Lovelife

Do you remember your “Young Days” when it seemed everything was about love? I don’t remember covering my math notebook or my English notebook (nor any notebook for that matter!) with my latest flames’ name. I do remember writing my enamoured’s name INSIDE the notebook, all over some random page. I remember dreaming about “us,” even before I was allowed to date! I believed- hook, line and sinker- that being with the one I loved would create a life that was to be envied by all who knew me. Love has an amazing draw and awesome power.
I have been doing a Bible Study on the books 1,2, and 3 John entitled “What Love Is,” by Kelly Minter.  While doing this study I’ve become intrigued by the word abide. Christ ABIDES in us. We are to ABIDE in Christ. As a cross-reference, the study directed me to take a look at chapter 15 in the Gospel of John (same author therefore same mindset). I’ve read the passage about Jesus being the true vine and we are the branches many times before. I could probably even do an interpretative  “artistic” yoga-type creative dance on it. (side note: I don’t really ‘dance.’) It’s a familiar passage to those of us who’ve been in church for awhile. lt’s worthwhile to read it again:

John 15: 1-11
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. (2)Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (3) Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. (4) 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. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (6) If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. (7) If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (8) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (9)  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. (10)  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. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

There is ALOT of abiding in that passage! I have tended to get distracted by 1.) pruning : it sounds too painful; 2.) risk of being tossed into the fire (guilt and fear are 2 of Satan’s most powerful tools!);  3.) asking for whatever I want. In being distracted, I missed the big idea -which, by the way totally defines my 3 distractions differently than at first glance. Big Idea: ABIDE.
Kelly Minter gives this definition for abide, “not to depart , to continue, to be present; to be held, kept, continually; to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure.” My favorite part: to be present. I like to mentally form that to ‘being in the moment with Jesus.’ So take a quick look back at John 15:1-11.
* when I continue in Jesus, when I am kept in Him, when I do not depart from God, God’s Ways, God’s commands I get strength. I receive what is necessary to remain truly alive, spiritually and physically. I am part of a bigger whole. (v-l-4)
* when I am held by God, kept continually with Him, that’s when (and only then) I can do all things. (v. 5)
* God’s Word needs to be present in me in such a way that I have it continually before me and a part of me.  (v.7)
* When I am Continually present with Jesus and He is continually present, in each moment with me AND when God’s words are continually held and kept in me, God will come through on what I ask. Note to self: When I am continually present with Jesus and He is continually in each moment with me AND when God’s words are the very words I live and breathe, what I ask for will be all about God’s glory, God’s purposes, God’s mission not about the latest sale at Macys. (v.7)
* I get to live in God’s love: in the present, each moment, be overcome by, be held by God’s love. Since I am to be able to continue in God’s love, God’s love must be continuous: it’s not a onetime deal, it’s ongoing, flowing, energizing, refreshing. (v. 9)
* I must be obedient to be able to abide. Jesus’ love is endless and free, this is truth. And for me to abide absolutely, I must continually choose to be obedient to what God asks of me. (v. 10)
* Abiding, remaining continuously connected with Jesus, allowing God to prune me, not doing things my own way, asking for that which comes from this close connection to Christ fills my life with Joy. (v. 11)

Whew! That’s alot! I might need a nap or a snack break! Truth be told, what I really need is just Jesus: in this moment, in each moment – continually being with Christ, God Almighty holding me and me beholding Him, never departing. He is the Love of my Life,