Today as we muse over John 4, has it been so long that you are actually taking your salvation for granted. It can happen, I know - I have been guilty of this myself. The longer we are saved and secure, the more we lose sight of the wonder, the glory, the majesty of what we have. The experience dims and we lose the unction and challenge to share it with others. Stop now and ponder what God has done for you, thank Him for it, and let the Holy Spirit light the fire of the experience in your life again.

Four Simple Words - Come

John 4:28-29 (KJV) - "The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (emphasis mine)

We find it hard to share with others about Jesus Christ. Witness? Me? I can't do that. Yet we find in John 4 the account of a sinful woman meeting the Savior - the Messiah - and how He changed her life. By changing her life, she found it impossible to not share Jesus with others. 

Because of her lifestyle, she lived in shame before others in the community where she lived. However, after confronting Jesus, she loses this fear and tells everyone what has happened to her. She had found the Messiah, and she wanted everyone else to find Him also. 

The Greek word used here - deute - can be translated "come hither." The woman wasn't just saying that they needed to go and see Jesus - she was urging them to come with her. The word is used in the imperative form - she is really giving a command - "Come with me, now!" She had found someone very important, someone vital, someone who held the answers to her problems - and she wanted others to find Him also.

Today, consider, do I really think that Jesus is THE answer, THE solution, THE One who can give forgiveness, THE One who can provide access to the Father, THE One who is God Almighty. If we do, why do we find ourselves not feeling the need to share that with those we come in contact with. Could it be that we think these things only, not really believing them. Today, muse over urging those around you to COME to the One, COME with you to the One.

Four Simple Words

John 4: 28-29 (HCSB) - "Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the men, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?'"

We should be challenged in our faith by those who are new-borns into the faith. They are by instinct led to share Jesus and what He has done for them. We see this in the woman at the well in John 4. This divine encounter between Jesus and this Samaritan Woman shows us both how to share the message - and how we should respond to the message.

The four simple swords that we need to muse over are went - told - come - see. We find that these words sum up how we should approach our sharing of Jesus with others. Over this week, let us pause and muse over each of these words. Let them challenge, convict, create desire, and comfort us. 

Take time today to read John chapter 4 verse 1 through 42. In fact, each morning this week, start your day by reading and musing over these verses. And join me as we consider each of these four words. We can delve into the "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Romans 11:33 (KJV).

Sunday Prayertime - June 1

Dear God, This morning I am moved to pray for new Christians. Satan does not want them to be happy with their decision to follow you. He wants to trip them any way he can. Please, send a legion of guardian angels to surround them and protect them from harm and evil. Give them extra strength to reject the temptations that Satan sends their way. Help them to stand strong upon the Rock of their salvation and not to doubt. I pray for them and for all Christians to have faith that can move mountains, grace for the moment, and guidance for today and every day to come. I praise you and thank you, all-powerful, all-knowing God, full of grace and truth. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.