John 15:7 (NKJV)

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John 15:7 is a popular Bible verse where Jesus is imparting the importance of a close walk with Him and a close study of His Words.

Jesus made this promise with great confidence because He knew that everything we could ever want or need is in Him, and the way we find it is through searching the scriptures, like studying a treasure map to find the prize.

Years ago, after I had committed myself to a close study of the Bible and Jesus Christ, I began to focus on the commands of the Bible. I wanted so much to live in the freedom of a clear conscious and a happy disposition, so I was trying to follow His commands, to be “good” so I could avoid the punishment and discipline of God.

However, I only found myself in a different kind of confinement—a place of doing things (or not doing things) out of fear—fear of punishment.

One day, as my husband and I were talking, he said something to me that changed my whole paradigm and thought process. He said, “Yveatte, don’t follow God’s Word because you’re afraid of being punished. Follow God’s Word because you love Him.”

Oh, wow. That set me free.

Free from having to be good enough, smart enough and kind enough; free from having to do enough.

A Focus Shift

It took some time, but I began to change my focus. Instead of focusing on what to do and what not to do and continually evaluating my “performance,” I began to direct my focus on Him, instead of on myself.

That took all the pressure off.

He had already done everything I had been striving to do, and more. Why in the world would I try to re-invent the wheel? He is the perfect Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice. He fulfilled all the law and the prophets.

All I needed to do was accept the gift, focus on Him and follow Him, and not all the do’s and don’ts.

I read a book that was also a great help, Grace Awakening by Chuck Swindoll. It helped me change my thinking and approach to the Bible. Instead of approaching God and the Bible with trepidation and anxiety, I could freely come to the throne of grace, knowing He is pleased with me.

It became a joy to read and study the Bible. Instead of seeing a constant reminder of where I failed, I could read with confidence, seeking the treasure, which is Him.

The Secret of His Riches

It’s a lot more fun to seek when you know there is a prize of some kind waiting for you. That’s exactly what God’s Word is to me now—a treasure map that leads to a prize every time I study it.

Jesus gives us the secret to His riches in John 15:7.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Ask God to help you love Him, so you will be drawn to His Word by love, and not coerced by fear.

The more we focus on Him and His truth, the more His words abide in us. Proverbs 23:7 says that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Whatever we focus on the most is what we become. So if we focus on Jesus Christ, we become more like Him. And the more we reflect the Person of Jesus Christ, the easier it is to access the riches of Christ and the Kingdom.

All These Things are Added

It all starts with our thoughts and the desires in our hearts. Abide in Him and let His words abide in you.

·         Your faith will increase;

·         Your understanding and knowledge will increase;

·         Your peace will increase;

·         Your love and compassion will increase.

·         Your very heart will be enlarged with the love of Christ.

Everything He has to offer is ours.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

Study the Bible verse of John 15:7, abide in Him and experience the riches of Jesus Christ.

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