Tell me something. What do you think it means to abide?
The dictionary defines this word in a few different ways.
ABIDE (v.)
To remain, continue, stay.
To wait for.
To accept without opposition or question.
That is a difficult concept for us. To stay where we may not want to be. To wait for what we desire. To accept our circumstances without question. All the while holding onto the hope that Jesus knows what he is doing. Let me tell you, friends, in the few years I have been on this earth, there has never been a day when Jesus didn't know what he was doing in my life. He has always had a reason, a plan, and a purpose. I might not have understood it at the time, but he called me to wait, to be patient, and to abide in him. Looking back on all of those times, I can now see clearly that he was at work all along even when it felt as if my life wasn't going anywhere. I want to encourage you to remember those times of remaining, of waiting, are not a waste.
Naptime Diaries' new ABIDE journal walks through this principle as it goes hand in hand with the Fruits of the Spirit. I love how they say in the journal that abiding and the fruits aren't about us or our strength and what we can or cannot handle. They are both about Jesus and our walking with him as he works in us and continually molds our hearts and lives to look more like him.
I'm seriously excited to go through this journal, to dwell on Jesus' words, and to practice living out the Fruits of the Spirit as Jesus continues to teach me what it looks like to live a life seeking him and making him known. This journey is a lifelong process, and I am so thankful to know Jesus never gives up and never stops working and never stops teaching me how to live and love better.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Today I wanted to give you the chance to win one of these journals for yourself. I hope you are encouraged and I hope this study helps you to grow in your walk with Jesus. This would also be a perfect little study to go through with your small group...great for a short summer series! Use the code RIVERSANDROADS for 30% off anything in the Naptime Diaries store! XOXO.
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! This giveaway is run via Rafflecopter with several ways to enter! In exactly one week the giveaway will close, one winner will be selected at random and announced! The winner will be contacted by email. All entries will be verified, so please play by the rules! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!
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Abide always brings me to first week of camp and John 15. What am I holding onto? What vine am I trying to find life in? Because there is only one that is True and only one that is life giving!
This journal sounds lovely! The reminder to Abide is one we always need.
Me too, friend. Me too. ELC for all the days.
Girl, get yourself a copy!
Amen, me too, friend.
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