A Guest

 

Devotion: Living as a Guest in God's House

Scripture:
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
—John 15:7 (KJV)

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Reflection

In John 15:7, Jesus gives a powerful promise—“ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”—but this promise is deeply tied to a condition: abiding. We began exploring the meaning of this word yesterday, looking at the Hebrew root gur, which implies turning aside from our own way to lodge with someone else.

Today we explore another rich meaning of gur: to live as a guest. This paints an even clearer picture of what it means to abide in Christ. A guest knows the house is not their own. They do not rearrange the furniture, paint the walls, or decide what’s on the menu. Instead, a guest honors the homeowner by respecting the space, following the house rules, and showing gratitude.

To abide in Jesus, then, is to accept His authority and follow His commands. We don’t get to rewrite the terms of discipleship to suit our preferences. As guests in His household, we are called to submit ourselves fully to His Word—even when it challenges us or runs counter to the traditions or customs we've inherited.

This calls for humility. Consider how much of modern Christianity has sought to change the “rules” to fit convenience or culture. One example: the shift from Sabbath worship to Sunday, rooted more in political power and tradition than in Scripture. The issue here is not to stir debate about worship days, but to remind ourselves that a guest does not have the right to alter the owner's instructions.

As guests in God’s house, we are to align with His way, not our own. This is how Jesus defines true discipleship—and this is the pathway to answered prayer and intimate fellowship with Him.

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Contemplation

• Are you living like a guest in God's house, respecting His Word and His ways?

• Have you subtly (or openly) changed any of His "house rules" to make your spiritual walk more comfortable?

• In what areas do you need to repent and return to the simple obedience of a grateful guest?

The true blessing of abiding—of dwelling as a respectful guest—is the favor and fellowship of the Master of the house. And when His words abide in you, your desires begin to align with His, and your prayers are shaped by His will.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for inviting me into Your house, for welcoming me to abide with You. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to rewrite the rules or live as if I were the owner instead of a guest. Teach me to live with reverence for Your Word, honoring the ways You have laid out for my life. Give me a humble and obedient heart that follows Your instructions with joy. May I never forget that to truly abide means to submit—gladly and gratefully—to the One who gave everything for me. Let my life reflect Your truth, and may Your words live deeply in me.
In Your name I pray, Amen.