Lenten Daily Devotional 2021
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Day 33: Remaining
“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. John 15:5 (NIV)
In John 15, Jesus tells us how simple the Christian life really is, not how “easy” it is, because it is not easy, but it’s simple. See, all we have to do is “remain in him.” We don’t have to live perfect, sinless lives. We don’t have to think new, amazing thoughts. We don’t have to end poverty, problems, or anything else. All we have to do is “remain in him.”
I said it was simple . . . but not easy. Typically, when we fail in some way, rather than run toward Jesus (rather than remaining in him) because of our shame and guilt, we tend to run away from Jesus.
Maybe we run from Jesus during those times because we think he is going to be mad at us for failing. Maybe we are overcome by our shame because we know our failures far too well. Maybe we fear we have failed one time too many and now, Jesus doesn’t want us any longer.
Can I tell you, those feelings are lies, they come from the pit of hell and they smell like smoke. They are not true.
Jesus says, all we have to do is remain in him. When we fail, (not “if” but “when” because we all fail, over and over and over again.) But when we fail, we need to remember that he is not mad at us, we can come back to him. And in him we find forgiveness for our sins, cleansing from all of our unrighteousness, and a loving welcome home.
Christianity is not easy but it is simple. All we have to do is . . . remain in him.
I said it was simple . . . but not easy. Typically, when we fail in some way, rather than run toward Jesus (rather than remaining in him) because of our shame and guilt, we tend to run away from Jesus.
Maybe we run from Jesus during those times because we think he is going to be mad at us for failing. Maybe we are overcome by our shame because we know our failures far too well. Maybe we fear we have failed one time too many and now, Jesus doesn’t want us any longer.
Can I tell you, those feelings are lies, they come from the pit of hell and they smell like smoke. They are not true.
Jesus says, all we have to do is remain in him. When we fail, (not “if” but “when” because we all fail, over and over and over again.) But when we fail, we need to remember that he is not mad at us, we can come back to him. And in him we find forgiveness for our sins, cleansing from all of our unrighteousness, and a loving welcome home.
Christianity is not easy but it is simple. All we have to do is . . . remain in him.
Prayer Focus: Prayer for individuals who are struggling with chronic health issues. Prayer for healing and support during this season.
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