This morning I have an appointment and do not have a lot of time. But I want to share one thought with you that I gleaned from my quiet time. I was reading in 1John and verse 4 states: “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” One translation uses abide instead of remain…to me abide has a more peaceful sound, a more peaceful feeling than remain. The definition of abide is: “to continue; to stay.” The definition of remain is: “to continue in the same state; continue to be as specified.” Both of these definitions came from http://www.dictionary.com/ When I think of remain I think of the leftovers from dinner. When I think of abide I get a warm, fuzzy feeling of a place I want to be, a place I want to stay.
In John chapter 14, Jesus is talking to his diciples and verse 23 says, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
I need to strive to make my home with the Lord – all day, every day. To ABIDE in his love, in his way, in his will. Max Lucado once wrote that the God wants to be our dwelling place. He does not want to be a Sunday bungalow, vacation cabin, summer getaway or retirement home. He wants to be our dwelling place. Lord, help me to DWELL in you and ABIDE in you. To trust you with all of my worries. Thank you for your son you sent to die on the cross for my sins so that I might have eternal life and that I might have the opportunity to make you my dwelling place.
How about you? When you read “remain” or “abide” do you see a difference?
Have a blessed day.
I hadn't thought of it really. Thanks for this post. I'll be thinking on it all day! Good food for thought.