LHF#2: A Working Definition

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Holding fast. A quick check online yielded this definition:

 To bear down, grit it out, stay the course
Originally a nautical term probably borrowed from the Dutch "houd vast" (hold tight) referring to the importance of securely gripping a ship's rigging.
Times are tough right now but we got to hold fast and ride it out.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hold%20fast

 I like it! ;)
Times are tough right now. 
We are living in a state of constant change. 
None of us has ever experienced anything like this. 

 But for followers of Christ it's not just a matter of toughing it out. 
We need our faith to see us through. We know holding fast to our faith means we have a firm spiritual grip of God's truth and love. We know His Spirit must be in control. We must choose to abide in Christ moment by moment. But how exactly do we do this?  

 I read recently about abiding in Christ in John 15. In verses 9-10 Jesus lays out for us how to abide: 

 As the Father Has loved Me, 
so have I loved you. 
Abide in My love. 
If you keep my commandments, 
you will abide in My love...

 So there you have it... 
The Lord Jesus loves you with a love that equals God the Father's love for Jesus. Wow! 
The way to experience this love, to be changed by this love, to have this love to pass on to others is to obey God's Word. 

 Easy? Not always.
Clear? Absolutely.
Possible? You bet!

 Let's Hold On to Jesus and depend on Him to help us obey, and enjoy all the blessings that will bring.
written by Gina

Comments

Jessica said…
We will make it through this “social distancing” and we have much to be thankful for! When I think of having to be away from people I am reminded that even Jesus went away to be alone. He went into the wilderness by Himself for 40 days and nights to fast and pray amidst what was to come - His death. He was preparing for this event with solitude, with prayer and with a ready heart. We are now faced with solitude (for obvious different reasons), but what an example Jesus gave us! Pray, Fast, Filled with the Holy Spirit, prepared to do the Father’s work. I was reading recently (I don’t read much, haha)... this quote caught me... “The depth and value of what you bring in your heart to other people will depend on what you do with your solitude”. So what will we do in our forced solitude? Pray, Fast and follow Jesus’ example! Be prepared for “conflict” and come away from this forced solitude with more vigor, more love for our Savior than ever!
March 15, 2020 at 2:10 PM
Gina said…
Thank you, Jessica, for these positive, helpful words about something I find so difficult. I definitely enjoy times of solitude with God. But losing the opportunities to fellowship, share, and pray together in person is a struggle. I appreciate your encouragement to follow the example of Christ. You're absolutely right, and we know no time with Him is wasted. Who knows what He is preparing us for? Thanks again.
March 17, 2020 at 5:36 PM
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