Why Abide?

During some recent study time, the Lord brought my attention to the word ABIDE! At first glance of the word, I thought it was just something that I needed to learn a little more about; you know, at least look up the definition of the word! (the quick and easy way out!), However, after looking up the definition, it didn't seem to be enough! I thought to myself, "I feel a spiritual classroom moment coming!" ... Have you ever had things on your agenda and you just want to get your study time in so you can move on to the next part of your day, and just when you start to wrap it up, The Lord says, "not so fast!" ...."I need you to hang out with me for a little while; abide in my presence, for a moment longer!! hmmm..I guess "abiding" is something that I need to learn a lot more about!!



Today, I will use some excerpts from a wonderful book of devotions, called, My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)


I want to start off looking at the word Abide in its different forms:



Abide: To accept or act in accordance with; to (stay, stand, endure, reside, remain, wait)
So, those who abide in the Lord, are those who are "waiting" in the Lord, enduring, yet residing in Him. And it is them, who he said, will be able to ask what they will; so to abide is actually God giving you the key to how to obtain his favor.



Abiders: Those who abide in Christ, while making Him the "central point" of power in their lives. We have a way of making all sorts of things a "central point" in our lives. Sometimes it can be our jobs, our finances, our education, and even our busyness in our church; but in order to be a true abider in Christ Jesus, it must be Him and Him alone who is your central point of power! As abiders, we must become those who are one with God in spirit!



Abiding: Living in accordance to HIS will! Standing, enduring, residing, and remaining under his authority. Are we abiding? Are we taking the time to abide?

"What is the greatest factor of power in my life? Is it work, service, sacrifice for others, or trying to work for God? The thing that ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the Atonement of the Lord. It is not the thing we spend the most time on that molds us most; the greatest element is the thing that exerts the most power!" ~Oswald Chambers


Do we have a willingness to abide? Are we truly abiders in Christ? and can we describe our service as abiding service?  Is Jesus Christ dominating every interest in my life, more and more? If the one central point, the great exerting influence in my life is the abiding in Christ, then every phase of my life will bear fruit for Him.



*EVERY GREAT TRIUMPH OR EQUALLY GREAT DEFEAT WILL BE QUANTIFIED BY THE QUESTION OF ABIDING COMMUNION ~commenter, K. McGuire



John 14:13 says, "Whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do."


For further scriptures on the benefits of Abiding, see JOHN 15 in its entirety!!  Praise the Lord!!!!