Category: Uncategorized

Hey grapes…He is the Vine.

Preparing the grapes by P C

Fall harvest brings an abundant crop of grapes soon to be crushed and processed to wine. This photograph is breathtaking and shows a vineyard ready to be harvested. Solid soil, abundant rain and water through irrigation, delicate care and time produce an earthly blessing.

John 15:1-10 MSG
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. [4] “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

We are created in the Image of God for great purposes. At our conception, the spark of light shows God is there. He is the Vine, we are the branches as in a vineyard. We need Him to guide our lives.

John 15:5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is-when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. [9-10] “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done-kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

Protecting the grapes by PC

God wants to be an integral part of our life. He loves you, period! He wants to fill us with His wisdom to guide and protect His precious child. In the case of this photo of grapes ready to harvest, my dear friend explained that when the grapes are ripened, birds, coyotes, fox and rabbits will steal the finished product before wine can be produced. ( It is not much different for each of us, there are distractions and others who don’t want you to achieve God’s purposes). The white pouches in the photo of grapes are a protection from the potential loss of this valued crop.

We are no different to our Vinedresser, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. He gives us free will to take the umbrella protection of His love and use the wisdom to bring a productive purpose filled life. We have the potential for great things, however, we must bend our knee and turn our will over to the One who made us, God.

I love the simplicity in His love. I have been reading an awesome book, Finding God’s Life for my will. Here is an excerpt:

I love how Mike Donehey, Author of “Finding God’s life for My will” and musical artist with Tenth Ave. North explained this concept. We need to find God’s Life for our will.

We need to let God transform the broken parts of our life, we need Him. He moves toward us in love.

The power to transform us is in Him!

He is the Vine and we must allow Him to tend our lives as a farmer tends the grapes in a vineyard. You are His treasure. Let Him bring His solid ground wisdom ( He is the Rock), may you allow Him to pour His Living Water into the cracked places. The time is today to make an eternal change. May you find peace and purpose as you let Him transform your life today.

The Wisdom of His Word

When we look at world, national or even our personal family events we can become overwhelmed, and feel like giving up. God is calling us into relationship with Him ( Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) there is no other place we can go.

There is no greater peace than gaining the knowledge of God through His Word, the Bible and a relationship with Jesus. When we are walking with our Creator God, He saves us from eternal death and brings us into the kingdom of God and His Light.

No matter what goes on in the world, our nation, our community, Jesus wants to help us carry our burdens.

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Trials can cause you to doubt God, but you must run to Him anyway, He is the place of wisdom from the beginning of time into the future.

1 Peter 5:6-9 NLT
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. [7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. [9] Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

Jesus wants us to seek Him and a supernatural peace can be our reward. When we walk and talk with our Savior, He gives us the capacity to be strong and courageous.

Hebrews 10:35-39 NLT
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! [36] Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. [37] “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. [38] And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” [39] But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

By the way, all people can have a new life in Him, there is no person better than another, we are all His children. He created each of us in His image for a purpose. His hand extends as a shepherd to His sheep. Our mistakes do not disqualify, our humble repentance and seeking forgiveness can bring us to His feet and we can be renewed in Him.

Psalm 95:3-7 NLT
For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. [4] He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. [5] The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. [6] Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, [7] for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. 

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

If you have prayed the sinners prayer, Welcome to the family of God!

Next, Open your Bible, start reading in James. It is written by Jesus half brother and there are many relevant principals to put into practice right away. If you don’t have a Bible access one through the Youversion Bible app on your phone.

This is a sample of James 1. Make steps today to be led by the Word of God, it is life changing.

James 1:2-8,12 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Powerful scripture to memorize in trusting God:

Colossians 2:2-3 NLT
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. [3] In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Drop the Mic

Wants over needs. We want to feel happy, we want to be similar to peers, we want to fit in, we want to keep up with the Joneses, we want stuff that never satisfies; bling, clothes, cars, a big house and status.

What do we need? We need to seek God first; seek Him for our futures, seek Him for our daily struggles like comparison traps, seek Him for provisions of community, shelter, food and peace. Peace with Him and His plans trumps the world view of constant discontent and changing cultural norms.

Status in Him seems crazy to those who don’t know Him. Yet He is our Almighty God, our Jehovah Jireh ( provider), Jehovah Nissi ( Love), and the all sufficient One, El Shaddai!!

Genesis 17:1 NLT
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai-‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Just like Abraham in the book of Genesis, our God is the El Shaddai. We must serve Him faithfully and seek to be content with what He wants to provide not our selfish desires and needs.

1 John 2:15-17 MSG
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

Now I am dropping the Microphone!!!

Only You, Lord

I am doing a mini study on the phrase “Only You”. when I ponder this phrase I realize that I must reflect this action. Only you? I make the choice to move in the authority of Christ who is in me. Only the Lord, He gives me the capacity to be strong and courageous as the Lord did for Joshua.We must be strong and courageous but not in our own abilities but in the power, might and authority of our Lord. We need to keep our focus on God. Wars raged in his times and they still rage today.

Joshua 1:7-8 AMPC
Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. [8] This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

Joshua 1:9 AMPC
Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

These are powerful scriptures to remind us that His promises follow each of His children. Only you can start the process of transformation by submitting to God. His Word declared aloud brings us the voice and hearing to claim its promises for our families.

Another important preparation for our next level intimacy with our God requires our action. Job 11:13-20 describes how we can prepare our hearts and hands to Him.

Job 11:13-20 NLT
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! [14] Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. [15] Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. [16] You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. [17] Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. [18] Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. [19] You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. [20] But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”

We need to access the promises of God. We need to meditate on His Word, again declaring it aloud. Repeat aloud Job 11:13-20. Repeat over and feel the declaration change the atmosphere in your home.

Psalm 25:5-6 AMP
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long. [6] Remember, O LORD, Your [tender] compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.

For only with the Lord guiding and teaching us His truth can we in expectancy be changed from the inside out. We can open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of His goodness, compassion and grace. He is a just God who wants our active participation in relationship. We must move into His arms, His truths, and be given more hope as our reward.

Psalm 25:7-10 AMP
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD. [8] Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. [9] He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. [10] All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

If only we would worship and bow down to Him. Kneeling before our Lord, our maker! He is our shepherd, we are His sheep, the flock under His care.

Psalm 95:6-7 NLT
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, [7] for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

He who made the heavens and earth wants you to take steps on the Rock, when we look to the mountains, we see majesty, firm foundation and endless beauty. He is the Rock on which we must stand. ( paraphrase Psalm 121)

So only you can make the decision for yourself! Your parents, families faith in Jesus may have or have not brought you wisdom in religion, however, there is a reason we each need to personally seek the Lord, Jesus. It’s a one to one partnership of wisdom, grace, mercy, comfort, help, hope, direction and peace. Ask Jesus and receive a bountiful reward. It is not only for you but for generations behind you.

Matthew 7:8 NLT
For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Photo by pexels.com

Mother’s Day Encouragement For Mommas Experiencing Infertility

I am sharing this reblogged because Mother’s Day has many emotions, I am blessed to be a part of Christian Mommas and have infertility. God loves all women and has purpose for our Wombs of destiny. A fellow Sister at Christian Mommas wrote this devotional. It is so good. May it help you or those you love to see God has plans! Be encouraged.

Love Mary

Conceived and Nurtured To Be a Powerful Weapon The ‘godly seed’ who comes forth to be light in a dark world and manifests the will of GOD on earth is…

Mother’s Day Encouragement For Mommas Experiencing Infertility

Not too young

Temptations abound, distractions for our teens and us. We are made for His purpose, warts and all. He is our Healer! Our Jehovah Rapha! ( Hebrew for God of healing).

Don’t be afraid of Gods calling in your life!!! The one sure truth is that God does not create His children for a life of evil and death. We are each created with a God given purpose.

Take a walk with God

Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

There is a great plan for us, our children, and family. The distractions of the world bring white noise and the yapping of a parent like in a Peanuts old cartoon video, “ ya ya ya ya.” But God calls us to greater wisdom.

Psalm 139:1-12 NLT
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

Oh Lord help us to see, you never abandon your children. We choose to step away from Your protection and that is a life consequence. Our enemy then works to destroy us, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator God and seek His wisdom for life change.

Psalm 139:19,21-24 NLT
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Just like Jeremiah, who felt too young and not equipped to speak for God. God will use you. He loves you and you were born for great purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5-8,10 NLT
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” [6] “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [7] The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. [8] And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [10] Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Oh Lord God, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, we need You. Thank you for multiple opportunities to turn from our pride, bitterness, and selfish intentions. Thank you that you see us in a greater Light. Today, we repent from our selfish desires. Search our hearts, create in us a clean heart and transform our lives for Your greater purpose. It is never too late, You can do all things when we submit to You! We love you Jesus. Mold us to the best version of ourselves, son and daughter of King Jesus, Amen!!

Photo credit by pexels.com

A Lone, Dung ( dumb) Beetle

Who would’ve thought a lonely, dung beetle would be able to share a life lesson with a human.

A friend of mine sent me a video as she was taking her morning walk in a Texas town. She came up on a Dung beetle!! It was struggling to make its way up, an incline, black, tar road of a small highway. Before its’ body was a small ball of horse manure. At times, the ball of manure would roll back on the beetle, then it would use its God created larger front legs to maneuver it forward.

According a video by science.org , the dung beetle is the strongest insect on earth, able to pull 1000 times+ its weight.

Lone Dung Beetle by GF

What you see in this photo is a ball of brown manure, it didn’t start out looking that way, but this dung beetle had determination. The dung beetle decided to grab a little manure and continue on its way, it rolled the manure on the hot Texas road.

Where was it going and why was it gathering manure from another location to bring it to across the highway?

How does it compare to human life, I don’t know about you, but there are times when I wonder; why do I pick up someone else’s situation; chaotic relationships, conflict or narcissism or whatever it may be my heavy load of life. Why did I decide that I’m supposed to push others situations up the hill? I am like a dung beetle, are you?

God tells us that he gives us enough for this day and we’re not to worry about tomorrow. His word reminds us that he wants us to reach out to him and ask for his help.

Matthew 6:25-26,31-34 NLT
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? [31] “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [34] “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

The Lord God wants us to let Him guide us with whatever it is, we’re pushing up a hill. But do we remember to let Go and let God, especially when we are in our most exhausted place. Sometimes we lean into our God,sometimes we don’t!

We have to let the Lord carry the load. Sometimes it’s hard to love others or understand their ways. God knows about all things. With Gods’ wisdom, you could learn to love your soul mate/ boyfriend/spouse, love your kids, and love your relatives, extended family. But only God can help you carry a load.

I truly believe that if we realize this premise to go to God, first, He truly would provide what He provided for the Dung beetle: the strength and his perfectly created legs(?arms) for the struggle.

In the Bible, Jeremiah was feeling overwhelmed when the Lord called him to a purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5-10 NLT
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” [6] “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [7] The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. [8] And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [9] Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! [10] Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Jeremiah 1:18-19 NLT
For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land- the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. [19] They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Just as God helped Jeremiah, He helps us with our struggles. We need to believe in His promises. Sometimes it takes determination, time and patience, but all things are possible with Him.

Just as a dung beetle is equipped with specific traits and strength so are we. We are created to do great things. He is a good,good Father!!

Besties

Nemo- the happy wanderer mm

The new day has begun, your sweet cat meows loudly as he runs down the hall to awaken you. He is better than an alarm clock. His meow gains loudness, as you resist opening your eyes. After all, in the cats’ mind your lack of movement could be mortal.

Or is it a dog that paces the hall and jumps into your bed because he needs to be let outside for a bathroom break and food? Or a horse neighing awaiting its’ hay and grain?

The moment you open your eyes, stretch out your arms and say”this is the day, the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad”, your mind attempts to sabotage the good feelings. Rebuke that negative, anxiety filled liar ( the enemy) spewing fears. You make the choice how to begin your day, remember!

What thoughts overwhelm your mind? Is it the to-do list, appointments scheduled, relationship struggle that needs to get resolved, health issues, finances, or something else?

God wants us to give our days to Him. It is not easy for control freaks, I am one!! He wants our worries cast upon Him. (1 Peter 5:7). He cares about you.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

I need a reminder on occasion to hand over my swirling thoughts to my Jesus! Maybe you do too! God reminds us He wants our trust and for Our obedience to His plan. Our Lord loves us!

Psalm 33:20-22 NLT
We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. [22] Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

A renewed mind with past unhealthy coping skills needs an adjustment with God as the Master! We have to guard our hearts and minds.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

A defining scripture for any day, any circumstance is found in Philippians 4:8-9. It defines a Godly focus to life.

Philippians 4:8-9 AMP
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. [9] The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

Our pride and human reasoning does not bring anything close to Holy Spirit wisdom. We need help! Teach your sons and daughters to obey you, God! The battle starts in the mind.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. [4] We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. [5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Bring all thoughts to God! Meditation on any one of the scriptures posted can daily bring the Word of God to your mind and change your swirling thoughts to peace with His truth,

So the next time your beloved animal awakens your sleep, give thanks to God who made your amazing bestie to bring a slice of love from Him.

Our peace is attainable through God alone! He gives us the capacity to move, breathe, and take each step of life. May it be well with you as you turn over your thoughts to the Master Bestie, the Holy Spirit!