“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed…
“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 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. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 8:31-32,36; 15:3-5,7-11
In days of self-proclaimed ‘personal truth,’ God’s Truth stands as a beacon strong and sure and ripe for the knowing. The enemy persists in his stealth to steal, kill, and destroy, and God reigns in stark contrast to give freedom, life, abundance, and joy. God is superior to any false promises, His Word supreme among all other words. Knowing Truth, we know Jesus Himself, and our lives give ready, bold evidence. (John 8:44; 10:10; 1 John 4:4)
We must abide in the Word of Christ to be His disciples, connected to, believing, and trusting it as our source of life. And as His disciples, we desire to abide, to cling, to depend. It is our nature to take from the living Vine, to be nourished by Him and bear fruit accordingly as a byproduct of what we receive.
How do we abide in God’s Word? When do we read it, grapple with its meaning universally and for us personally? Do we avail ourselves of good teaching and apply what we learn? How readily can we recall God’s testimonies, promises, and commands when needed in a confusing situation, a conflict, a decision to make? When tested by temptation or a particular hardship, do we rely on its powerful truth?
How has His Word revealed new aspects of Jesus? Are we knowing Him better each time we read, or gather in fellowship, or claim His promises? Are we loving Him more? What evidence do we give of knowing Him as Savior and Friend, Redeemer and Victor? Of being intimately acquainted with His character and teachings? Of loving others as He has loved us?
Knowing the true Truth is knowing Jesus, and that is knowing His joy. He alone sets us free to rejoice in every circumstance and produce spiritual bounty. (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Lord Jesus, help me bear an abundance of fruit showing myself to know You, to the praise of Your name and glory.
As the rain and snow 