Wednesday, January 11, 2012

At Home

I have a friend who has needed to travel a lot in the past few years for her job. She has often remarked how people will comment about traveling being so exciting, but in reality, she has found “life on the road” far from glamourous.
The endless cycle of packing and unpacking, living out of that suitcase, LONG layovers, and staying in hotels that are often downright scary to say the least, have left this girl yearning for more time at home!
There’s just something about home isn’t there? Never mind the size or location. Having a space of our own, familiar surroundings, and the freedom to relax and be ourselves brings a sense of comfort and calmness to most of us.
Jesus used this idea of being “at home” to describe an ideal relationship with Him in John chapter 15.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:1-10
The word abide carries with it the meaning of dwelling and remaining in one place with something or someone.
The fact that Jesus wants us to live with Him continually is just so amazing to consider.
That this One, who is Love Himself, bids us to stay close to Him is a humbling invitation of magnificent proportions.
But He does. 
I have a friend whose religious views are listed on his social media site as “Abide in Jesus.”
A simple statement with profound implications.
Staying connected to Him is the essence of Christianity.
Branches firmly attached to the Vine live abundant lives bearing much fruit.
Depart from Him, and we wither up and die spiritually.
That’s it.
So how do we do abide in Jesus?
It really comes down to His love. Remembering it. Receiving it. Respecting it. 
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Consider for a moment the Father’s love for Jesus.
Eternal. Faithful. Passionate.
Jesus says He loves you and I with that same depth of love.
Wow!
What season of spiritual growth do you find yourself in today? Is it the unpleasant pruning of winter that holds the promise of new life budding forth in the spring? Or a summer season with bountiful branches of fruit, so heavy they are cascading over the neighbor’s wall?
In every season, stay close to Jesus. You’ll never be more at home.
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23
Satisfied in You
by Scott Cunningham
I’m satisfied in You my God
I will abide in You, in the vine
I want to live to live for Your pleasure
I want to run, to run for Your fame
I want to dwell in Your house forever
To seek Your face, as You call my name
To hear You say
“Well done”
For I am not my own 
You bought me with You’re blood 
Your precious blood.
Heres a link to listen:

4 comments:

  1. Hi Lisa Furrow, staying close is a priveledge God has given me....." The Vine" is my favorite now for 3 years http://youtu.be/rxGuDAmBtgE I am so happy not to be looking thru a window "wishing" I could belong, I am God's child the only name that fits me. Thank you Lisa Furrow.

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  3. Lisa,
    I have 8 fruit trees in my back yard that tend to bear a great deal of fruit most of the time. My grapefruit tree has fruit on it practically all year around. My brother came to work on my yard about 3 months ago and he "trimmed" my trees;however, I was horrified when I saw them because it was more like he butchered them, rather than trimmed them. I was upset about it for days & had to examine the "whys" of my feelings to get passed the experience. In the 50 years I have known the Lord, there have been many times I felt His "trimming" taking place, but only a couple of times where I have felt completely butchered to pieces, like I was cut down to a stump! If you have ever read "The Giving Tree" by Silverstein, you may be able to envision what I'm saying. I have been in that "butchered" state for awhile now, but have taken sanctuary in the presence of the Lord, and I'm grateful to have been able to dwell here. Today, I went out to water my trees...funny thing, all of them are much more stable and sturdy than they were before, and they are already full of new, green leaves! I was quietly filled with joy and satisfaction...I'm waiting for the fruit! It will be delicious, like these verses you've shared! Perhaps I will be able to feed the whole neighborhood! Praying for you still...Cathy T.

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  4. I will be praying for you as you see your doctor tomorrow, trust there will be nothing but more good news for you,

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