“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”Luke 6:27-28 KJV
Month: May 2017
1 John 4:18 (KJV)
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”1 John 4:18 KJV
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”1 Peter 5:7 KJV
The Wine Makers
Week 21
Building A Relationship With God
My husband and I have recently began the adventure of home winemaking. The process of wine making is intimidating for the novice Vintner. We are learning some aspects of chemistry, mathematics and, as Americans, struggling with metric conversion. The most important thing we are learning is patience. Diving into mathematical equations and conversions are things we can actively learn and celebrate the success of our efforts. This patience thing is a much harder lesson. We have to tend to our wine, making sure it has a dark, cool place to brew in peace. We are chomping at the bit to see results.
This patience lesson has been hitting me hard in life lately. I am guessing this wine making journey is in line with God’s plan to teach me to wait patiently, in faith and peace, for His timing. I have asked myself if I want what I want or if I want God’s best for me. The truth is, I want both. The human flesh part of me whats what I want. The new creation in me wants God’s will. I truly want God’s best for my family and our lives. I have to learn to sit, like the wine, and let all of the ingredients, God needs to add, work and brew into His will over me. I must learn to rest in peace while He works things out. This doesn’t mean that I sit in darkness, like the wine. It means to keep going, keep seeking, keep learning. Be active in asking for God’s direction and to be obedient to His instructions. If I do this, just as the Vintner watches over his batch with care and anticipation, God will watch over me. He will direct my path and order my steps.
I am encouraged and thankful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to see His hand moving. I am thankful for seeing what He is trying to teach me. I pray for strength and wisdom to learn what He needs me to learn. I look toward the edge of this valley with anticipation of God’s best for me.
Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth inn his way.
John 15:5 (KJV)
I am the vine and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
Psalm 40:1 (KJV)
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
This week I challenge you to read Psalm 40. I also challenge you and myself, to lean into the Lord for strength and peace. Put His will, for His glory, above your wants. Look for lessons from God in your daily activities. Seek His peace and wisdom and wait patiently, with anticipation, to see where His hand leads you. Remember to bring Him honor and glory and to praise His Holy Name!
Have a Blessed Week in Christ!
Jeanie Hannah
Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”Jeremiah 1:5 KJV
Luke 6:37 (KJV)
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”Luke 6:37 KJV
Romans 10:10 (KJV)
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”Romans 10:10 KJV
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Psalms 37:4 (KJV)
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”Psalms 37:4 KJV
Jeremiah 33:2-3 (KJV)
“Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”Jeremiah 33:2-3 KJV
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