Abide. A key word in a familiar and often quoted scripture, John 15: 4-8.
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Today, as I sat at the table to chat with the author of these words, I asked Him to speak them over me as if He were writing them here and now, just for me. “Make these words real to me Lord. Take me deeper into Your thoughts for me.”
I confessed that the message to ‘abide’ had become ordinary to me and my response to this scripture every time I saw it or was reminded of it was simply “Yes, I am to be attached to God at all times so that I can bear fruit.” So again I cried out to Him, “Speak your words to me Lord, here, at our table for two.”
Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I find myself getting so familiar with often quoted scripture that I forget the power that is in those words. They aren’t just awesome motivational quotes or personal development insights…but words of power inspired and spoken into being by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Words written not just for a moment but for all moments – my moments – your moments.
So today, I asked Him to make this message to abide in Him more than just a familiar verse and was moved to share it with you. As you read, where you see [__], insert your name and ask God to breath a fresh word into you today.
A Conversation with God
[__], I am in you, with you, and for you. I remain in you always and I’m not going anywhere. I’m asking you to do the same. Stay attached to Me.
Feed on Me!
Be so attached to Me that if distractions of this world pull your attention away from Me, you feel the loss of my sustenance.
[__],
Every answer you need is in Me.
Every bit of guidance you seek is in Me.
Every ounce of strength you need is in Me.
So [__], as you go through each day, listen for Me. I want to show you when you feed more on the things of your world than on Me. I want you to learn how to feed on Me in those moments and experience the power of abiding fully in Me.
[__], you have no idea the plans I have for you. Feed on Me, depend fully on Me as a branch depends fully on the vine to thrive and grow. When you do this, My plans for you will be revealed as you seek Me, speak with Me and feed on Me. I created you to shine for My glory. I’m ready, are you?
Continue the Conversation
A conversation implies back and forth communication. God is speaking over you right now. What is your response? Take some time to meditate and continue this conversation.
Use these questions to chat with God. Let Him bring you into a closer relationship with Him.
- What areas of your life are fed more by your own thoughts than the thoughts of God?
- What limitations do you put on yourself? What does God say about those limitations?
- What is God calling you to do that you feel totally unequipped for? What do you need to be equipped? How can God fill that need?
- You were created by God to shine for Him. How does God desire for you to shine with His glory today? [hint…just ask Him, He’ll reveal it to you!]
Conversations at a Table for Two
If you’ve never done this before (sit at a table for two – asking God to speak His word over you – just for you – today is a great day to do it for the first time. Pull up a chair…no…pull up 2 chairs – one for you and one for God. Pull God’s chair close to you…not over on the other side of the table. Make His presence real to you and lean in. Have that conversation and ask Him to speak His words afresh to you, as if writing them just for you, right here, right now.
How did He speak a fresh message over you today?
Everyday He sits and waits.
A reservation for two that never expires.
But the meal cannot be served until the entire party is seated.
How long will I keep my creator waiting?
Want the book?
Tami’s book “Feeding a Hungry Soul – Conversations at a Table for Two” is scheduled to launch in 2021.
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