The Wagley GroupJune, 2026 – Faithful Living® ~
Abiding
This word “Abiding,” according to AI Overview, describes something that is enduring, lasting, or permanent, often referring to feelings or memories that do not fade.
Exodus 20:24b ESV states, “…in every place where I cause my name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.”
All of us are living examples of the abiding grace, love, and faithfulness of our Lord—when we allow the Holy Spirit to prompt us in the course of our day; Yes, it is absolutely the Holy Spirit that grants us the ability to remember with sincere gratitude, the Creator of everything. When this happens as we offer thanksgiving and praise, no matter where we happen to be, we abide in the presence of the Almighty.
In John 14:10a ESV, Jesus says to His disciples, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” Talk about abiding! This is the truest manifestation of the indwelling, uncorrupted, eternal unity that God and Jesus embraced from before the anything got started.
Before the resurrection happens, Jesus lets them know in John 14:20 ESV, “In that day, you will know that I am in the Father, and you in me, and I in you.” Perfect Abiding!
In John Chapter 15, the Apostle uses an amazing metaphor that the vineyard owners and workers of that day would have understood completely. This is a description of what it looks like to truly abide… by remaining in a close, permanent, and loving relationship with Christ.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. “
Do you think that Jesus places a high priority with the word abide for us today? He certainly does! Anything repeated twice in the Bible is considered strong emphasis. Repeating something 11 times in one chapter, blows this out of the water.
Staying connected to the vine is crucial for abundant living. Without the abiding sustenance that the Holy Spirit provides giving us strength, courage and encouragement throughout the day, we can accomplish nothing of value from the eternal perspective.
Apart from the Vine, we can-do no-good thing. If we are not connected to the vine, we will not be able to bear the kind of fruit that God desires for us. In essence, we lessen our impact and hinder our maturity to benefit His Kingdom. Connected to the Vine—unlimited power and potential.
For those who remain connected in a “love relationship” with the Trinity…abiding in this sacred fellowship, the Bible is clear in John 15; this fruit, reflected in the believer’s life, with abound more and more. And, the world will be witnesses of this outpouring of love and give glory to the Almighty. Because we have received, we freely give. For those who abide in the Vine of Christ, the outward manifestation of our inward devotional faith will emanate through us to a world that is continually watching. Christ followers are recognized by their fruit!
I believe the greatest example of the abiding presence of our Lord for everyone, is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that resides within us when we say, “Yes to Jesus.” This deposit of eternity will be supernaturally collected by Jesus, when our souls depart to be with Yeshua forever. Until that day, this pledge of everlasting life remains. Our salvation promise, provides the ultimate security as we step ever closer, each day by faith, in beholding Jesus face to face.
So, let’s not become diminished and wither, let’s continue to be willingly pruned and steadfastly abide with our brother, friend, and Savior, who is Christ the Lord.