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Remain [Guest Post]

May 4, 2020 by Christine Potter

The following post was adapted from some timely encouragement shared with me from my sister-in-law, Christine Potter. She’s married to my brother and along with their 3 (almost 4!) kids live in Clarkston GA. She’s passionate about seeing others grow in their love of God’s Word and so is an active member and leader in the Community Bible Study (CBS) organization.

I just wanted to get some thoughts to the screen of some things that encouraged me this morning. I was reading this passage in a devotional this morning John 15:1-8.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 15:1-8

In this time of uncertainty, I was reminded in the quiet of this morning to remain in our Savior. I cannot parent, love my family, husband, friends, neighbors well, apart from Christ.

The reminder of our connection with Christ also came from the commentary of this weeks CBS study. The “personalize the truth” section said: “Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.’ ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.'” Isaiah 49:14-16″

We are not only in the vine, but we are ENGRAVED on His hands. We all are feeling the affects of this new situation – have fear of loved ones or selves getting sick, running out of supplies, others or selves dealing with loss of work – so many things to burden us; yet Christ reminds us to remain in Him, for He is our hope. Our God has not forgotten us. In fact we are a part of Him. May we continue to seek him, to deepen our relationship with Him. Like Joseph in slavery, God is with us. We need this more than ever as we step through the darkness of the unknown.

Filed Under: Guest Post, Ponder This Tagged With: Abide, Bible Study, COVID-19, Fear

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The Potters…

are missionaries helping every people group around the world have the chance to understand the gospel and have access to a thriving church. We are serving with the International Ministries Office as it assists Ethnos360 and its Global Partners.

joeldpotter

This weekend, we celebrated some milestones. Both This weekend, we celebrated some milestones. Both my Dad and Lynn, Bethany’s Mom recently reached 75 years. 

That’s a big deal, right?!

I didn’t know this at the time, but in the picture with “Mom” looking at the camera over the cupcakes, that was a long moment in which she and I held eye contact. I genuinely thought it was something special. 

It turns out that this morning, we found what we think will be a safe, comfortable, home-like and loving assisted living facility where she is able to move in very soon. This is one of the biggest answers to prayer in recent years for our family. Caring for her for the last 11 years, even though it hadn’t always been as hard as the last few, has cost us. The Lord enabled us to pay that cost but it has cost none the less. 

That moment locking eyes with her means a lot though. 

I have to also recognize the tender gift that my Dad has exercised as he and my Mom have cared so often for Lynn. His ability to gently draw her out on a walk in the neighborhood or to sit and sing a hymn with her, has blessed more than her. 
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#tendingalovedoneindecline #everymomentholy
We just posted a big Year in Review post on our bl We just posted a big Year in Review post on our blog and to the email list. As you know, a whole lot of life happened in 2022 and it's likely that 2023 will be no different. We'd love to fill you in. 

Take a look at it on the blog OR you can listen to it. Listening is a super-simple way to keep up with us when you can't read. Like while you're taking the kids to school or walking your pup. 

You can find links to LISTEN or READ at my profile site.
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#thepottermission 
#yearinreview
A couple of weeks of running and riding. Grateful A couple of weeks of running and riding. Grateful for the ability and opportunity. 
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