Everyone loves vacation! Visiting a new place, making lasting memories and experiencing unique opportunities - who wouldn't love that? But I tell you what, getting to your destination can be one of the biggest hurdles. Especially when you know where you're going and the anticipation is killing you!
However, the moment you hit the road, you're on your way! Memories have potential to be made and wonderful opportunities are right at your finger tips.

"What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination."
-Zig Ziglar

What is your destination? Is it one worth remaining in?

'Remain' means to continue or stay in a particular place.
But, how do you get to that place?

In John 15:1-8 Jesus talks about being the true vine and God the Father being the gardener. In verse 4, He says, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." Throughout the next 4 verses He repeats this 4 more times!
Think it's important?

If we want the Lord of All to remain in us, we must first, remain in Him. Before we can do anything else, we need to first come to Him.
Today, we will meditate, memorize and make known who God truly is so we can inherit this position designed and designated just for us!

Meditate

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
- Psalm 19:14

Meditation always overwhelmed me. Just by simply thinking about doing it, not actually doing it! The thought of sitting, very still and not talking or thinking. Oofta, if you know me, you understand the real struggle. However, over time, I began to see the absolute need for meditation. I needed that meticulous focus on a specific matter. And that matter was God's Word.

Being still and allowing God to speak to us is crucial. It is at this point that we come into His presence, where we can remain in Him.

"I promise you, something miraculous and supernatural will happen if you meditate on the Word of God."
-Robert Morris

Growing up I knew I needed to read and embrace God's Word, but I failed to fully grasp the concept. I was missing the biggest component! Heart. Reading God's Word is not just seeing the words with your eyes, but writing them on your heart!

Memorize

"Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you."
- Proverbs 6:21-22

Even to this day, my sisters and I can quote movie lines and sing word for word many songs (especially Disney). Why is that? Because for years we watched over and over again the same movies. We listened on repeat to the same songs! They became engraved in our minds.

I remember my Dad saying, "Why can't you use that talent to memorizing Scripture?" As a dramatic teenager, I would roll my eyes at this remark, but now, I wish I had taken that to heart. (Sorry, Dad!)

The things we we see and what we hear are occupying space in our mind. In turn, they will be the things that escape our mouths. Each word off of our tongue is a true reflection of whats in our heart.

Make Known

"Keep the book of Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
- Joshua 1:8

God has impressed a desire in each of us to share with others! Share our hopes, dreams, pains and trials. But if our words have no real meaning, we are just blowing hot air. This coming from an oversharing, must use 5,000 words a day babbler!

That is why I pray that when my mouth opens it is to make known God's goodness and that His truth is revealed and alive with each word.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
- Colossians 3:15-16

*CHALLENGE: Read Joshua 1:7-9. Meditate. Memorize. Make known this truth! Remember, be strong and courageous! And do not fear, the Lord will go with us wherever we we go! That is why He says to remain in Him and He will remain in us!

Thank you Lord, for Your promises! When you say anything at all we must listen. So when You repeat that same thing, may our ears hear and our hearts accept Your truth! Help us to take the time to meditate on your Word, memorize these words so they're written on our hearts and then boldly and courageously make known Your holiness! Thank You, Father, for calling us, desiring for us to come to You and remain there! And also, remaining in us! In Your Precious Name, Amen.