“ABIDE IN ME (menō: to remain as one), and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4) Why does Jesus say “IN ME”? “The word contains the mystery that has been hidden for many ages. But now it has been made known to God’s people. And here is what it is. CHRIST IS IN YOU. He is your hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)
“Jesus said, “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and YOU IN ME, and I IN YOU…Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him. We will COME TO HIM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM.” (John 14:19-20, 23) We are not just forgiven, we are not just redeemed, we are not just loved by Jesus but Jesus LIVES IN US.
That is why Peter says to us, “Therefore gird up (anadzonnumi: gather up the loose robes and tuck them up under the girdle) the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon THE GRACE that is to be brought to you AT THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST (who is in you); as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also BE HOLY IN ALL YOUR CONDUCT…” (1 Peter 1:13-15) If we want to be successful in our spiritual lives and truly walk with God, then we must start by dealing with the “loins of our minds.” In other words, we must seek to deal with all the LOOSE ENDS in our thinking that haven’t yet been submitted to the Word of God or surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s power. Today let’s make the deliberate choice to start submitting every area of our minds and emotions to the Word of God and to the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham