Fruit in abiding

Time is such an interesting concept and in the face of Eternity and our walk with the Lord even more so.  God's word advises us to use our time wisely because we do not know what tomorrow holds.

Ephesians 5:15-17 - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Luke 10: 38-42 - As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

“Martha,Martha,"the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Martha works hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister Mary of Bethany, simply sits at the feet of Jesus and listens.

Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to abide with Christ.

It is so important for us especially during times that are traditionally busy, to recognise the importance of pulling aside and taking the time and space to abide in him.

John15:1-8 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  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.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Bearing fruit is not manifest as being busy or productive. It is reflecting the love of Jesus to a world which is lost.

It is living life in His Power and His Presence. It is only possible by spending time and having that close relationship with Jesus.

I encourage us all to purposefully carve out that precious time to abide in him ,so that he also may abide in us .

Rebecca Fortunatow