Old Treasures on Tuesdays!
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4, ESV).
Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant by this? “You want me to remain in You, Lord? To abide in You?” your heart may ask. Does it mean to make sure and stay a Christian? To not return to the world?
It means so much more than that. Jesus is talking about profound, intimate fellowship with Him.
We read more breathtaking words from Him just a few verses later. They reveal to us a vital key to entering this fellowship: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love” (v. 9). Take a moment and let that sink in deeper.
Can you even begin to imagine how much Abba loves Jesus? “This is My beloved Son, in whom I take immense delight!!!” Daddy announced this to the entire universe when He presented Jesus at the beginning of His ministry. His delight in His Son ever bursts forth in an enormous, overflowing, ebullient deluge. Sublime, fierce, tender love for Jesus floods His being unceasingly.
Now here Jesus says that He has this very same intensity of affection for you. AND… He earnestly invites you to live in it. He wants you, bids you, beckons you to take up residence in the revelation of His passionate devotion to you.
Live loved. Stay all day long in the breathtaking shade of His loyal heart towards you. Dwell there. If Jesus said you can, then it’s true. You can actually live there. (He never, ever lies.) Ask for His Spirit of revelation to illuminate the eyes of your heart. Ask that you might perceive the radiant, pulsating reality of this roaring flame of love He has for you. Soak in it. Drink it up like a dying man in a desert, as if your very life depended on it. Because it does. Abiding in His love is what it means to really live.
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Have you experienced Daddy’s love at a deep heart level? When Holy Spirit pours His love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5), what are the fruits of that?
Feeding On Jesus 
To live is to be loved by God, but we must accept His love. To love Him back is to be blessed immeasurably. Praise be to God!
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Praising Him with you! Amen and amen! Thank you 🙂
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Wow! So encouraging!
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Thank You Jesus! Abundant grace and peace to you, Janet 🙂
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This what is so unique and wonderful about our faith. Other religions have rules of conduct, about what pleases and displeases their deities – how to stay out of trouble and maybe earn some rewards. Only Jesus give us Himself – HE is our reward. There’s nothing like living in His love. ❤️
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Aaaamen, our exceedingly great Reward! Nothing, nothing compares! Much love to you, Annie 🤗
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You too, Jennifer. 🙂 ❤
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Living in His Love is a great way to live. An abundant LIFE.
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Yes Jesus! May we ever abide in Your love!
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I think motivation to keep sharing the gifts God has provided is some of the fruit I receive when I accept God’s gracious love. To keep writing, to keep sharing stories with others, and let them share stories with me too.
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How wonderful that fruit is! I’m celebrating it with you 🙂
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