Abiding 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

Abiding in Christ means we become connected with him in such a way that He becomes part of us, and we become part of Him. As Rick Astle wrote in The Priority of Kingdom-Focused Prayer, "To be in Christ means having a heart that is completely lost in satisfying Him." Our greatest desire is to please Him and become more like Him."

 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

Jesus went to the cross so that we could have a close, personal relationship with the Father. We were created for such a relationship, but sin separated us from our Holy God who can not be where sin abides. Jesus' sacrifice took care of that and restored our standing with the Father once we accept Him as our Savior. "Walking with God means abiding in His presence with the desire to know Him through intimate fellowship" (Rick Astle).

 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever (John 14:16).

Not only can we abide with the Father and the Son, but we can also have the Holy Spirit. Once we are pardoned by Christ's blood, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us in order to lead, guide, and mentor us. What a treasure and comfort! Are you abiding in Christ as you should? Do you have a close, intimate relationship with God? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit abiding within you? 

 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7).

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