Preparing for Easter ~ Place to Abide

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15 NASB

Bible scholars call John’s Gospel chapters 13:31-17:26 the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus. Common in the ancient world to offer words of encouragement and instruction for followers left behind, often to conclude in prayer, such are the final conversations of Jesus with His disciples. In this section, Jesus weaves themes of a disciple’s relationship with Him and the conflict the world brings to a disciple.  Whether hardship invades or prosperity overwhelms, if the disciple abides in Jesus, His peace and joy will transcend all circumstances.  Between Christ and His friends, there is mutual love, mutual abiding.

Abide in Me means to maintain a daily, personal relationship with Jesus. Our lives evidence this mutual abiding as we trust in Jesus and live in holy obedience to God’s will. Jesus, You are the True Vine that gives us life. What comfort I find in a community where joy is stronger than sorrow, celebrations count more than failures, love reaches deeper than necessary, and grace abides with me. Count me alive in Christ. With Christ, the fruit becomes everlasting. -dho

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Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”