In the Plain of Remain

On Tuesday I flew into my headquarters to get ready for a key week.  The next day with three of my leaders we would interview four candidates to choose our next deputy commander.  My current deputy is superb—not just a great officer, but a man who will be a lifetime friend. Unfortunately, I’ve also had the challenge of working with executives who were inept or toxic. So knowing how vital it is to find the right leader, I did not get much sleep.  When I woke up on Wednesday morning I felt led to get down on my knees and pray by my bed for wisdom from God and His divine help in making our selection. Immediately I felt His peace.  

The interviewing process was smooth and we unanimously selected the same person.  His fit was superb and I left my office feeling blessed that God heard me and met our need.
 
Meditation
John 15:7--If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. {Amplified Bible}
 
In the plain of remain is where we find gain. Jesus teaches us that two things make an essential difference in our prayer life.  First, we have to abide in Him.  In the context of John 15:1-6 this means to be connected to Him (His will) as a branch is connected to a vine.  The Contemporary English Version says, “Stay joined to me.”  We are Son-centered.  Second, simultaneously we faithfully obey and apply His powerful and nourishing words. This twofold process results in spiritual fruit!  It should be no surprise when God answers our prayers for we are confident we have His leading and blessing.  

“Ask whatever you will” is not a license for wealth, power, fame and worldly success as some like to teach it. To think this way is to miss Jesus’ intent. Clearly, He taught that identification with Him would bring suffering and persecution (Mat. 5:10,11; Luke 21:12). His close friend Peter would later write to fellow believers, “rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah” (1 Peter 4:13).

A fruitless branch is devoid of Jesus and finds prayer dead ended in self-preoccupation.   An anemic branch hangs Jesus’ sayings on plaques but application is haphazard and prayer is hard. Lukewarmness brings heaven’s disgust and cries for repentance. Fruitful branches reveal Jesus’ nectar—holiness and truth.  “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8).  In the plain of remain; something to think about . . . in reveration.
 
Inspiration
As we learn to abide in Christ and practice His presence, something amazing happens within us—something that lifts the confusing fog of decision making and makes our path clear.  We develop a holy instinct.  Our spiritual ears become tuned to the whisper of God’s Spirit. Our spiritual eyes become open to His fingerprints of direction upon our life.—Eric & Leslie Ludy in When God Writes Your Life Story
 
©2014 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)