Fix Your Eyes on JESUS!
Our beloved Pastor gave the congregation the theme for 2024. I sat at my desk and began to write what I felt it means to "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus...Abide in Him."
Abiding in Christ means being at home with, dwelling with, and living in Christ. It also means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. It means to keep up a habit of constant and close communion with Him to always lean on Him, resting on Him, pouring out our hearts to Him, using Him as our strength, and as our chief companion.
John 15:4 says: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." Some characteristics of someone who abides in Christ includes:
- An intimate relationship with the Lord
- Doing as Jesus has instructed
- Being in step with the will of the Father
- Consistently growing spiritually
- Having the character that is opposite the world
- Providing service as a result of spending intimate time with God
I also believe that abiding in Christ daily requires dependence upon the Holy Spirit. I picture the following actions as the anchors:
- Being obedient to God's commands
- Walking by faith
- Spending focused time with the Lord
- Being intentional about engaging in acts of service for The Lord
So, this year I am inviting you to join me as I study, spend quiet time and allow my life to be completely under the care and guidance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let's read John 15:1-12 daily and allow these words to transform our minds and hearts in 2024.