Yesterday afternoon in Austin, I had the privilege of meeting with Jeff, an older Brother who was a spiritual mentor when I was a graduate student. He reminded me of the simplicity of abiding in Christ. I am meditating on these verses this morning:
John 15:4-5, 9 ESV
[4] 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. [5] 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.
...
[9] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
I'm trying to just sit still and visualize sitting with the Father with no agenda. Just enjoying each other's presence.
Father, I love you. Thank you for making me who I am. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I am carefully and wonderfully made. I am your son. I am not an orphan or a slave. My value is independent of my productivity. I am yours. You define my value and worth, and Jesus's blood is the price you paid. Please forgive me of pride and arrogance that I could define my value any other way. Holy Spirit, please guide me to an accurate perspective of myself and the Father.