In the previous post, we looked at the tragedy of the Pharisees. They rejected the teachings of Jesus; they opposed his preaching – because there was no room in their lives for his words. There was no room for his words to transform their lives.

So it is not by happenstance that on the night before Jesus was crucified, as he gathered his disciples together, he once again stressed the importance embracing his words – taking them to heart.

If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 (AMP)   Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father. (John 15:8 Voice)

 Jesus didn’t want his disciples to just make room in their hearts for his words of instruction and wisdom, he wanted those words to remain and live in them. His words of teaching and preaching were not to fade or lie dormant in their hearts. He wanted his words to produce abundant spiritual growth and increased faithfulness. He wanted his words to bear the fruit of empowered, transformed lives that would bring glory to the Lord.

And what was true for these First Century disciples remains true for we who are his 21^st Century disciples. When we hear our pastor preach a word that stirs our heart or as we read the Bible and a scripture jumps off the page with meaning, let us with great intention cultivate that word in our hearts. Let us allow that word to remain and live in our hearts transforming our lives – producing abundant spiritual growth and increased faithfulness. It is not enough to just “make room.” His words must remain and continually live in our hearts, producing changed lives that bring glory to God the Father.