A: Abide

In 2024, I am focusing on the attributes of God. It is my desire to become more like Jesus, and to know God better. I hope these devotionals will help you do so as you apply God’s attributes to your own life.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God. I John 4:12–15 (ESV)

A close friend visited. We know much about each other, yet we found out more while she stayed with us for a few days. She experienced our work schedules and adjusted to a later dinner time. We learned that she goes to bed earlier than our family tends to do.

Imagine how much better we would know each other if we were living in the same home. Members in the same household learn intimate details from sharing life so closely. Often it shows up in how we do things, such as preparing a favorite food the same way. Family members may share mannerisms. When our son was younger, he walked with a rolling gait just like his dad and his paternal grandfather.

How well do we know God? Do we do things the way Jesus would? Too often I’ve been more of a visitor than a family member, spending time with God but not abiding moment by moment with Him. I want to know Jesus better. I want to become more like Him, to share in His attributes.

One attribute of God is that He abides with us. He has given the Holy Spirit to live in us when we believe in Jesus (I John 4:12). The New International Version often uses the word remain instead of abide. Either word means that the Holy Spirit stays with me. He is not a visitor. Not only does God live within the believer, His love is shown in that relationship.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. I John 4:15–16 (ESV)

Abiding, or remaining, goes two ways. Jesus wants us to abide in Him, as He instructed the disciples in John 15. Our remaining in Him is necessary for us to live fruitful lives.

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. John 15:4–5 (ESV)

How can we abide with Jesus? What are some practical ways to stay connected with God and be fruitful for Him?

We need to be in God’s Word every day. Jesus pointed out the importance of His Word being in us. It affects our fruitfulness and our prayer life.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what 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. John 15:7–8 (ESV)

Our obedience to Jesus is fruit of our abiding in Jesus’ love for us.

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 15:9–11 (ESV)

Obedience to God brings joy.

Let me share an example. During a short-term mission trip to Colombia I was to share the concepts of Moms in Prayer International’s praying Scripture for students and schools at a women’s conference. It was my first time to do so, and I was scared of speaking in front of a large crowd of adults. Early on the morning of the event, God woke me and prompted me to pray. Forsaking sleep, I obeyed. God gave me the strength and courage to speak. I had great joy seeing the women grab hold of the importance of prayer and form groups to lift their children before God in prayer. My obedience to God led me on two more mission trips, and also helped me rely on God in situations beyond my comfort level.

Let’s abide in Christ. Let’s commit to:

• Daily talk with God in prayer
• Study God’s Word. Choose a verse to focus on for the day.
• Apply God’s instructions into daily life in obedience to Him.
• Grow in knowing more of God by abiding in Him.
• Study God’s attributes to become more like Him.

There are so many other attributes of God that begin with the letter A, such as advocate, able, and attentive. What attributes do you think of? Please share them in the comments section.

Dear Lord God, Thank you for staying with me and in me. I’m grateful. Please help me to abide in you and to become like you. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

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