Read the various versions of today’s scripture.

Psalm 91 KJV

Psalms 91 NIV

Psalm 91 MSG

I want to be in constant conversation with Christ so I am covered in dust. Yes, you read that correctly. I realize that sounds strange so let me explain. In Mark Batterson’s book Draw the Circle he states, “The complete devotion of discipleship is sometimes described as being ‘covered in the dust of your rabbi.’ It was an allusion to the fact that disciples followed their rabbi so closely that the dust of the rabbi kicked up with his heels would literally cover the disciples who followed him.” What a beautiful reason to be dusty. I want to be that close to Christ! That is the epitome of the word abide.

We have talked about the word abide all week. In the various versions of today’s featured scripture, abide, rest, and spend the night are all used to illustrate dwelling in the shelter of God.  When I think of abiding with Christ I think of lingering as I study His word. I think of talking with Him throughout my day. I think of resting in His presence. What does abiding in Christ mean to you? How have your thoughts about abiding in Christ changed or deepened this week? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your almighty presence and for the ability to abide in You. Please continue to shape my understanding of abiding in You and may I continue to seek new ways to rest in Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

Read John 15:1-17 NIV.

One way to abide with Christ is to be in prayer throughout your day. Many times we are intimidated by the thought of prayer because we think our prayers should be filled with big, fancy words. Simply put, prayer is talking with God. God wants us to talk with Him like we talk with one another. Talk with Him about your day. Talk with Him about the things that excite you. Talk with Him about the situations that concern you. Ask Him for help. Ask Him for direction. Thank Him for His presence. We can be in conversation with God by praying all through our day. It only takes a moment to call out the name of Jesus for help, comfort or peace. His Holy Spirit is always with us to guide and direct us. God wants us to be intentional about praying and talking with Him throughout our day. He wants us to walk closely with Him.

Yesterday and today our featured scripture was John 15:1-7. We read the King James Version and the New International Version. The words “abide” and “remain” were interchangeable. Today, ponder ways you can remain in and with Christ.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the simple ways I can abide with You. As I go throughout my day, remind me how easy it is to abide in You by talking through prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please read John 15:1-17 KJV.

I have always been intrigued with the word “abide.” In my studies I researched and found the definition of abide is to continue in a place; sojourn. Then I looked up sojourn which means to stay at a temporary residence; stop.

Spend some time thinking about what abide means to you. How does it look, sound, feel to abide? Where are you in your relationship with Christ when it comes to abiding? Have you discovered the perfect balance of how to abide throughout your day or is there room for improvement? Take a few moments to abide with Christ and stay a while. Take some notes as you brainstorm with Him about what it means to abide and ways to abide with Him daily.

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your presence today. Show me what it means to abide and ways to abide in You daily. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway

Spend some time reading and meditating on this week’s featured scriptures. Make notes about the similarities and differences in the various versions of the same scriptures.

John 15:1-17 KJV

John 15:1-17 NIV

Psalm 91 KJV

Psalms 91 NIV

Psalm 91 MSG

Start your week by listening to the following song.

Abide With Me by Matt Redmond

To conclude this week let’s enjoy a funny story together from jokes.edigg.com titled “Walking On Water.” Enjoy!

An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his find, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him. He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, a pessimist by nature, and invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.     
As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. They fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet.
The friend saw everything but did not say a single word.
On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?”
“I sure did,” responded his friend. “He can’t swim.”

Psalm 188:24 ESV — This is the day that the Lord has made;   let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Some days the ocean is calm and smooth as glass. Some days all is well, life is smooth sailing, and nothing eventful happens. On these calm, smooth days it should be easy for us to “rejoice and be glad.” However, we often float through these seemingly bland days and fail to stop and praise God for the tranquility. We also fail to realize that when our life is calm others may be experiencing turbulent waters. Praise God on this Thankful Thursday for smooth waters and pray for others who may be experiencing stormy seas. If you are currently experiencing rough waters, praise God for His presence and keep your eyes fixed on Him who can calm the storm. 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for Your presence and for calm waters. Hold tight to those who are in rough waters today and may each of them feel Your mighty presence as You calm the storm as only You can. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.