THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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When they got home from church, Dad decided to see if little Terence was paying attention in Sunday School. "Son, what did you learn in Sunday School today?"
Terence said, "Oh. We learned how Moses helped the Israelites across the Red Sea. First, he ordered the army engineers to build a pontoon bridge. After they children of Israel crossed the sea, Moses sent back bombers to blow up the bridge. All the Egyptian tanks were blown up too, and some of them fell in the water. And then...."
Dad, "Son, did the teacher really tell you that about Moses?"
Terence, "No. But if I told you what he said, you'd never believe it!"
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John 15:4
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
KJV
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Abiding in Jesus is not being content with a conversation here and there, it is constantly seeking the presence of the Lord. Living constantly in the presence of Jesus keeps us from being concerned whether we are on the mountain or in the valley.
Being constantly near our Lord means that we are always covered by His sheltering wings (Psalm. 57:1).
Being constantly near our Lord means we are supported by His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Being constantly near our Lord means we draw strength from His Holy Spirit (John 15:4B).
Being constantly near our Lord means we grow in the understanding of His Word (John 14:26).
Can we meet our temptations without His Presence? With the closeness of Jesus we shun sin.
Can we meet our fears without His Power? With the closeness of Jesus we conquer fears.
Can we face illness without His Healing? With the closeness of Jesus we are healed internally regardless of whether we are healed externally.
Can we tell others of His love without His Word? With the closeness of Jesus His Word permeates our thoughts and His love is expressed by our tongues.
Can we face death without His consolation of eternal Joy in His Presence? With the closeness of Jesus death is but a door that opens to the fullness of His Presence.
It is as important for us to "abide in" Christ as it is for the branch to be connected to the vine!
Love ya,
Bruce