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00:00:35
Speaker 1: Welcome to Abide's Daily Christian Meditations. I'm Tyler Boss.
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Speaker 2: Today's meditation is brought to you by our partners at Life Audio. If you go to lifeaudio.com, you will find dozens of other faith-centered podcasts in their network. They've got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more. Head over to lifeaudio.com now. And remember, you can have full access to our meditations commercial-free.
00:01:00
Speaker 1: Just text ABIDE to 22433 for 25% off. Now, receive his peace as we meditate and abide in Christ.
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Speaker 3: Welcome to this Abide Meditation. I'm Jennifer Clark. What is keeping you from deepening your relationship with God? Whatever it is, it's not worth it. Nothing is more important than being completely immersed in the love of your Heavenly Father. So take a moment and open your hands as you close your eyes and take a deep breath. Picture releasing whatever is keeping you from drawing near to God. John 15 5 records Jesus saying, 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. Each one of us is a living branch of this vine. If your energy and effort aren't spent on deepening your connection with Jesus the vine, your branches will dry up. Is there something that is getting in the way of maintaining a healthy and strong relationship with Him? Set your mind on letting go of any behaviors, thoughts, or fears that separate you from God. Take another deep breath. Keeping your eyes closed, Let God bring to mind some things that you've been holding on to. Now release them. Let them go. Imagine holding all your possessions in your hands. Your grip is tight. Now imagine Jesus coming to you. holding out his hand, wanting you to walk with him. If your hands are already full of your stuff, you can't hold the hand of Jesus. Heavenly Father, you are my source of life, the one and only vine. If I don't nourish my relationship with you, I will wither. Your word says that if I don't bear fruit, I might as well be cut off and cast into the fire. I know that you will never leave me and that nothing can pluck me out of your hand. But I know that my life will be abundant if I remain in you. That is your promise to me. So help me to let go of the things that keep me from you. In your name I pray. Amen. Keep your hands open as you take another deep breath. Let the peace of God which passes understanding guard your heart and mind. Keep picturing those things you're holding floating away. What has God been showing you so far about things that you need to let go? As you keep breathing deeply, letting your body relax, talk to God about why you are holding on to certain things. Our lives are filled with good gifts from God, our family, our health, our friends. But if we cling too tightly to those things, they can keep us from drawing near to God. Let him bring balance. Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for your great mercy toward me. You have promised me abundant life in Christ, and even when things are hard, I know that I am held in your hands. Help me to let go of those things that pull me away from you. I know that your Spirit produces fruit in me that makes me look more like you. Love, joy, peace, patience, and all the rest. Keep me close to you, Lord. Pull me back when I wander. In Jesus' name, amen. Throughout your day, practice opening your hands and imagining letting go of those things that are holding you back from God. Until next time, may you abide in Christ.
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Speaker 1: Thank you.