Daily abiding

Only one thing teaches me God’s will.

And gets me out of my own preconceived ideas. About what I can and cannot do. Or who I am. Where I need to be. 

Only one practice. One way of living and breathing. Teaching me His greater purpose and meaningful plan.

Daily abiding in the Vine, Christ Jesus. 

Learning this necessary truth takes time and effort. Surrender. 

But sooner or later, I clearly see. 

Only He is the root and sustainer. The source of true life and fruitfulness. 

Living in Christ

Living in Christ transforms the ordinary path of walking and waiting. Working and playing. 

Because His Spirit lives in me. 

Jesus made it clear. “…Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

And the way I remember this? By staying firmly rooted and connected to Him daily. Through the Word of God and prayer.

His Word

His Word. Not lifeless script on paper.

But living and active. The sword piercing through inertia. Clearing the fog. 

Holy Scripture declares the true. Giving guidance and assurance along the path. 

Old Testament. New Testament. All of it. Not picking and choosing but trusting the One who’s provided.

This spiritual food sustains and satisfies. Yet makes me hungry for more. Offering mystery revealed, yet beyond my understanding. 

Giving depth of meaning to the everyday experience.

Prayer

Prayer.  Not separate from but together with the Word. Conversation with the Father. Speaking and listening. 

Waiting. 

Over the years, I ask, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word. Give me ears to hear and a heart to obey.” 

And Scripture teaches me how to pray. For family members, friends, the lost. 

Informing prayers of praise and worship. Confession. Intercession and petition. Thanksgiving. 

Daily abiding

Yes, daily abiding in Christ includes focused, personal space with Him. Just me and the Lord, with His Word.

But daily abiding also continues. In work. Study. Play. Rest.

Always. 24/7.

Abiding means moving to serve and glorify Him through daily decisions and responsibilities. 

Abiding means resting near to His heart when the world spins chaos and uncertainty. 

Abiding means I live in Him and He lives in me. 

Designed to share

After decades, I can testify. The growing and seeking first His kingdom continues. Knowing Him finishes never, as Oswald Chambers articulated. 

And the journey is rich. 

Wilderness and gardens. Deep sorrow and overflowing hope. Joy. And peace that undergirds, surpassing understanding.

The journey is designed to share.

Through fellowship and discipleship with brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.  And by proclaiming the gospel to those who do not know Him. 

From here to the ends of the earth.

Go

After His resurrection from the dead, right before He ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples. Us. 

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always,
to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20

We abide in Christ as we go. And His Spirit abides in us. Day by day by day.

Alleluia.

What about you?

What are some lessons you’ve learned about abiding in Christ? How has prayer and the Word of God been intertwined, in your experience?

Related posts

Abiding in Christ – Take up His yoke – Abiding with little and much – Habit – Seem or be? – Such as it is – Maps – I just can’t – Beauty of timing – Heart and soul – Refuge – Necessity – The mystery of the gospel – Witness – Hungry for what? – Mystery revealed –