THE PATH FROM THE PAST
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"Those who keep His commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He gave us." 1-John 3
"You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in Me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without Me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in Me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in Me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become My disciples." John 15
"Remain--Remain where--and with Whom?"
Today's reading was another one of those dot-to-dot Bible connections--that caught my attention quickly and God's message was very plain and clear. REMAIN IN ME.
Take a look around you. Take a look inside you. Where are you and who is there with you? Truth is that God is always with us, but are we aware of His Spirit with in us? Could it be that there are other's within us too? Other voices heard over the years and voices heard constantly every minute? Yes, other voices filling our mind and our spirit and leaving us a muddled unproductive mess. Why? For one reason only---we have chosen to remain with the past, the world and let our own human nature remain strong, ruling those emotions within. We are not at peace, we are bored at church, we are frustrated with life and just feel like a failure even for we seem to be going no where.
But Jesus and our Father are telling us clearly and simply "REMAIN IN ME AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU. I WILL MAKE YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT AND YOU CAN ASK FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT (THAT IS OF HIS WAYS OR WILL) AND IT WILL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU --YOU WILL BECOME MY DISCIPLE."
OH, there is the catch---do you really want to be a follower of Christ or His disciple? Do we want to turn away from the world's lure or be a part of seeking the world's applause? Do we want to forgive and let go of the past, so we are not controlled by bitterness, resentment and anger? All of theses questions must be thought about and answered honestly, for how you answer and respond to God's call is the KEY that will allow you to REMAIN in Christ our Lord. If we wish to be in His Kingdom for all eternity---that decision must be made NOW for the Kingdom of God is NOW.
So, REMAIN--remain where and Whom? One last thought on this word remain. I heard recently this reply to my comment "that complaining kept the Israel people going around that mountain one more time and in the desert for 40 years." their reply--- "In others words--if you complain you remain."
So my dear friends, if we don't like where we are at or 'remaining'---then take a good look around you, and a good look within you.
Peace be with you--as you choose to remain in Christ our Lord.
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
