♕ Today's Promise: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:1-5
Words of Encouragement
Dear Brother,
How is your journey going? This time I would like to remind you of the power to live out your journey in strength and be truly transformed by remaining in Jesus.
Did you know we have the Holy spirit to help us and comfort us along this journey? If not start each day by asking for the Holy Spirit. For some brothers, this is the first time you will see the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your lives. Having come to Christ or recommitting to Him we find that His word makes the things of the world lose their lustre. We see ourselves, our failures, and our need for grace in a whole new way.
When you have that daily time with Him, you choose to remain connected. You will find newfound strength to live out your journey and give up the old one. Newfound strength to give up lust of the flesh, pride of life and lust for the world.
John 15 ESVÂ Â
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
When God’s word remains in you that is what God uses to transform your life and your way of thinking. When these two things are operating correctly and effectively in your life then you can ask for whatever you wish {in line with His will} because you have Father and friend walking with you every moment.
So how do you “remain”, stay stable, unmoved by situation or circumstance, how do you keep up faith to say “my wife and I WILL be restored” when everything is screaming NO WAY!.
Tad and Mathew can expressly agree that for them it was to give everything over to Him and then get to know Him through His word, eat, drink, sleep with His word, let it completely wash and fill you. Spend time with Him, get to know Him, for example did you know God has a sense of humour?
Mathew explains it this way, at the point of writing this journal, Mathew is looking down the barrel of divorce, it is almost over - says the world, God however see’s things so much differently. As Tad would attest, the last few days have been extremely difficult for Mathew to work through, but ultimately, Mathew had to choose to believe that all that God has said and promised would happen and that he would look to God and not the world.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
It is so tempting to look at your circumstances and really believe that nothing is possible, that everything is working against you.
However, that is the world’s view, we need to get into the habit of asking God to show us His perspective of our personal situation. To remind ourselves of the words and promises He has given us. And to remain solid and true to Him.
If the burden is heavy, give it to Him, remind yourself that His word does not return to Him void, that is without achieving that which He intended.
So above all remain steadfast in Him, Hold onto Him like glue. Keep looking up at him and not your life and circumstances.
And your “Suddenly” will come.