He Makes His Home With You

John 14:23 (KJV)

If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Abode means a dwelling, a staying place. Jesus is not describing a visit. He is describing moving in.

But look at the door He comes through: if a man love me, he will keep my words. Obedience is not the price of His presence — it is the evidence of the love that welcomes it. He does not stay where His words are politely admired and ignored.

This explains a common frustration. We ask for more of God's presence while an old instruction sits unattended in the corner. We want the guest without preparing the room. And He is patient about many things, but He is not casual about being asked to live somewhere His voice does not count.

Do not go looking for a new word today. Go back to the last one. Obedience is how you open the door for someone who wants to stay.