Day 23: Better Than A Thousand Elsewheres

Day 23
Better Than a Thousand Elsewheres, John 15 and Psalm 84

There is an inescapable, inseparable aspect to God’s presence and love. But the hope of Emmanuel is not a one-sided acknowledgment of his nearness. It’s is relationship, a marriage.

Jesus says, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

We can do nothing [not anything, no part, by no means] without abiding in Jesus’ life flow.

I still try sometimes. How about you?

But a prayer for my life is drawn from Psalm 84. This conviction for the courts of the Lord is my greatest desire!

How lovely is your dwelling place. For a day in your court is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in your house than abide anywhere else. Blessed are those who trust you and abide in your house, ever singing your praise! (vs. 1,10, 4, 12)

This is Emmanuel: The true vine that is better than a thousand elsewheres.

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Got a few extra minutes today? Read The Branch. A short story about a Vine, Gardner, and a branch.