WE ARE NEVER NEVER ALONE…

“Whoever has my commands and KEEPS THEM is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them AND SHOW MYSELF TO THEM.” Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and WE WILL COME TO THEM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH THEM.“ (John 14:21-23) [Our life as Christians are ‘bound up’ in the life of Christ; as sure and as long as he lives, which of course IS FOREVER! those of us that by faith are united to Him shall live also; we shall live spiritually, a godly life in spiritual union with our Abba Father. This life is ‘hid’ with Christ in God; if the head and root live, the members and branches live also, having His commandments in our heads, we must KEEP THEM IN OUR HEARTS and DAILY DO THEM. Jesus promises that He will ‘show’ Himself, the word is emphanizō: to appear exhibit or disclose. This is truly a very close and personal relationship! Then He and our Father will make their home with us! “…surely I am with you always…” (Matt. 28:20) What CONFIDENCE Jesus is trying to instill in us, assuring us that we will NEVER be alone!

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and GOD HIMSELF WILL BE [and is now] WITH THEM AND BE THEIR GOD. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:3-4) It is God’s plan for us to be with Him, ALWAYS! “He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. THOSE WHO ARE VICTORIOUS WILL INHERIT ALL THIS, and I will be their God and THEY WILL BE MY CHILDREN.” (Rev. 21:6-7) We must remain faithful – it is impossible for our Abba Father to lie! “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me…WHERE CAN I GO FROM YOUR SPIRIT? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, YOU ARE THERE; if I make my bed in the depths, YOU ARE THERE. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there YOUR HAND will guide me, your RIGHT HAND will hold me fast.” (Psa. 139:5-10) Thank you Father that you always hold us in your right hand, there is no such thing as our prayers only going up “to the ceiling” because He will NEVER leave us!!!

NOW I SEE, ABBA FATHER, ANYWHERE WE ARE; YOU ARE ALWAYS RIGHT HERE WITH US…

-Bill Stockham