Hey guys! It's Deeds for Doodling Faith, and I'm so - SO - thrilled to be using this gorgeous, Revival Kit!
There is so much that can be said about how amazingly filled with purpose and devotion this kit is, but I will leave it to you to check out the Doodling Faith Youtube channel and blog to see just all the blessings of it! All I can say is, “WOW!”
For many, the word "Abide" doesn't mean much. I know for myself, I have difficulty with the concept as mentioned in John 15 where Jesus says, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (v. 7) However, other translations of this intransitive verb, "Abide," help guide me in the right direction: "to remain stable or fixed in a state," or, "to continue in a place."
This assists the reader in understanding Jesus' heart regarding the Word of His Father. He's giving us clear and logical reasoning to stay in the holy realm of God's protection, preservation and promise.
So why did I journal here in the end of 1 Kings?
In my traveling through the Old Testament, I've been amazed by seeing the grace of God poured out among an actively rebellious people. Even back then, God spoke His wonders and promises through men called prophets, and such men would deliver God's message to Israel.
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets," says Hebrews 1:1. Yahweh gave clear instructions to the nation of Israel who's only requirement was to adhere to His commands, and abide in His Word. Blessings would fall from heaven on a people who made Yahweh Elohim their God (Leviticus 26).
Not much of that was happening here in this section of Israel's history. In fact, wicked and evil kings rose up, one after the other, to attempt to do "what was evil in the LORD's eyes," even more so than the preceding one.
What about Solomon? A good king. A wise king. An affluent king. A peaceful king. But, marrying idolatrous wives became his downfall and ruin, and this king, though he remained with God for a little while, left his first love and Lord. Oh, that he would have abided in God's commands. He did not remain stable; he did not remain in a fixed state of goodness, wisdom and riches.
God's heart in His command to "remain," is still the same for us living in the 21st century! It's still full of protection. It's still hopeful with promise! "But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." God still speaks; God still commands; God still reaches out to a rebellious people Jesus is God's Word made flesh that dwelt among us (John 1), and it is the very same Word that said, "Abide in Me…" in John 15.
Oh that we would "continue in" this Word; to the God-man who is Jesus the Christ! God has shown grace throughout all the ages. First through prophets to the nation of Israel; now through Jesus Christ to the whole world! "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
God has plans to use each of us as Christians in this world, to stir up and bring revival in His name, His way, in His M.O. He plans to bring many to Jesus in salvation through us as “soul winners!”. We must first, however, come to understand what that looks like, and the way we come to know what He means, and how He’s laid it out, is to first be in His Word!
Father God, help us to remain in Your Word, Jesus Christ. If we remain in You, You will remain in us, and we know that there is promise and joy in this! Your Word is a lamp! Jesus Christ has brought Light to the world, and if we should desire to make a dent in humanity for Your name's sake, Lord, we must truly abide in Him. We must stay "fixed" to You, continuing in the promise of Your Word.
Help us, Lord. Guide us Jesus!
For Your name's sake, amen…
Much love!
Deeds
Are you loving your REVIVAL kit? Don't forget to tag @doodlingfaith on social media so we can share your beautiful time with God.
PS - the digital kit can be found here for you to download at home.
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