Good day
In the (a) part of this message I mentioned that to abide means to stay connected, remain, dwell, continue in Him - to be in relationship with Him and that as long as we (as the branch), stay in relationship, remain connected, dwell and continue in Him (the vine) - we will bear fruit (shine our light).
Today I believe God wants to encourage us to stay connected (To stay on the journey)
Like any relationship, our relationship with God is something that is built and strengthened over time, meaning it's not something we can rush on or seek to fast track. It's not like placing kernels in a microwave and 3 minutes later you have the popcorn (the end product), so instead of viewing it as an end result, a destination or seeking any magic formulas to speed it along, it should rather be viewed as a journey. One in which there are no "fast forward" buttons, only a constant "play" button. A journey where we understand that it takes time.
It's also a personal journey, where it's us and Him, one that we walk with God and for His glory, not comparing ourselves with others but focused solely on our walk and progress with Him, measuring ourselves against what we know He's requiring of us. Therefore we ought to lay aside all forms of pressure and any temptation that is trying to get us to give up on this journey (on our relationship with God). Like all relationships, there are moments where the road may seem bumpy, where there may be some hurdles or obstacles to overcome from time to time, but if we place any value on that relationship we will remain committed to it, seek to improve where we can, all so that we can grow and develop that relationship ... and this takes time ... the important part is that we stay connected/committed to the relationship.
The truth is that God is committed to this relationship. It's one He wouldn't give up on no matter how far or distant we may feel from Him, He is always right there, always willing, always able, always loving, to offer us a helping hand and restore and strengthen whatever needs to be mended ... why? ... because He wants this relationship more than we do! He loves us more than anyone else we know! This relationship is one in which He sent His Son to die in our place so that we can be restored to Him, where covenant can be restored, where relationship can be found and where we can experience His faithful love for all of our days. Consider for a moment the sacrifice Jesus had to make so that we can enter into and have an everlasting relationship with the Father ... This is how much this relationship means to Him! ... so let us never entertain any thoughts that God isn't interested in us or interested in wanting to have a relationship with us.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:9,10
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
The question to ask is, are we as committed to this relationship as He is?
I believe that God wants us to "stay connected".
Let us not look back on our journey (relationship) wondering whether we should've been further ahead by now and focus our energy on the past. Yes, it's good to learn from our mistakes but let's not allow it to keep us in the past at the expense of living in the now and seeking ways to improve going forward! Let us not allow the pressure of regret to hold us back from focusing on what God is wanting to do in our lives today! What we should do is say it's time to hit the reset button on our relationship with Him! It's time to start again! To start afresh! To live the life He's called us to live - Now! ... It's time to enter-in! ...It's time to stay connected!
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Lamentations: 3:22-23
It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.
This is a new day my friend therefore it can also be a new beginning! It's time to step into all that our loving Father has in store for you!
Amen