ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE! ❤️
John 15:4 — “Abide in me, and I in you.”
Written by Lauretta Scott
ipublishub-Books
Publishing with Purpose & Faith
Hey, Blog Friends and Family! ❤️
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
Yes! I said it THREE TIMES! 😊
And there is a reason why!
I want these words to resonate deep within your spirit, settle into your heart, and establish the importance of what it truly means to ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
Not just visit His presence.
Not just stop by when trouble comes knocking.
Not just seek Him when we need something.
But to ABIDE!
To remain!
To dwell!
To continue!
To make His presence our dwelling place!
Oh, my goodness! ❤️
What a privilege we have been given!
And I wonder if we truly understand the magnitude of the invitation that has been extended to us.
Because when you understand what it cost for us to have access to the presence of Almighty God, you will never look at that invitation the same way again!
The Invitation Into His Presence ❤️
As y’all already know, God has given us a mandate and access to come and abide in His presence!
And all we have to do is COME!
Nothing is required for us to earn this access because Jesus has already paid the price!
But our response to His invitation requires something from us.
OBEDIENCE! 😊
A willing heart!
A surrendered life!
And a desire to be where He is!
Now, before we go any further, I want you to understand something about the incredible privilege we have today.
Under the Old Testament covenant, the people of Israel did not have the same direct access to the Most Holy Place that we have through Jesus Christ.
Only the high priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and that was once a year, on the Day of Atonement, following the requirements God had established.
The people depended on the high priest to minister before God on their behalf.
And one of those sacred responsibilities involved the sprinkling of sacrificial blood upon and before the Mercy Seat.
Can you imagine?!?!
The Mercy Seat!
The place associated with God’s presence, positioned above the Ark of the Covenant, between the two cherubim.
In Exodus 25:22, the Lord told Moses:
“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony…” — KJV
Think about that for a moment!
God said, “THERE I WILL MEET WITH THEE!”
What an extraordinary declaration!
But here is where the story becomes even more amazing!
The Veil Has Been Torn! ❤️
Because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on Calvary, everything changed!
When Jesus gave up His spirit, the veil of the temple was torn from TOP to BOTTOM!
Matthew 27:51 tells us this extraordinary event took place.
And because of the blood of Jesus, we no longer need an earthly high priest to enter God’s presence on our behalf.
Why?
Because JESUS CHRIST is our GREAT HIGH PRIEST!
He has opened the way!
He has made the provision!
He has given us access!
And now we can approach the throne of grace ourselves through Him!
Hebrews 4:16 declares:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — KJV
BOLDLY!
Did you hear that?!?!
We have been invited to come BOLDLY!
Not arrogantly.
Not carelessly.
But confidently, reverently, and faithfully because of what Jesus has accomplished!
Imagine for a moment having to wait on someone else to speak to God on your behalf. 😳
Imagine having something weighing heavily on your heart and not being able to approach Him through Christ yourself!
But now we can come!
When we’re hurting — COME!
When we’re confused — COME!
When we’re rejoicing — COME!
When we’re weary — COME!
When we need mercy — COME!
And when everything in our lives seems to be going beautifully — KEEP COMING!
Because His presence should never be our last resort.
His presence should be our FIRST DESIRE! ❤️
So, What Are We Waiting On?!?!
Now that we have been given this wonderful invitation, and even a mandate on Tuesdays to gather and abide in His presence, what are we waiting on?
Let’s GO FOR IT!
God is serious about our relationship with Him!
He doesn’t want us merely to know ABOUT Him.
He desires for us to KNOW Him!
And there is a difference!
You can know about someone’s accomplishments, their reputation, their name, and even their history without ever having a personal relationship with them.
But when you spend time with someone, something begins to develop.
You become familiar with their voice.
You understand their heart.
You recognize their ways.
And you begin to develop a relationship that goes beyond a casual acquaintance.
Now, imagine developing that kind of intimacy with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ!
Oh, what a beautiful thing! ❤️
Jesus Said, “I AM THE VINE!”
Let’s dive into John 15:4–11.
Jesus tells His disciples in John 15:5:
“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.” — KJV
NOTHING!
Absolutely NOTHING!
Let that settle into your spirit for a moment.
Jesus did not say that without Him we could accomplish a little.
He did not say that without Him we could produce some spiritual fruit on our own.
He said:
“FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING!”
Why?
Because the branch cannot produce fruit independently of the vine!
The vine supplies what the branch needs to live, grow, and produce fruit.
The branch is dependent upon the vine for its nourishment and strength.
And just as a natural branch must remain connected to its source of life, we must remain connected to JESUS CHRIST!
Not occasionally.
Not when it’s convenient.
Not just on Sundays.
Not just during Tuesday gatherings.
But CONTINUALLY!
Because abiding is not simply an event we attend.
Abiding is a relationship we maintain!
Everything We Need Is Found IN HIM! ❤️
As we continue diving into this devotion, God wants us to understand something powerful.
Everything we truly need for spiritual life and godliness is found IN HIM!
Not outside of Him!
But IN HIM!
Our PEACE is in Him!
Our JOY is in Him!
Our STRENGTH is in Him!
Our RESTORATION is in Him!
Our HOPE is in Him!
Our SALVATION is in Him!
Our ETERNAL LIFE is in Him!
Our HEALING and WHOLENESS are found in Him!
All that we need to sustain our spiritual lives is found in JESUS CHRIST!
But here’s where we sometimes get ourselves into trouble.
We begin looking to things outside of God to give us the fulfillment that only He can provide.
We look to relationships.
We look to material possessions.
We look to accomplishments.
We look to people for validation.
We look to temporary pleasures to satisfy eternal needs.
And what happens?
We experience a false sense of satisfaction.
A false sense of happiness.
A false sense of peace.
And sometimes even a false sense of love!
Something that feels wonderful for a moment but eventually fades away.
Why?
Because temporary things cannot permanently satisfy what was created to find its deepest fulfillment in God!
Jesus said in John 10:10:
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — KJV
LIFE!
And life MORE ABUNDANTLY!
But we must remain connected to the One who gives that life!
We must ABIDE!
For in Him is where true life is found!
What’s Hanging From Your Branch? 🍉
Now, here’s where I want us to do some serious self-examination.
Jesus said:
“He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…”
MUCH FRUIT!
Not just a little fruit!
But MUCH FRUIT!
So let me ask you a question.
Are you bearing fruit?
And not just fruit…
Are you bearing MUCH FRUIT? 🍉
What is being manifested in your life?
What fruit is hanging from your branch? 😊
When people encounter you, what do they experience?
Love?
Joy?
Peace?
Patience?
Kindness?
Gentleness?
Or do they experience the complete opposite?
Oh, my goodness! 😳
Now, before we start examining everybody else’s branches, let’s take a good look at our own!
Because sometimes we’re so busy inspecting the fruit hanging from someone else’s branch that we forget to examine what is growing on ours!
Can I get an AMEN?!? 😂❤️
But here’s an even deeper question.
If there is no spiritual fruit developing, could it be that our connection to the vine needs attention?
Could it be that we have allowed distractions, disobedience, bitterness, or the cares of this life to interfere with our fellowship with Christ?
Jesus gives us a serious warning in John 15:6 about the branch that does not abide in Him.
The branch becomes withered.
What Does WITHERED Mean?
According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word used for withered in John 15:6 is:
G3583 — ξηραίνω (xērainō)
Meaning:
To dry up
To become dry
To wither away
To become parched
To lose moisture
To waste away
Now, think about that!
A branch disconnected from its source of life eventually dries up!
It loses its ability to produce fruit.
It becomes lifeless and unproductive.
And Jesus uses this picture to show us the seriousness of not abiding in Him.
What a powerful warning!
Because outward appearances can sometimes be deceiving.
A branch may look healthy for a little while after being disconnected.
But without its source of nourishment, its condition will eventually become evident.
And this is why abiding is so important!
We cannot sustain spiritual fruitfulness through yesterday’s experiences alone.
We need an ongoing relationship with Christ TODAY!
Yesterday’s encounter should never replace today’s fellowship with God!
And Then Jesus Says Something Extraordinary! ❤️
John 15:7 declares:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” — KJV
WAIT A MINUTE!
Did you catch that?!?!
Jesus said:
“IF YE ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU…”
There is a connection between abiding in Christ, allowing His Word to remain in us, and the prayers we offer to our Heavenly Father!
But notice something.
He doesn’t simply say ASK.
He begins with the word IF!
IF YOU ABIDE!
And…
IF MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU!
This is not an invitation to treat God like someone who must grant every personal wish.
This is an invitation into a relationship where His Word transforms our hearts, shapes our desires, and brings our prayers into alignment with His will!
As 1 John 5:14 reminds us, when we ask according to His will, He hears us.
Oh, how wonderful!
The more we abide in Him, the more His Word begins to shape how we think, how we live, how we love, and even what we desire!
We begin wanting what pleases Him!
And our prayers become an expression of our relationship with Him!
But Jesus doesn’t stop there!
He goes even further!
SO THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED! ❤️
John 15:8 declares:
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” — KJV
WAIT!
WHAT?!?!
So you’re telling me that when we abide in Jesus Christ, allow His Word to abide in us, and bear MUCH FRUIT…
THE FATHER IS GLORIFIED?!?!
Oh, my goodness!
Now THAT is something worth celebrating! ❤️
But what does GLORIFIED actually mean?
Let’s look at Strong’s Concordance.
Strong’s Concordance G1392 — δοξάζω (doxazō)
Meaning:
To glorify
To honor
To praise
To magnify
To celebrate
To make glorious
To render or esteem glorious
To acknowledge the glory and dignity of someone
Now, look at what Jesus is revealing!
When we continually abide in Him…
When His Word continually abides in us…
And when our lives produce the fruit that comes from our relationship with Him…
Our Heavenly Father is:
GLORIFIED!
HONORED!
MAGNIFIED!
CELEBRATED!
And through our fruitfulness, we demonstrate that we are His disciples!
WHAT AN AMAZING EXCHANGE! ❤️
We abide in Christ!
His Word abides in us!
Our lives become fruitful!
And the FATHER receives the GLORY!
Can somebody say HALLELUJAH?!?!
Because this changes the way we should look at abiding in His presence!
It’s not just about what we can receive from God.
It’s also about what our lives reveal ABOUT GOD!
Our love should glorify Him!
Our obedience should glorify Him!
Our patience should glorify Him!
Our forgiveness should glorify Him!
Our faithfulness should glorify Him!
Even the way we respond when life becomes difficult should reflect the character of the One in whom we abide!
Because ultimately…
THE FRUIT IS NOT JUST FOR US TO ENJOY — IT IS ALSO FOR THE FATHER TO BE GLORIFIED!
We Are Living Epistles! ❤️
As I begin bringing this devotion to a close, I want to stress the importance of continually abiding in the presence of God and allowing His Word to dwell richly within us.
Because our lives are speaking even when our mouths are closed!
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 3:2:
“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.” — KJV
We are living epistles!
Seen and read by others!
That means people are not only listening to the words we speak and declare.
They are watching how we live!
Our actions!
Our responses!
Our attitudes!
Our conduct!
Our treatment of others!
And sometimes our actions speak much louder than our words!
We can declare that we love God all day long.
But is His love being manifested through us?
We can talk about forgiveness.
But are we forgiving?
We can preach about peace.
But are we allowing His peace to govern our hearts?
We can speak about patience.
But are we demonstrating patience when someone gets on our LAST NERVE?!? 😂
Oh, y’all!
I’m talking to myself, too! ❤️
Because abiding in Christ is not simply about what we say.
It is about allowing His life and His Word to transform who we are!
And that transformation should produce visible fruit!
The Fruit of the Spirit! 🍇
Galatians 5:22–23 tells us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” — KJV
Look at that beautiful fruit!
LOVE!
JOY!
PEACE!
LONGSUFFERING!
GENTLENESS!
GOODNESS!
FAITH!
MEEKNESS!
TEMPERANCE!
These are not simply words for us to memorize.
They are qualities that the Holy Spirit develops within our lives!
And as we remain in Christ, surrender to His leading, and allow His Word to transform us, these qualities should become increasingly evident.
Not because we are perfect!
Not because we never make mistakes!
But because we are connected to the One who is continually working in us!
The fruit is evidence of the life flowing through the branch!
And the branch must remain connected to the VINE!
My Final Encouragement: PUSH! PRESS! AND ABIDE! ❤️
So, my dear Blog Friends and Family…
PUSH!
PRESS!
PRAY!
SEEK!
OBEY!
AND ABOVE ALL…
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
Don’t become satisfied with merely visiting His presence when you have been invited to dwell in Him!
Don’t allow the distractions of life to pull you away from the One who sustains your spiritual life!
Don’t become so consumed with seeking the blessings that you forget the One who gives them!
And don’t become so focused on what you want God to do FOR you that you miss what He desires to do IN you!
Keep abiding!
Keep allowing His Word to transform you!
Keep surrendering your desires to His will!
Keep growing!
Keep producing fruit!
And let the glory of God be seen IN you and THROUGH you!
Because our ultimate desire should not simply be to have everything we want manifested in our lives.
Our greatest desire should be that JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED THROUGH OUR LIVES AND OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS GLORIFIED!
❤️ Lauretta’s Aha Moment!
Here is the revelation I want you to carry with you long after you finish reading this blog.
A branch does not struggle to manufacture fruit. It bears fruit because it remains connected to the vine!
OH, MY GOODNESS! ❤️
Did you catch that?!?!
The secret is not in the branch trying harder to produce something on its own.
THE SECRET IS IN REMAINING CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE!
And that Source is JESUS CHRIST!
Sometimes we’re so busy trying to produce the evidence of a fruitful life that we forget to nurture our relationship with the One who produces the fruit within us!
So perhaps the question is not simply:
“Lord, why am I not producing more fruit?”
But rather:
“Lord, am I truly abiding in You and allowing Your Word to abide in me?”
Because when we remain in Christ, His life transforms us, His Spirit produces fruit in us, and our Heavenly Father receives the glory!
And THAT, my friends, is the beauty of abiding!
Remember…
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE!
Not just on Tuesdays.
Not just on Sundays.
But EVERY SINGLE DAY! ❤️
Stay connected to the VINE, and let your life bear MUCH FRUIT for the glory of God!
Written by Lauretta Scott
ipublishub-Books
Publishing with Purpose & Faith
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