God talks. Do you listen?
#Son
Son, I am the vine;you are the branch. The fruit you are producing is because your are a branch connected to Me. Apart from me you can do nothing; and look what you’ve done and what you are doing. It’s because you’re in the vine. Don’t try to break away.
Son, keep striving. Live in the present and plan for the future, but don’t miss what I’m doing in you in the present. The present is a key to the future plans I have for you.
Son, your verse for today is Phillipians 4:13
Philippians 4:13 AMP
[13] I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose-I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Philippians 4:13 NIV
[13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Son, you can do everything I’ve called you to do through Christ and in His strength; not your own strength. Don’t confuse your strength and capabilities with Mine.
Son, don’t quit. Don’t quit praying for your people and walking circles around them. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit seeking me early and often. I know you get tired and weary, but don’t quit. The best is yet to come.
Don’t quit preparing like the best producer. I have given you greater capacity than you’ve tapped into. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit serving your wife and loving your family first after me. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit reading, studying, and meditating on my word daily and throughout the day. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit taking good care of your physical body. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit praying for your brother, your Mom, and Marcus. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit leading by example. More people are watching you than you think. Don’t quit.
Don’t quit on praying big and praying for big dreams. Don’t quit. Don’t settle.
Don’t quit asking me to reveal my will for your life.
Don’t quit your vision of “Re-establishing ‘In God are Trust.’”
Remember and Celebrate Experiences-
Son, celebrate your freedom today.
Don’t waste your freedoms on things that won’t last; spend on things that will last (forever)!
Cherish the moments. Cherish your loved ones.
“Moses answered, “We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the Lord.””
Exodus 10:9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/exo.10.9.niv
Instead of buying things with your money, invest in people and experiences. Buy experiences with your time instead of things with your money.
““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.6.19-21.niv
Remember those who have come before you who have paved the way.
Today is what you make it!
Son, be strong and do the work.
“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
Haggai 2:4 NIV
http://bible.com/111/hag.2.4.niv
Don’t be discouraged, for I am with you.
You’ve “fallen off the wagon” with your blog. Get back on the wagon and share the site. Share it with everyone. Be strong and courageous for I am with you. Listen for me daily. EVERYDAY. I am talking to you; write down what I tell you. Share it!
Son, welcome. Welcome to my presence. I never said it would be easy. It was never meant to be. If it were easy, many would follow me. It's the most difficult thing you'll ever do and it's the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.
I want you early and often. I want you to pray early and often. I want your heart.
When I am first in your life, here's what I expect: wake up before anyone else; pray first; commit the day to doing my will; seek me with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength; spend uninterrupted time with me; pray for others; trust me; take steps in faith; know that I will catch you; know that I have your best interests at heart; think eternally; seek direction, wisdom, and discernment; love others; show mercy; be kind; first fruits- tithes and offerings; love me above all else.
When I am first in your life, here's what you can expect: peace; joy; love; patience; kindness; goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; self control; ability to hear me; see things others don't; wisdom, discernment, direction; financial provision; strong family values; influence; strong character; insight; a strong marriage.
Son, you want this as much as I want this for you. Seek me first and watch how I take care of you. Don't cut our time short. This time is more important than anything else you do. When you align with my will, everything else will fall into it's proper place.
Welcome back. I look forward to to seeing you grow and helping you along the way.
John 14:14 NIV
[14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Mark 1:35 NIV
[35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Son, your story is bigger than a win, bigger than your family, bigger than your desired success.
Your story is an accumulation of all your ups and downs and how you respond, who you bring along for the journey, and whose lives you impact along the way.
Your life consists of pain, failure, suffering, doubt, loneliness, and times of uncertainty.
However, because you have me in your life, front and center, you also have freedom, assurance, hope, joy, peace, companionship, and security in your eternity.
John 16:33 NIV
[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Be patient and willing to see the forest through the trees.
Son, don't put too much thought into what others think of you. Put great consideration into what I've called you to do and continue to do the work I've called you to do.
Do right thing for the right reasons.
Wait and watch expectantly for me to answer your prayers. I'm answering more than you know.
“There is an old saying: 'They who watch for the providence of God will never lack the providence of God to watch for.'
And we could turn the saying around as well and say, 'They who never watch for the providence of God will never have the providence of God to watch for.' Unless you put the water jars out when it rains, you will never collect the water.”
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7 NIV
Son, continue to get to know me better and better through my word . It has life.
Through it I will teach you in the ways you should go.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.3.16-17.niv
Meditate on it day and night.
Psalm 1:1-3 NIV
[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. [3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Smile. Smile often. You have much to smile about.
Slow down. Think before you speak and act. Think with the end in mind. Not end of the circumstance, situation, or day, but eternally.
Tap into my power and my word. Rely on me to get you through the tougher times and moments.
Son, don't let failure by as defined by the world to prompt you to think that I've ever failed you.
My timing isn't the same as the world's timing. What you and others give as a timetable isn't always the same as mine. The world thinks a month or a year is enough to accomplish something; my approach is different and broader. Mine includes more variables, more components, and more people.
Look at how I waited to use Abraham and Sarah. They waited more than 25 years until I gave them Isaac. Abraham must have thought I failed him when he decided to sleep with his servant Hagar to have Ishmael. I didn't fail him; he was impatient. He stopped trusting me. He took matters into his own hands and look what that got him. Yet I still Blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael.
Trust my timing. Don't put your trust in the world's or your own timing when it comes to things I've promised.
Isaiah 55:9 NIV
[9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Do what you know to be right according to my word and what I've put in your heart. I am with you and you will not fail. Trust in me.
Son, you're tired, confused, scattered; come to me and I will give you rest.
It's time to recalibrate; a 180. A turnaround. Spend time thinking of everything you've been chasing and write it all down. All. Then come back to me.
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Now, the order of your responses, what did that reveal? Correct. I wasn't first.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 NIV
[29] But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. [30] When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. [31] For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.
1 Kings 22:5 NIV
[5] But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 16:10 NIV
[10] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
[11] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 22:19 NIV
[19] Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NIV
[9] “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. [10] Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 NIV
[14] if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. [15] Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
2 Chronicles 12:14 NIV
[14] He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.
Son, you know I'm a merciful and forgiving God. You know how much I love you. I want the very best for you and only I know what that is.
Seek me. Seek me first. Seek me with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
2 Chronicles 15:2 NIV
[2] He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 Chronicles 15:12 NIV
[12] They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.
2 Chronicles 18:4 NIV
[4] But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 20:4 NIV
[4] The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
Seek me and I will open up a whole new world for you. When I am first in your life, I am freed up to bless you. When I am not first, you are; and there's only so much you can do. I am limitless; you are limited. I designed you to run on my fuel; you've been running on your own fuel.
Son, progress begins with taking the first step; success comes through perseverance and obedience.
You have taken the first step in progressing, now it's time to persevere and see this through. Don't take your foot off the gas; do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
[9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Think about how I used Paul and the many trials I put him through.
2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV
[12] I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.
1 Timothy 4:16 NIV
[16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Remember the words I spoke through James:
James 1:12 NIV
[12] Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 5:11 NIV
[11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
I am full of compassion and mercy.
I see your smile. I love seeing your smile in moments like these.
Do not give up. You are on purpose. I am using you in ways you see and in ways you are not aware of.
Trust me.
I love you and have your best interests at heart.
Son, you're tired. Waking up early is taking its toll on you. Persevere. It will be worth it in the long run.
Keep me first. Get to know me better each and everyday and all throughout the day. You like efficiency; well, spending time with me is the best use of your time and not a second is wasted.
Share me. Share me with others. Share me with your friends and colleagues. Share what I've been doing in you and through you.
I have and will continue to open doors for you. Don't let an opportunity to pass you by. I want to use you. I want to use you more each day.
Remember my great commission:
Matthew 28:16-20 NIV
[16] Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Persevere.
Son, you're on to something. Your life will be more and more free the more you transfer control, trust, and faith to me and in me. I can handle all of your life; you can't. I have everything under control; you have little under self-control.
Continue to release more of what stresses you over to me. That will free you up for My good and perfect will for your life.
Continue to put less trust in your capabilities and plans and more in mine. You have limits. I don't.
Proverbs 16:32 NIV
[32] Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Ecclesiastes 2:19 NIV
[19] And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.
Also, take more notes. I am pouring wisdom and insight into you. Remember what I teach you. Share with others when the moment is right.
Son, you cannot be obedient “enough ” to win my favor, earn my love, or accomplish anything meaningful. It's not possible.
I give freely. From Grace and Faithfulness I give.
You're right; your motives have been wrongly placed. Partly because of spiritual immaturity and partly because of evil desires. Not evil in the desire to do wrong, but evil in the desire to do your will rather than mine.
My will is perfect. Yours never has been and never will be.
2 Samuel 22:31 NIV
[31] “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Isaiah 25:1 NIV
[1] Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
It's not that what you're seeking is less fulfilling; it's actually unfulfilling.
Being fulfilled is not a temporary position or condition; it's a reality only I can give you and it's permanent- not temporary. Only I can give you the fulfillment you're longing for, desiring to grasp.
All other, yes, ALL, other routes to fulfillment are like dust in the wind. Here one second and gone he next. It's like a breath; in and out and gone.
What you truly desire is a God-given state of fulfillment. It's knowing and doing my good and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
My will is perfect, yours is not. My will is eternal, yours is but a moment; temporary.
Seek my will and find true fulfillment. All other ways will leave you less than fulfilled and desiring more. The more only I can give you.
Son, continue pursuing me and I will continue to reveal myself and my purpose for your life. My will for your life will continue to be more and more clear.
Your desire to know me is a direct reflection of how well you know me and how much of my will is revealed to you.
The greater your desire the more you know me.
“but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.”
Jeremiah 9:24 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jer.9.24.niv
“pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1th.5.17-18.niv
Son, you're onto a life-changing lesson. Going with the world will only bring temporary happiness; going my way will bring permanent and eternal joy.
Ways of the world:
Business dinners and travel- missing bedtime with your kids
Outcome: more money, less time with kids, less imprint, less character
Work 7 days a week- get more tasks done, move up in the company, feeling of self-reliance.
Outcome: burnout, faltering self-dependence, crumbled relationships,
Fantasy football- competition, desire to win, sense of accomplishment, sense of beating the odds, God-like mentality;
Outcome: time away from family, distracted, losing leads to despair, feeling of loss of control
Spend time on these and other “ways of the world ” and compare them to The Way I have designed you to take. Which do you think is more fulfilling?
Idols. It all boils down to idols. Who is first in your life? If you wake up at 4:30am to spend time with me; I'm first. If you sleep in and miss our time together; you're putting yourself first.
If you dodge that coworker who looks troubled to skip traffic; you're first. If you go out of your way to comfort someone in need; I'm first.
If you pray first in the morning; I'm first. If you check email first; you're first.
If you have a drink when you're feeling stressed or anxious; you're first. If you pray when you're stressed or anxious; I'm first.
Your first actions often explain WHO is first.
I want to be first. You need me to be first. I will not take any other position. If I'm not first, you have pushed me out of your life for however long you choose.
Son, wait. Wait patiently on me. My timing is perfect. You have many plans and pursuits; wait patiently on my timing. Don't try to force your plans; it won't work out as best they could.
Psalm 46:10 NIV
[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
I will be exalted in my timing; you will be let down in yours. I will prevail and you will be left wondering what could have been. I don't want that for you.
Pursue me in your time of waiting. I will fulfill.
Joshua 21:45 NIV
[45] Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Son, yes, you're hearing me correctly. I want time with you everyday. Time devoted to me. The root of the word “devotional” is devote. Devoted is daily and consistent; not irregular and inconsistent. I want you on the weekends as much as the weekdays. Your weekdays are primarily for work, which I've called you to do, and your weekends are for family, but everyday is for Me. I want you on the weekdays and the weekends. I want you to devote time to Me daily. Not just the weekdays and not just a day on the weekend. Everyday.
You want my blessings daily and I want your recommitted heart daily.
Psalm 68:19 NIV
[19] Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
You need me and this time daily more than I do. I want it, but I don't need it. You need it more than you know.
Daniel 8:9-12 NIV
[9] Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. [10] It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. [11] It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. [12] Because of rebellion, the Lord's people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.
You need daily help to get through each day. You need quality and uninterrupted time with Me everyday.
Jesus said, “For man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God.”
Matthew 6:11 NIV
[11] Give us today our daily bread.
My word is bread and only comes from me; you need my word (bread) daily and it only comes from me and the time we spend together.
You're smiling. I love it. You woke up early and are spending quality time with me and look how much you're getting out of this. You can't get this with your kids running around. You can't get this driving.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV
[46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
It's not easy, but it's necessary. You'll get more from this time than you will anything else.
2 Corinthians 11:28 NIV
[28] Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 NIV
[9] Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. [10] And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, [11] and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, [12] so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
[13] But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Continue reading and praying. I am listening and I am with you. Voice your concerns and cast your burdens on Me, for I will help you. Do not doubt.