Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you. Jesus in John 15
I have a confession to make—we’re a Facebook family. Not that we’re online all the time, but that is one of many avenues we use (in addition to texting, Skype video calls, and — decreasingly — email) to stay connected, keep up with one other, share pictures and stay in touch. With Travis away in college and me frequently traveling, we long to share life as it happens.
Recently Ann and I took a weekend away to assess how we were doing at connecting with the Lord, with each other and with friends. Jesus impressed upon me, or shall I say invited me, to deepen my times with him through memorizing Scripture again and devoting myself more fully to prayer. Abiding is all about staying connected to the true Source. As a result I’m enjoying a renewed zeal for Christ and genuine, loving interest in others.
One of my specific requests was for new non-CCC friendships. Guys need time to do stuff together, shoulder to shoulder. Frequent travel and other responsibilities mitigate against this. Neither sitting in church nor sipping lattes provides the anvil upon which lifelong guy friendships are forged. But the Lord in his goodness has inundated me with new connections in the past four weeks: neighbors, businessmen in the city, visitors staying in our home, and a tightly knit men’s prayer group on Monday mornings. God answers prayer.
“If…” the conditions are met, ask whatever you wish. What are you asking for?