Abide

"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"

7 times in this short paragraph Jesus says abide in him. this may be a touch on the "duh" side of things but I think this is something we should really take into account. The meaning of the word "abide" is "to remain, continue, or stay. Jesus is telling us to remain in him. Its just that simple. Jesus wants us to walk with him talk with him like it talks about in micah 6:8. Jesus is wanting us to spend that quality time with him so that way he can pour out his love on us. He can be our vine and give us the spiritual nutrients that we need in our everyday life. because Satan wants to take us down. He wants us to frolic in our sins so much that we think that it is hopeless. The question then becomes: how do we do this? It comes down to 2 words: quiet time. It means: quiet time. A time where we as believers can sit down and see God at work in our lives. A time where God can talk to us. We can vent to God about things that are going on and how Satan is trying to derail us. When we do that, that opens so many doors that God could use you. If we open ourselves up to God and abide in him, he can enlighten,empower, and strengthen his children. So that they can be warriors, fighters, salt, and light to the world in our various roles and mission fields that he has called us to work in. When we abide, we will go far with Christ, when we do not.....we wont go anywhere on our own.