abiding

Abiding in Christ

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Have you ever seen a branch deciding to become part of a tree? Or is a leaf staying up late at night worrying about whether they have picked the right twig to grow on?

We laugh at the silly notion of these ideas but in the same way we miss out on what Jesus is telling us. Jesus has already joined us to Himself by the ultimate sacrifice of His life. Abiding is not recruitment, spiritual boot camp or mere religious duty. To abide in Him is simply to gratefully enjoy the part we are given by grace. We are only fruitful as His life blood flows through us. No matter how small or weak we are through Him we can do anything He asks!

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.
John 15:5 ESV

Three Lessons from Laura

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But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 NLT

My little friend Laura is just 1 1/2 years old. Because Laura is a Down’s Syndrome child some people have few expectations of her abilities but in her special way she has already taught me three of the most important lessons about faith.

As I sat with her at the church picnic she smiled bigger than any of us “normal” folks because she knows that only this moment counts. By her laughter she is pointing the way to the bottomless well of joy just resting in Jesus.

When Laura’s Mom or Dad come to pick her up she wiggles and snuggles deep into their arms. She doesn’t have to work up courage to go because she is confident that she can go anywhere in the world as long as she is with them.

When she waves her arms reaching out for what she needs she is not ashamed. Whether she is asking for her book a kiss or a cookie it is all the same. She is delighted to ask for anything trusting that her parent’s love is the guarantee she will receive.

Thanks Laura for the lessons and thank you Lord for sending her!