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"Without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)"I can do all things through Christ which strengthenrth me." (Philippians 4:13)These are two of my many favorite verses found in God's Word. They involve the Lord Jesus and you and me and the promises He makes about our work for Him.We read in John 15:5 that any child of God who attempts to do anything independently for the cause of Christ, without abiding in Him, will actually wind up being nothing. And rt doesn't amount to a hill of beans if it's done in the name of religion if there's no relationship with their Redeemer. God's purpose for our life should be to abide and remain in living in union with Christ, while guarding against anything that would try to break it, and by using the day at hand to continue therein with prayer and a study of the Scriptures.Now as we do so, we shall find in Philippians 4:13 that His strength will be given to us for every possible emergency or situation we may encounter. We may not sense strength's presence; but we count on sensing our Saviour's presence whenever we begin to draw on that promise by faith. D.L. Moody used to say, "Someday somebody's going to come along and simply believe God and embarrass the rest of us."We need to take to heart that very first line in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him." God is pleased when we live by faith in His promises. Obeying His commands also pictures our living by faith. What earthly parent isn't pleased when they see their children heed their instructions even though that child may not understand at that time why it is best for them. They are simply trusting (living by faith) in what their parents say and teaches. Why it is truer than true that our Heavenly Father is pleased with His children when they believe and behave according to His Word.When we abide in Christ and by faith look to His strength alone, there is no temptation which we cannot overcome, no burden which we cannot patiently bear, no difficulty which we cannot handle, no work which we cannot perform, no witness which we cannot offer, if only our souls are living in union with that Heavenly strength provided through Jesus Christ.Friends, mark it down in the chambers of your heart; when you abide in Christ and cast yourself upon His strength to strengthen you, allowing Him to lead the way, He will be right there with you every day. For when you abide, you are made strong!