• Aug. 27, 2006
"If at first you don't succeed...."
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing." ---John 15: 5
I have really had this verse on my mind this week. It all sprang from a very brief conversation with a dear family member, L, who was sharing something completely DIFFERENT that the Lord has been showing him lately in John 15. Somehow, that tiny phrase just LEAPT out at me---"apart from me you can do nothing!".
WOW! There is freedom in that verse for me. I have spent YEARS of my life trying to do 'something', when the God of the Universe in the Person of Jesus Christ has already TOLD me that without Him, I CAN DO NOTHING ! So, what kind of idiot am I to continue TRYING in my own strength??? Man, the depth of my own stupidity and blindness continues to amaze me!
I've heard it said that the very definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing, and expect different results. I guess that is pretty much what I have been doing! I have been spinning my wheels, running my self-righteous mouth, reading lots of great materials, and NOT 'abiding in the Vine'. OUCH! OUCH, ouch, ouch.....
It's almost as if my mantra has been, "If at first you don't succeed, keep trying desperately in your own strength until you fall down dead of exhaustion, even though NOTHING in your life will be any different!!". ....and not only that, but I expend the same amount of energy trying to change EVERYBODY ELSE, too....oh Jesus, help me!
I really want to abide in the Vine. The condition in our home is absolutely horrible. There is not one shred of peace or joy here, I am embarrassed and pained to admit. There IS, however, an awful lot of criticism, judgment, and harsh words, from the adults all the way down to the mouthy small people! This is NOT what I want for my children, and it is NOT what I want for ME, either. No more of this generational perpetuation of hypocrisy, YUCK! It stops right here.
This is the kind of love I want to show in my home: "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 your JOY may be complete!". (John 15: 9-11).
Sounds like a sure thing, doesn't it?? Just do what The Man said, and you will have JOY!!!! I want a piece of that, for certain. I could use a little more JOY, and a lot less striving, WHEW! I'm exhausted.
....in fact, I think I need a nap...!
Comments
• Aug. 28, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by linda
I know this is something you have wanted, yes even "strived" for, for a long time. My prayer for you is grace and strength and even joy in the journey. You have been an example to me of grace under pressure. I love you, dear friend, and I know that our Father will give you whatever you ask in His name.
PS can't wait to hear about the appointment today!!
• Aug. 28, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by karen
It takes a lifetime to learn that lesson! Resting in Him is not as easy as it might sound. I'm so glad you're hearing Him, but remember His grace and mercy are new EVERY morning! Don't receive condemnation.....you know where that comes from! Can't wait to hear about baby B!
love you
~k
• Aug. 28, 2006
Your post was precious
Posted by Littlebitofeverythingmama
to me today! Thank you so much!!! I'm trying to get better about keeping up to date on everyone's blogs - now! LOL Have lots of catching up to do. Love ya!!
• Aug. 29, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by Japangela
That was a terrific nugget. I read part of it to Cassie!!! We're all sitting around your blog eating tortilla, guacamole and salsa. Woo woo! So, when are you going to update us about yesterday?
• Mar. 8, 2007
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I was randomly browsing blogs and I came upon your blog. Your post is such an encouragement to me.. I thank God for your courage to share the word on the world wide web.. (the internet)
