Tag Archive | remain

Do you feel like winter wheat?

Nov14


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

winter wheat

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

perennial wheat grass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When old man winter strikes with a vengeance, do you relate more to winter wheat (left) or perennial wheat grass (right)? Do you remain in a vegetative phase during the winter but produce a higher yield in the spring or summer? Or do you flourish and produce your best harvest in the harshness of winter weather?

I’m a hybrid wheat. I don’t enjoy the colder weather, so I stay inside and keep to myself. My activities and relationships may go dormant for a few months. However, this also affords me time to read, study, write and produce good content for the harvest.

It’s okay to be the winter wheat recluse, as long as you are bulking up in spiritual knowledge and rebuilding your energy to produce your best harvest when warmer weather returns.

My child, I am the Vine; you are the branch. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. If you remain in Me, and I in you, you will be even more fruitful. (See John 15:1-8)

If you are winter wheat, be sure to remain in the Vine during your dormancy. Use your alone time to bulk up in spiritual knowledge by remaining in God’s Word. Don’t let your relationship with Jesus go dormant. Spend time with Him daily in two-way conversation—talk to Him, and then leave room in the conversation for Him to speak to you.

Winter wheat generally produces a higher yield. You will too, when you remain in the Vine during the solitude of winter.

The Perfect Parent – Encouragement for Moms

Mar31

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 30:20, NIV)

My precious daughter, you are the apple of My eye. I am captivated by your beauty, both inside and out. You are made in My image. I am the God of love, joy, peace, patience, and perseverance. These are the same attributes you need most to parent your children well.

Love

My love for you is unconditional. I love you no matter what you do or don’t do, what you say or don’t say. Nothing you do can make Me love you less. Nothing you do can make Me love you more. My great love for you is unchangeable. I love you longer, higher, deeper, and wider than you will ever grasp.

Likewise, you must love your children in the same manner. Love them no matter what they do or don’t do, what they say or don’t say. Nothing they do or don’t do should make you love them less.

My love for them shines through you, when your love for them is unwavering. Let them see My great love for them in your words and actions.

Joy

My joy is your strength. Seek Me and I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me wholeheartedly. By the power of My Holy Spirit, you will overflow with joy in all areas of life, even in the difficult times.

Children bring great joy to a home. Savor the joyful times, and recall them when facing the challenges. A spirit of hope and joy is the result of confidence in Me. Trust in Me with all your heart, and find sweet joy in your faith. When you know and believe I am in control of all things, the heaviness in your heart fades and gives way to joy and expectation. I will not fail you. Trust in Me, joyfully, and draw on the strength My Spirit brings you.

Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When you accept Jesus into your heart and walk with Him, His Spirit lives inside you. You have the peace of Christ living in you. To experience peace, simply look deep within your heart and you will find it. Get in touch with My Spirit that dwells in you, and find the peace you long for.

This is the peace that passes all comprehension. You may experience My peace, even in the midst of your trials and challenges. When you are angry and frustrated with your children, seek My peace within. No matter the current test, spend a few moments alone with Me, and draw on My peace. I am with you always. Then deal with your children from a spirit of peacefulness.

Patience

Where there is wisdom, patience is found. When you seek My wisdom for childrearing, you will discover a greater measure of endurance for the task. In wisdom, you will handle the challenges with patient tolerance and unwavering determination.

The outcome of your confrontation will be determined by your patience in the battle. When your patience is tested to its limits, reach within your soul and receive power from My Holy Spirit. Breathe a silent prayer to Me and receive what you are in need of at the moment. Pause to take a deep breath, inhaling My peace and exhaling more patience.

Perseverance

Parenting requires perseverance and consistency. Let Me determine your steps, and then, devote yourself to the cause. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not operate solely from your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will instruct you on the right course. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you seek Me and listen to My voice, I will direct all your steps, big and small. Ask Me, and I will let you in on the plans I have laid out for you. Then you may parent with confidence and a firm resolve, knowing that your wisdom comes from Me. Persist in the major battles, and let go of the minor conflicts. Draw on the strength of My Spirit as you proceed on the path of My will for you and your children.

Battles with children are a test of the wills. Whose desire shall prevail? When you are confident that your desires align with My will, persevere in the battle. Press on toward the goal, and do not surrender.

In Summary

You cannot do any of this successfully in your own strength. You must rely on Me. I am the vine, you are the branch. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Apart from Me you can do nothing. (See John 15) Remain in close relationship with Me by spending time with Me. Yes, talk to Me, but also, listen to Me. I have so much to say to you.

When you make time to listen to Me, you will receive My encouragement, my wisdom, and my guidance for all areas of your life, including your parenting. I am waiting patiently for you to seek Me, know Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me. I am the perfect parent and I will help you parent well.

Make Me your first priority. Seek Me before everything else. Spend time with Me daily, away from all noise and confusion. Draw your wisdom, strength, and power from Me. Receive your hope and confidence from your Father above.

Emotionally and spiritually healthy children come from emotionally and spiritually healthy parents. Maintain a healthy, spiritually intimate relationship with Me that will be seen and passed down to your children and their children. It is My greatest desire to be in constant two-way communication and relationship with each of My children, including you. Learn to listen to My voice and receive everything you stand in need of. Now choose life and hold fast to Me.


 

No Greater Love

May3


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.In John 15:9-14, Jesus says this, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.â€

You are my child—not only my child, but also my friend. No one loves you more than I do. I love you so much that I laid down my life for you. Will you now lay down your life for me and do as I commanded you? Love each other as I have loved you. You cannot do this without my help.

At one time or another, love requires sacrifice. Whether it’s laying down your life, your selfish desires, your control, your obsessions, or your possessions, love requires sacrifice and submission. In loving each other, you will need to serve each other, submit to each other, and place each other’s needs ahead of your own. This is sacrificial love. I would not ask you to do anything I have not already done.

When you love each other as I have loved you, my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. No greater reward is there for your obedience than a joyful heart. This is lasting joy, not temporary happiness. With joy, comes the peace of knowing that you live a life that is pleasing to me. Abide in me and I will abide in you. Love others and remain in my love. Remain in me and experience the love, peace, and joy of the full life I intended for you.

Phillips, Craig & Dean – What Kind of Love is This Lyrics

Artist: Phillips, Craig & Dean

What kind of love is this that climbs the hill That bears the cross, that takes the nails? What kind of love is this that takes my place That gives His life and clears my name? Oh, I want to know what kind of love is this?

What kind of love is this that gives His Son That bears the sin of everyone? What kind of love is this that cries alone That tastes of death to bring me home? Oh, I want to know what kind of love is this?

It’s wonderful, it’s glorious It’s full of grace and full of mercy Powerful, it’s marvelous That’s what this love is That’s what God’s love is

What kind of love is this that fills my soul That lifts me up and makes me whole? What kind of love is this that gives me hope That dries my tears and brings me joy? Oh, I want to know what kind of love this is?

Jesus, Jesus He’s full of grace and full of mercy Jesus, my Jesus This is what love is That’s what God’s love is

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/phillips-craig-dean/what-kind-of-love-is-this-lyrics/#qO9UHewt5xStwYWj.99

 


 

 

 

Faithful and True

Mar29


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1: 7-9)

I am called Faithful and True. I am faithful and true to my promises. I will keep you strong to the end when Jesus Christ is revealed. I have called you into relationship with my Son and have adopted you as my own sons and daughters. You do not lack any spiritual gift. You have been enriched in every way. You have the gift of knowledge available to you through my Spirit who lives within you.

Listen to the voice of my Spirit of Truth and grow in spiritual wisdom. This way you will remain strong to the end, when you remain in continuous relationship with me. Do not forsake meeting with me and listening to me. I am the voice of reason in a world that has gone astray. Pay attention to my teachings. Remain pure and humble. Be obedient to my commands. Follow my instructions and you will be blameless on that final day. Be forever faithful and true to me.

You are the Salt of the Earth

Mar26


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)

You are the salt of the earth. I have seasoned you with my goodness. Let all your conversations with outsiders be always full of grace and truth. Season the earth with the salt I have given you. Do not lose your saltiness, and therefore, your effectiveness as my witness. Remain in me and my salt will remain in you. In the world, too much sodium is not good for you. However, my salt makes for a healthy heart. Taste and see that the Lord is good, and then, season the whole earth with my goodness.

Serve One Another in Love

Aug15

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)

Precious one, you are a child of the King. You are royalty. You serve a servant King. I came to seek and save the lost. I saved the lost by giving my life in exchange for theirs. You were lost when I found you. You had wandered away from the fold. I came to save you. I gave my life in exchange for yours. Will you now serve me and give your life to me? Will you bear the cup of sacrifice? Will you give up your dignity for the sake of mine? Will you proclaim me to the world? I am the Way. I am the only way to the Father. I am the Truth. In a world full of deceit, I shine light into the darkness. I am the Life. In me, you will experience a life full of my perfect peace.

Come near to me and I will come near to you. Remain in me and I will remain in you. You are my child, my heir. All I have belongs to you. I love you unconditionally. Will you love me more than everything? Will you love others in the same manner that I love you? Will you lay down your life for your friend? Will you lay down your life for me? That simply means that you regard others greater than yourself. You make me your top priority. Your own agenda is replaced by mine.

In your humility, I will lift you up. In your devotion, you will be exalted—not by the world’s measure, but in heavenly proportions. You are blessed to be a blessing. Encourage another as I have encouraged you. Serve one another in love.

Crazy Good

Nov14

Lord, the work you would have me do causes some people to think I am crazy. You are asking me to climb out on a limb for you, and deliver an unusual message.
A limb, yes, but you are attached to the oak of righteousness. I have planted you firmly in the ground. Your foundation is sure in me. I am the vine; you are the branch. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. You will not walk this road alone. I will go with you. You are not crazy. Do not worry about what others think. Dwell only on the task I have given you. Contemplate who you are serving. Seek me alone for your assurance. Find your peace in the knowledge that I am with you always. I do not leave you to fend for yourself. My light will shine through you in the message I send you out with. Crazy, they may think. A new idea produces much fear and apprehension in those whose hope is uncertain. I am not predictable; but I am trustworthy. I will work in any way I desire. Your obedience is my delight. Continue down the path I have set you on. You do not go it by yourself. I will guide your steps and strengthen you for the task I have given you. Persevere; do not give up. Climb out on that limb and proclaim the word I have given you. You will not fall. I am with you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Trust me to produce the fruit of your labor. I will use you to bring my message to a world that is lost. My words will not return to me void. This is not crazy; it is crazy good.