Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
John 15:1-5 (NIV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Where do you live?
Perhaps this question brings your address to mind. The street where you live or perhaps the community or city. And this is all important to be sure. Our heavenly Father determines where we live (see Acts 17:24-28).
But I ask this question today as we reflect on Psalm 91, John 15, and Colossians 3.
The Lord is our dwelling. We rest in Jesus. We abide in Jesus. Our life is now hidden with Christ in God.
This is where our heavenly Father calls us to live. To live in Him. To live in Christ (see Ephesians 1:11-14). And He grows us day by day to be more like Him. In this way, He transforms families and entire communities.
For you today, what does Jesus cause to stand out to you from His word? What is He speaking to you in this season of your life? Where are the growing pains? That is, the places in us that He is pruning (cleaning) so that we can be even more fruitful. All of this is part of abiding in Him.
Let’s pray as Jesus leads us today. How is He leading you to pray for yourself today? For others? For our church? For our community and city and beyond?
Here is a song that I wanted to share with you as you pause in Christ today:
Grace and peace.
The Lord bless you!
Ephesians 1
