Abide and Obey

Many of you will know the line from the hymn - Trust and Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.  Here is a slightly different version based on John 15 -

Abide and Obey for there's no other way to be fruitful in Jesus but abide and obey.

I don't know about you but I can fall into the trap of thinking that my business in the Christian life will lead to fruitfulness.  However, the rhythm is that abiding in Jesus leads to fruitfulness.  From time to time, deliberately taking time to step back from Christian 'work' and the other activities of life, gives us the opportunity to turn down the volume of distractions in our thoughts.  It is then that we have the best chance of hearing God's gentle whisper to us about what He is calling us to.  God rarely shouts.  It is then as we act on those gentle whispers in obedience that growth and fruitfulness comes.

This is particularly important for us in our down time after Christmas. 

Abide so we can hear God about our own spiritual walks
Abide so we can hear God for our families and friends (including discipling our children)
Abide so we can receive wisdom about ministering to our people of peace
Abide so we can receive direction for our Missional Communities
Abide so we can renew our strength and act out of God's resources and not just our own.

I encourage you to make some simple achievable plans now to Abide this January.  Then share them with someone whom you would like to ask you how you are going with those plans.

Abide and Obey for there's no other way to be fruitful in Jesus but abide and obey.