Abiding in Christ

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)

All year, I've been learning about the works of the Holy Spirit, discipleship, and evangelism. Through the Holy Spirit, I have exercised a gift of healing and seen God move in miraculous ways. This brought about a new level of trust in the Holy Spirit and brought my faith in Him to new heights. Although I was doing these works, there was an imbalance. I got to a point where I was trying to bear fruit on my strength. I was doing good works and things based on trying to earn something from God or the approval of other disciples I was in fellowship with. I was missing the basic necessity of abiding in Him.

"Fruit" according to the Bible: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

These are the attributes of Godly character. Here is the thing, apart from Christ, our efforts to obtain righteous character are unfruitful. God can move through you in works as a willing vessel, but you can't produce fruit (or Godly character) without abiding in Him. Abide means to continue in a daily personal relationship with Jesus. It is characterized by trust, patience, obedience, and joy.

Practical ways that I've been able to abide in Him is through spending time in His word daily. I like to set aside quiet time in the mornings and evenings to worship, pray, read the bible, and then journal to him. One of the main ways that God likes to speak to me is through journaling. While writing out my prayers, with thanksgiving, I make my requests and burdens known to him. Almost immediately while writing them down, he will begin to answer my requests and speak to me through writing. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to hear God's voice to try journaling to Him.

How beautiful and loving is it that God sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins so we could obtain eternal life with the Father! This also allows us to have constant access to the Father that we should never take for granted. So if you’re intentionally walking with God, I pray that you continue to abide in Christ by putting Him first so all other things will be added to you. We should never strive to only do just works to only get to heaven and hear “… ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Amaiya K ♡

Quick Life Update: My intentions were never to take 6-months away from blogging. It has been one of the toughest seasons ever, but also a blessing at the same time. It is usually when I go through trials in my life that I become unmotivated to write. However, I am going to be intentional to not allow that to keep me from what I know God has called me to do. I will not give the enemy the satisfaction.

God has been so patient and good to me. I am well acquainted in my new position as Lead Graphic Designer at Renew. I'm blessed with an amazing work family and job that is purposeful for God’s kingdom in bringing the Good News to the unreached places of the world! I also have been enjoying my first little apartment.✨ It has been stretching at times, but I am learning to be responsible and a good steward over my finances. I have learned to be content with what I have and God has been sure to take care of every SINGLE one of my needs! He is so so good and I am beyond thankful!!