Abiding in Christ means allowing his Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. The word “abide” is used ten times in the first ten verses of John 15. Looking at the Greek roots of the word, we discover that it means to “dwell,” “remain,” “be present,” and to “be held and kept.” Abiding addresses our posture and place. Where are we in proximity to Christ? Abiding is not about our efforts; instead, it draws our attention to Christ. Remember, our salvation has everything to do with what Christ did for us, not the other way around. We are held and kept in his peace and promises so we can enjoy his deep rest.

When we abide in Christ, our hearts are cultivated for growth. I have a friend who owns a lavender field in Wisconsin. This was something she started a few years ago and I reached out to ask her about it as well as congratulate her for this new endeavor. She responded by reminding me that gardeners have a vision. They understand that things take time, takes care, and takes hard work. They also understand and can see that it will indeed produce an amazing harvest that everyone around can appreciate and enjoy. Not only do passers-by enjoy the sights and smells of her field, those who purchase the lavender will enjoy it at home. If we take this one step further, there are those who will give the lavender away as a gift, sharing this beauty and fragrance so the person receiving it has a moment of love in their lives. That’s just like us as believers. Jesus is the ultimate gardener, knowing when to dig, where to dig, and how to dig into our hearts so that we can produce kingdom fruit that shares the fragrance and beauty of Christ with those around us, declaring his name and his glory. 

While abiding is part of being, there is a practical part in doing. Successful relationships of any kind are produced by a series of intentional choices and that is just as true for our ability to abide in Christ. Abiding first starts with faith. One must actually have faith that Jesus is indeed who he says he is and that he is worth following. Once faith is established, trust and submission follow. We believe, therefore we trust and obey. This births the desire of abiding – we hunger and thirst for more of Christ, so we utilize spiritual habits to draw us into his presence in order to be transformed by this amazing Gardener. He patiently sees the soil that needs tilling, the plants that need pruning, and the fruit that will be flourishing. 

The most amazing part of all of this is that Jesus invites us to abide. He wants us in his presence. Grab onto this invitation! Find a way to make prayer and Bible reading a priority each day. Make the decision to lean into the joy that comes through the spiritual disciplines of church and service. God is faithful to prune in order to build up and the result is a life of love and peace, even when life is hard. Come. He is calling you just as you are. What an amazing God of love we serve!

We often want a checklist of things we need to do in order to be considered a good Christian. I go to church (check). I read my Bible (check). I tithe (check). I volunteer a few times or sponsor a child (check). I am DOING Christianity. In fact, my first year of missionary work was to prove my worth to God. Then Cairo happened. While we were allowed to be Christian and go to church, our meetings and much of our ministerial work had to be done in secret so we wouldn’t get kicked out of the country. I remember God challenging me in my heart of hearts – was I willing to serve in Cairo whether or not anyone saw me? Could I be faceless in ministry and not receive any accolades? Is ministry my identity in Christ or is ministry a response and a result of my identity in Christ?

God challenged me to go beyond doing and to start being. God loves me; therefore, I desire to deepen my relationship with him so I read my Bible and pray. God knows who I am; therefore, I choose to use the way he made me to bring him glory in all that I say and do. God has given me a new name and a true identity; therefore, I respond through service and spiritual habits that keep me abiding in him. Everything I do now flows from who I am in Christ.

“I was lost in shame, could not get past my blame

Until He called my name

I’m so glad He changed me

Darkness held me down, but Jesus pulled me out

And I’m no longer bound

I’m so glad He changed me

See, I’m now a new creation in Christ

The old has gone, there’s new life

I live by faith, not by sight

There is a new name written down in glory

And it’s mine, yes, it’s mine

I’ve met the Author of my story

And He’s mine, yes, He’s mine”

These words from the song, “New Name Written Down In Glory,” written by Charity Gayle, are the epitome of Isaiah 43:19. Throughout Isaiah 43, God is talking to his people, encouraging them to keep moving forward while they are in exile. They are weary, they are full of shame and doubt, and they are starting to wonder if they are forgotten…BUT GOD. He reminds them that He is personally redeeming them, calling them “my chosen ones,” and declaring his love for them. The chapter emphasizes that they should “fear not” because he is with them and will protect them. He declares Israel’s true identity as a uniquely chosen people, setting them apart from other nations. While acknowledging the past, the chapter focuses on a new future where God will bring restoration and healing.

We are those chosen people. Through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are given these same promises of being chosen, loved, protected, and set apart. We are given new names and true identity. THERE IS NOTHING TO PROVE! While the new year is a reminder of newness, it is God’s job to change us from the inside out. He is the one lavishing us with everything we need to become exactly who we are called to be. May this year be the year that we perceive it, that we receive it, and that we walk in it. 

As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, it’s comforting to know that God’s mercies are new every morning. Each day is an opportunity to start fresh, to experience His love, and to grow closer to Him. His faithfulness never wavers, even when we falter.

Let this truth motivate you to rely on God daily. Approach each day with gratitude for His mercy and faithfulness, knowing He is with you in every moment.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and new mercies every morning. Help me to embrace Your grace and walk faithfully with You each day. Amen.

The start of a new year often brings questions about the future. What lies ahead? What challenges and blessings will this year hold? While we can’t know every detail, we can trust that God’s plans for us are good. He is already in the future, preparing the way for us to walk in His purpose.

Trust God’s timing and direction this year. Commit your plans to Him, knowing that His ways are higher and His love is steadfast.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the hope and future You promise. Help me to trust Your plan and walk in faith, knowing You are leading me every step of the way. Amen.

Happy New Year! Today is a fresh page, a new chapter in the story God is writing for your life. The best way to begin this year is by putting Jesus first. When we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness, we can trust that He will take care of everything else.

Start this year by seeking Him through prayer, worship, and His Word. Write down one way you can intentionally draw closer to Him this year.

Prayer: Father, as I begin this new year, I choose to seek You first in all things. Lead me and guide me as I follow Your path. Amen.

New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection and resolution. But as believers, we have access to a fresh start every day through Christ. When we surrender to Him, He transforms us from the inside out. This is not about self-improvement but about allowing Jesus to renew our hearts and align us with His purposes.

As you welcome the new year, take time to renew your commitment to Christ. Let Him be the center of your plans, dreams, and resolutions.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making me a new creation. As I step into this new year, help me to walk in Your will and reflect Your love in all I do. Amen.

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what has been. Whether the year brought joy, trials, or a mixture of both, God invites us to leave the past in His hands. In Isaiah, He reminds us not to dwell on what’s behind, but to look forward to the new things He is bringing into our lives. New beginnings start with a heart surrendered to Him.

Take a moment today to thank God for His faithfulness over the past year. Release any burdens or regrets to Him and prepare your heart to embrace His plans for the year ahead.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for carrying me through this past year. I release my worries and failures into Your hands and ask for Your guidance as I step into the new year. Amen.