Title: Who is the Source of Your Life?
Text:
John 15:7 (KJV)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Observation:
Yesterday in my devotional reading and meditation on the topic of obedience, the thought of abiding in Christ gripped my thoughts. It brought to my memory the hymn, "Abide with Me". This was the first song I learned to play on the Tuba when I joined my High School band in the 9th grade.
The topic of obedience was one that Oswald Chambers has been dealing with for several days in his devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest". He says, "The power to overcome spiritual darkness is obedience".
My heart's response was: Lord, how can I learn obedience? It was at this point that I recalled the verse that is included in the text for today. Yes, Jesus is the answer; His example shows the path to obedience.
Hebrews 5:8 (ESV)
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Learning obedience is not easy. However, it is the means by which we are able to dispel the spiritual darkness in our life. What does it mean to abide in Christ? I believe Paul revealed it when he wrote this to the Church at Colossae.
Colossians 1:27 (ESV)
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
How do you know that Christ is in you? Think about this. What type of fruit are you bearing? Is Christ pruning you?
John 15:1-2 (ESV)
1 "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.
Matthew 7:16 (ESV)
You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Prayer:
Father God, help each of us to learn obedience, and to abide in the presence and power of the triune God that lives in those who belong to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
I need Thy presence every passing hour:
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/370#ixzz38lH9NWlL
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Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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