Life Plan Devotion #240 [Abide in New Life]

Jun 28, 2010

Hi, Everyone.
I'm excited about the new theme for the Life Plan Devotion. It feels a bit overwhelming, but it always does, mainly because I know that, on my own, I cannot write, but that only makes me realize all the more that this is God's project, and He is faithful. He will give me each day's writing. Please join me by praying for me, that I will listen carefully to His voice, and join by reading and responding to each devotion, if you're willing.
Let's pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery, and please pray for those who cannot see themselves in today's devotion, as they decide whether or not to find new life, in which to abide.
Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone.
Blessings,
Mary

Life Plan Devotion #240 [Abide in New Life]

II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV). 

     In praying about the next step to take in the Life Plan Devotion, the next verse or theme, the Lord spoke three words, "Abide in Me." I believe that the Lord would have us to consider what it means to abide in Christ. What does that look like? How will you know if you are abiding in Him?
     Webster's defines "abide" in 7 ways, as quoted below:
     --v.i. (intransitive verb)
          1. to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.
          2. to have one's abode; dwell; reside.
          3. to continue in a particular condition; last; endure.
     --v.t. (transitive verb)
          4. to put up with; tolerate; stand: I can't abide dishonesty!
          5. to endure or withstand without yielding: to abide a vigorous onslaught.
          6. to wait for; await: to abide the coming of the Lord.
          7. to accept without opposition or question: to abide the verdict of the judge.
     If one desires to abide in Christ, it cannot happen unless one is "in Christ." There must be a true salvation experience, and nothing less (not any ritual--like dedication, baptism, confirmation, or partaking of communion, etc.) will do.
     I had attended church for many years, but I did not have a personal encounter with Christ until July 13, 1969, at the age of thirteen. Before that, I had head knowledge of Christianity; after that, I had heart knowledge of Christ. There is a big difference between the two.
     The moment I said "yes" to Jesus, I became a "new creation," but it took many years for me to truly understand what that meant. The "old" was "gone," but not forgotten. Like many believers, I found myself clinging to the "old," and, eventually, I experienced the battle that is waged within when the "old" is not allowed to leave.
     The "new" was amazing, though. I felt different. I saw the world differently. I had an instant love for people--all people. I saw the Creator in His creation, and all of it looked so beautiful and vibrant. It took my breath away. He took my breath away. It was the beginning of abiding, of new life in Christ.

What this has to do with weight loss: Having an unhealthy lifestyle, living in an obese body, is a result of not abiding in Christ, of not recognizing that "you are not your own; you were bought at a price" (I Corinthians 6:19c-20a). Whatever you keep from Him will deteriorate, because He is life. When you realize that Jesus paid the price for your body, and you invite Him to move in, to abide in that area of your life, you will submit to the command, "Therefore honor God with your body" (I Corinthians 6:20b). You submit, and God will do the rest, helping you to honor Him in your body.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, You gave me new life. I have not always submitted to that new life, and where I have not done so, what a mess it has turned out to be! I desire to abide in You, to learn what that means, and to learn what that means for me. Show me any area of my life (my mind, my will, my emotions, and my body) where I am not truly abiding, and help me to understand what I need to do to get to the place where new life is invited in, where, with Your help, I honor You with my mind, will, emotions, and body. I pray in Jesus' Name, and with anticipatory joy in truly abiding. Amen."  

0 Comments