2020 Daily Devotion - Day 121

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Recently, I was driving and behind a car that had something written on the back window. When we stopped at the stop sign, I was able to read what it said. It said, “Are you following Jesus this close?” Well, this is a good question any time, but especially right now. Here is what Jesus Himself said about being close to Him:

John 15:4-5 NRSV
Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

The verb “abide” and the noun “abode” are Greek and mean the same thing. Another way to translate this verse is to say “make your home with me”. What does it mean to have a home? It is where we live and find rest. But we cannot just talk about our home or tell people about it. The key is to live there. And this is what Jesus is saying. When we find our home in Him, we experience the blessings He offers. He says you will “bear much fruit”.  But if we refuse to have a home in Christ, we can do nothing. So, if these are difficult days, turn and reside in Jesus.

Pray with me:
Jesus, You invite us to find our residence in You. And You also promise when we do, there will be blessings. Through this difficult time, help us to make our home with You.  In Your holy name. Amen.
 
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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