Happy New Year!!!
“ 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.” ~Jesus of Nazareth (from John 15:5)
I am not making any “new years' resolutions” this year. In this new year, I simply want to do a better job of taking Jesus at his word; to day by day “abide” in him. To remain in him, be fed by him, counseled by him, be amazed by him, affirmed by him, loved by him…to abide. New Years’ resolutions are about our strength, (or lack thereof…), abiding in him is about HIS strength. And God never fails!
Practicing the classic spiritual disciplines are a major way we learn to abide in him. Or in other words, we “practice the presence of God”. Some have asked “what are the spiritual disciplines?” There are many! Inward disciplines include meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. Outward disciplines include simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. Some corporate disciplines are worship, confession, spiritual guidance, and celebration.
Now, I realize that words like “practice”, “discipline”, “study” and “submission” don’t sound very appealing or exciting. But according to Jesus, if we practice his presence in our lives daily, we will PRODUCE MUCH FRUIT. And we know that the fruits of the spirit are “...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control…”, Galatians 5:22-23. Now THAT’S exciting– that’s a life worth living! Do you want that kind of life? I do!
This year, let’s abandon the New Years’ resolutions, and together learn to practice “abiding in Christ”, beginning with a group study on the spiritual disciplines later this month or beginning in February. Let’s grow some sweet fruit! See ya’ there, see ya’ Sunday!
~Pastor Don
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