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abiding

With all the warm weather, I'm pruning a little early this year.
(You can click here for pics on what that looks like.)
Every year when I do this, I can't help but think of the many passages that deal with pruning and vines. But both yesterday and today, this verse kept running through my head:
John 15:4
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.

a·bide [uh-bahyd], a·bode or a·bid·ed, a·bid·ing.
verb (used without object)

1.to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.
2.to have one's abode; dwell; reside: to abide in a small Scottish village.
3.to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship, etc.; last.
 
So  many times I have focused on the latter part of the verse, the reference to fruit bearing. But the abiding...it's so simple, but so necessary. I just need to hang out with Jesus, to chill in his forgiveness. My Mom would cringe at that statement. I don't mean it disrespectfully, but just more that I need to simply be at home both Him and IN him. Abide in me...such a simple statement, and yet so profound.
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