Whether the weather is cold
Or whether the weather is hot
Whether the weather is wet
Or whether the weather is not
We'll weather the weather, whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not.
In the starting of any Vineyard or Ministry you will have to learn how to weather the storms that come: how to prepare for them and how to recognize them. Some are just natural disaster, some are preventable and some assignments of destruction. Do you know the difference? Do you know how to be prepared for these four storms?
Hailstorms
Freezing storms
High Winds or Hurricanes
Critics
Beings we can not always prevent storm in our lives we need to learn to plan for them
How to prepare for Hail Definition of hail: pellets of ice that fall like rain or a pouring down of something harmful: a barrage of something, for example, missiles or insults according to the WEB dictionary
Hail can attack any time and anywhere and can knock a vineyard out of production for a couple of years by destroying the fresh new buds. Many growers have built hail nets as protection. They look like little tents that are set up. The only way these will work is if the vinedresser is paying attention to the whether are prepared before the hail. They cover the fruit before the storm.
Psalm 27:5-6 - For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. - Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. -
How to prepare for a freeze.
Oil, Water and Wind.
Heaters: Oil heaters and fire are used to warm the vineyard and prevent frost from ruining the vine.
Sprinkler Irrigation: The principle of sprinklers is that relatively warm water gives up heat upon contact with the colder air and/or foliage.
Wind Machines: The principle of the system is to move heavy cold air to prevent a storm cloud and allow the warmer air to replace the colder air near the ground.
John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire - Luke 3:16 NKJV
The only Hebrew word I can find for frozen is lakad Meaning Seized
Proverbs 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken (ceased Frozen) with the words of thy mouth.
We can destroy our own vineyard, our fields or our families with icy words of cruelty. Or we can build them, guard them, direct them warm them and protect them. The word is clear that fruit and our speech go together. Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. - Pro 18:21 KJV
Extra Reading on the tongue Proverbs 21:23 KJV James 3:6 -8 1Peter 3:10 KJV
Preparing for Wind storms
Fast growing vines are more prone to wind damage. Damage to new buds is common when the shoots are tender (green). Later in the season a wind storm can damage the leaves on a mature vine. However, constant winds can cause damage to fruit, by creating callused or scabbed areas where fruit has been rubbed by another plant part.
This is so key. Hear this. A storm can attack in three levels of our ministry. A newly growing ministry is subject to loosing its first growths. A storm can hit later and destroy the mature leaves. but a continuous wind can cause scabbing and calluses to our fruit where there has been a constant irritation.
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall. - Isa 25:4 KJV
Read Mark 4:36-41 God knows just the right amount of wind to allow in our lives and on our fields. Too much wind will destroy our fruit, leaves or new budding ministry. However, we need the wind to train us in faith and build strength to stand in it and against it.
Preparing for Criticism
One influential Critic can make or break a Vineyard. If that Critic is having an off day anybody in his path is in for a storm. We see this in food, movies, and consumer reports. Some we should heed to others, we must draw our own conclusions. If you have ever had a critic in your life you know the weight of trying to please the one who may be difficult if not impossible to please. The hoops you may jump through, the adjustments you make to please them. The sleepless night you lay awake wondering what task they have waiting for you to fail at.
You long for a word of praise or a word of affirmation. When they come you feel like you conquered the world and when they don’t come, you feel as if you are under it.
David knew what it was to have a Storm of Criticism. He was chased by this storm of jealousy and hate. He was hounded and troubled by a storm he could not stop, all he could do was run from it.
How does one escape the storm of criticism? Are we to escape it? It seems to me that critics can either pull the best from you or bring out the worst in you. Their demanding way or persnickety taste can either drive you to madness or pull out the courageous soul in you; to face the storm of criticism and stand strong against the wind. We see over and over in the word that God Did not rescue his people from the critics. No, instead he built his people up in front of their critics.
Noah faced it everyday. He was not rescued from the cruelty of men; he was rescued from the wrath of God.
Joseph faced it from his family. He was not rescued from their betrayal; instead it was the betrayal of the brothers that positioned him to save his family.
David wasn’t protected from it. It started with his brothers and continued on through Saul. But it was the pursuit of a mad man that formed the king in David.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the storm; they were not spared from the furnace. No, instead they were graced with the presence of God in it.
Danielle was not saved from the Critics. He was sabotaged by them. And it was his den time that changed a wicked Kings heart.
Psalm 55:8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm [and] tempest.
Storm in Hebrew Caah Pronounced Sa.ah meaning to Rush or windy storm. This is the only time in the bible this Hebrew word is used in the Bible. It is when David is comparing the pursuit of Saul to a storm in his life.
Tempest in the Hebrew word ca`ar Pronounced Sa.ar Refers to a whirlwind or a rage or enraged. Hasten in this text could mean hurry, or enjoy or excited
Here it this way.
I would hurry and be excited to escape the enraged storm that rushes at me
Homework: What storm has been ripping away growth in your life? What storm has callused your heart? What storm has you frustrated with God? Are you words bringing a freeze to your field or fruit? Are you losing growth because of critics or insults? Are you hiding in the tabernacle?
If your heart is callused because of trouble, you need to allow Him to prune the damaged area of your heart. And if you are frustrated with God because of a storm, ask Him where your faith needs to grow. Maybe you need to put the buckets down and start lifting your hands up. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. - Psalm 107:29
Showing posts with label from vision to fruition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label from vision to fruition. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Go: Lesson 6 Preparing your field for change
In our life time we will experience a vast variety of changes and seasons.
Spring brings a fresh start; spring cleaning, pulling the curtains open and letting the crisp fresh air in.
Summer bring swimming, watermelon, lemon aid stands, picnics, restful long evenings, peaceful afternoons and golden toned skin.
Autumn brings crisp frosty mornings, pumpkin soup, candy corn, the smell of cinnamon, dark nights and the vibrancy of leaves transforming.
Winter brings Christmas lights, Christmas music, family visits, snow flakes, candy making and cookie baking and the ten pound winter weight.
The season I want to focus on is the Autumn season. There is nothing more beautiful than a vineyard in the fall. The colors and the rows and rows of changing leaves look like a rolling ocean of green, orange, yellow and brown. The contrast of the transition is incredible. There are some leaves that are still hanging on to their greenery and others that have succumbed to the yellows and orange hues. It makes for an amazing variety of ‘eye candy‘. One of my most favorite things to witness is leaves floating to the ground. Somersaulting from high above a tree and dancing its way to the ground.
We drove to El Paso to visit our son and were gone for 10 days. In those ten days autumn punched it up a notch here in the Northwest. Our drive home was spectacular once we were out of the southern states. However, as much as I appreciate the fall changes and the leaves falling, I began to feel a little like one of the trees watching its foliage lilt to the ground. Leaving our son in El Paso, injured from war and still not completely well, stirred something in me that wanted to grab and hang on to him with all my might! But I couldn’t. I had to let go. I had to let God be God and I had to go home. This was my moment of my leaves changing, falling and drifting. Although I probably could have used my power to hold onto my son, I had to use Gods power to let go.
There is something about ‘Transition and Women’ that we fully comprehend. We understand it in puberty when our bodies change. We are thrilled to get boobs and wear make-up. We hate periods. We love watching our belly grow with a little one inside of us. We dread transitional labor when our bodies convulse. We embrace it when our hearts go from living for ourselves to living for our children. We fight it when hot flashes and mood swings get the best of us. We wrestle with wrinkles and saddlebags. And we repel against it when the color of parenting changes and we watch our children leave the nest. Then there is the season of grand parenting. All the pruning, color changes and pain of letting go, are rewarded and we are full again.
Geographically, the bible land and its time of being written, had more of rainy season and summer season. When the bible mentions winter it is refereeing to the rainy season. And when it mentions spring or summer it is referring to planting and harvest. But here in the area where we are, the seasons have a visual sign that coaxes you into the transition.
In Gen 1:14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, AMP
Or in the KJV Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years;
The Hebrew word for Season is Mawed(moe odd), Meaning -A set time, a sacred time an appointed time. Like being betrothed.
Gen 17:21 But My covenant, My promise and pledge, I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.
Gen 18:14 Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son. AMP
Gen 21:2 For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him.
It wasn’t about Sarah’s age or Abrahams age, it was about them being parents and the appointed time for Isaac to be born. It was Isaac’s season to be a son thus making it Sarah’s season to be a mother. God had a time on His calendar for Isaac to be born and He was not concerned with the age of the parents. God is concerned with the Trust of His people. Although God will not change nor can Change, He loves change!
God is about change because change can show who God is. Sinner to saint. Sorrow to Joy. Sickness to wholeness. Empty to full. But with the seasons and the appointed time He has set to display His goodness and power, He needs people who trust him during times of sorrow, sickness and emptiness. Trusting Him when the leaves are changing and falling to the ground. Trusting Him when the rainy seasons come. Remembering it’s in our trials we grow and learn who God really is.
Mark 6:30-37 tells a story of Jesus’ disciples learning to trust and serve from a place of rest. John the Baptist was just beheaded and Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go to a place of rest, only to find the crowd beat them to the other side. In their “set aside time” of rest, Jesus was moved to compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He then told His disciples to feed the 5000+ people who followed them. He was taking them away to rest and then put them to work in their faith.
It’s imperative to rest our fields, our hearts and our minds. We must maintain a spirit of steadfastness as we operate and serve from that place of rest. Our winters and rainy seasons are times of positioning and appointments with God. Don’t run from them, go through them.
Please Read Esther 2:5-17
The time of year that Esther was taken from her home was the month of Tebeth. It is around our October-December time. The meaning for this month is “Goodness” though I doubt Esther felt any good could come from being taken from her safe home. She was taken in the winter, groomed for a year and presented to the king in the winter. Even though she was pampered and well cared for, this was a season of aloneness, secrecy, and character building. Esther’s summer had passed but it was for a selected time of goodness. It was for the appointed time of saving many lives and the saving of a nation. All though it was a wintery time for her, she started her season in Goodness and ended it in Goodness.
Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Psalm 74:17 You have fixed all the borders of the earth [the divisions of land and sea and of the nations]; You have made summer and winter.
Or it could be read this way.
You have set boundaries on my land, you have formed my territory like a potter; times of fruit, times of harvest and times of rain.
Facts about preparing a Vineyard for the Fall:
Vinedressers are harvesting their crops and preparing to crush the fruit. Both “harvest” and “crush” celebrations are plentiful this time of year in the valley. Temperatures have been cooler than average this summer, which is leading to a later harvest. Late harvest could mean excellent wine production for the year, as the flavors in the fruit have more time to mature.
Autumn is a great time to do garden improvements and maintenance;
1) Construct a pathway. 2) Sharpen your tools. 3) Improve your soil or mulch the garden beds. A little time spent on jobs, now, will help your vineyards power away in the Spring.
What is your Autumn preparing you for?
What is your time of change, changing in you?
Are you allowing your fruit to be pressed?
Are you sharpening your tools?
Are you enriching your soil?
Are you cutting away the dead pieces that are unproductive and unsightly?
Are you using your time that was used for planning to build walkways and pathways?
Note: The Greek meaning for season is Kairos meaning - a measure of Time, a Fixed Time and an Opportune Time. Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Spring brings a fresh start; spring cleaning, pulling the curtains open and letting the crisp fresh air in.
Summer bring swimming, watermelon, lemon aid stands, picnics, restful long evenings, peaceful afternoons and golden toned skin.
Autumn brings crisp frosty mornings, pumpkin soup, candy corn, the smell of cinnamon, dark nights and the vibrancy of leaves transforming.
Winter brings Christmas lights, Christmas music, family visits, snow flakes, candy making and cookie baking and the ten pound winter weight.
The season I want to focus on is the Autumn season. There is nothing more beautiful than a vineyard in the fall. The colors and the rows and rows of changing leaves look like a rolling ocean of green, orange, yellow and brown. The contrast of the transition is incredible. There are some leaves that are still hanging on to their greenery and others that have succumbed to the yellows and orange hues. It makes for an amazing variety of ‘eye candy‘. One of my most favorite things to witness is leaves floating to the ground. Somersaulting from high above a tree and dancing its way to the ground.
We drove to El Paso to visit our son and were gone for 10 days. In those ten days autumn punched it up a notch here in the Northwest. Our drive home was spectacular once we were out of the southern states. However, as much as I appreciate the fall changes and the leaves falling, I began to feel a little like one of the trees watching its foliage lilt to the ground. Leaving our son in El Paso, injured from war and still not completely well, stirred something in me that wanted to grab and hang on to him with all my might! But I couldn’t. I had to let go. I had to let God be God and I had to go home. This was my moment of my leaves changing, falling and drifting. Although I probably could have used my power to hold onto my son, I had to use Gods power to let go.
There is something about ‘Transition and Women’ that we fully comprehend. We understand it in puberty when our bodies change. We are thrilled to get boobs and wear make-up. We hate periods. We love watching our belly grow with a little one inside of us. We dread transitional labor when our bodies convulse. We embrace it when our hearts go from living for ourselves to living for our children. We fight it when hot flashes and mood swings get the best of us. We wrestle with wrinkles and saddlebags. And we repel against it when the color of parenting changes and we watch our children leave the nest. Then there is the season of grand parenting. All the pruning, color changes and pain of letting go, are rewarded and we are full again.
Geographically, the bible land and its time of being written, had more of rainy season and summer season. When the bible mentions winter it is refereeing to the rainy season. And when it mentions spring or summer it is referring to planting and harvest. But here in the area where we are, the seasons have a visual sign that coaxes you into the transition.
In Gen 1:14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, AMP
Or in the KJV Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years;
The Hebrew word for Season is Mawed(moe odd), Meaning -A set time, a sacred time an appointed time. Like being betrothed.
Gen 17:21 But My covenant, My promise and pledge, I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.
Gen 18:14 Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son. AMP
Gen 21:2 For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him.
It wasn’t about Sarah’s age or Abrahams age, it was about them being parents and the appointed time for Isaac to be born. It was Isaac’s season to be a son thus making it Sarah’s season to be a mother. God had a time on His calendar for Isaac to be born and He was not concerned with the age of the parents. God is concerned with the Trust of His people. Although God will not change nor can Change, He loves change!
God is about change because change can show who God is. Sinner to saint. Sorrow to Joy. Sickness to wholeness. Empty to full. But with the seasons and the appointed time He has set to display His goodness and power, He needs people who trust him during times of sorrow, sickness and emptiness. Trusting Him when the leaves are changing and falling to the ground. Trusting Him when the rainy seasons come. Remembering it’s in our trials we grow and learn who God really is.
Mark 6:30-37 tells a story of Jesus’ disciples learning to trust and serve from a place of rest. John the Baptist was just beheaded and Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go to a place of rest, only to find the crowd beat them to the other side. In their “set aside time” of rest, Jesus was moved to compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He then told His disciples to feed the 5000+ people who followed them. He was taking them away to rest and then put them to work in their faith.
It’s imperative to rest our fields, our hearts and our minds. We must maintain a spirit of steadfastness as we operate and serve from that place of rest. Our winters and rainy seasons are times of positioning and appointments with God. Don’t run from them, go through them.
Please Read Esther 2:5-17
The time of year that Esther was taken from her home was the month of Tebeth. It is around our October-December time. The meaning for this month is “Goodness” though I doubt Esther felt any good could come from being taken from her safe home. She was taken in the winter, groomed for a year and presented to the king in the winter. Even though she was pampered and well cared for, this was a season of aloneness, secrecy, and character building. Esther’s summer had passed but it was for a selected time of goodness. It was for the appointed time of saving many lives and the saving of a nation. All though it was a wintery time for her, she started her season in Goodness and ended it in Goodness.
Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Psalm 74:17 You have fixed all the borders of the earth [the divisions of land and sea and of the nations]; You have made summer and winter.
Or it could be read this way.
You have set boundaries on my land, you have formed my territory like a potter; times of fruit, times of harvest and times of rain.
Facts about preparing a Vineyard for the Fall:
Vinedressers are harvesting their crops and preparing to crush the fruit. Both “harvest” and “crush” celebrations are plentiful this time of year in the valley. Temperatures have been cooler than average this summer, which is leading to a later harvest. Late harvest could mean excellent wine production for the year, as the flavors in the fruit have more time to mature.
Autumn is a great time to do garden improvements and maintenance;
1) Construct a pathway. 2) Sharpen your tools. 3) Improve your soil or mulch the garden beds. A little time spent on jobs, now, will help your vineyards power away in the Spring.
What is your Autumn preparing you for?
What is your time of change, changing in you?
Are you allowing your fruit to be pressed?
Are you sharpening your tools?
Are you enriching your soil?
Are you cutting away the dead pieces that are unproductive and unsightly?
Are you using your time that was used for planning to build walkways and pathways?
Note: The Greek meaning for season is Kairos meaning - a measure of Time, a Fixed Time and an Opportune Time. Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Go Lesson 5 Being Grafted
As I toss and turn in bed, my mind is busy thinking of what it means to be grafted. Why is it so important for a vinedresser to graft vines into the roots of an established plant. We have already discussed that the ancient vine acts as a defense for the new grafted branch against pestilence. But beside that, why graft braches into a different root system?
World Wide Web info: The best way to graft grapes is to use a "T" bud. It can be used on both old as well as young vines. The key to making the technique work is to make a "bleed cut" about one to two inches below the "T" cut. In this way the vine bleeds at this cut.
The picture of grafting is very detailed and displays how the root system is cut down to just a few inches above the ground. No growth or to show what it is. All of its worth, work and value is hidden underground. There is nothing attractive about the root system. In fact, it is the branch that is being grafted, that gets all the attention. The roots main job is to create a history and growth in the young branch that never would have been, without the grafting.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. - Isa 53:2 NIV
NKJV) Psalms 18:35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
To be grafted is to be held. To be anchored to be sustained and in this instance to be lifted up and made great.
For a moment, think of a time you did something out of the will of God. Your intentions may have been good, but you knew you were going out on a limb and outside of His plan. Maybe it was a purchase, a new job, starting a ministry. There will be time in your life you will be taking a risk and will totally be in the perfect will of God. I am talking about going rogue, taking matters into your own hands and hoping for success outside of Him
Apart from him we are nothing. All that we have, care for or watch over must be grafted, anchored, held by almighty God. The danger of not being grafted is clear: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. -
"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. -
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. -John 15:4-6 NIV
The field you are called to care for must remain in Him. It must be grafted in Him. It must be dedicated to Him, or it is not of Him. When we marry and submit our lives to our God and our husband we are grafting our future to Him. When we dedicate our children we are grafting our parental choices to Him. When we answer the call of ministry, and we follow Him into unknown territory we have anchored ourselves to Him. Every day you wake up and decided to abide in Him, you are choosing to be held by Him, Anchored to Him, led by Him and part of His life. Doing nothing outside of His will. A branch that is not grafted may produce for a while but it will not produce for a lifetime. Grafting is about longevity, inheritance, future fruit and future generations.
If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Romans 11:16-19 NIV
(KJV) John 15:5 I am the vine, 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.
Abide means-to remain, to be held, kept, continually, to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure
Hebrews 6:19 KJV - Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the veil
Greek meaning of an anchor- to stay but it comes from the Root word meaning- the curve or inner angle of the arm, the bent arm
.
Imagine a mothers arms wrapped around her child, nothing is aloud to get in, and that child is most certainly not getting out. The little one is grafted into the mothers arms. He might as well be glued there. This is what it means to be grafted.
Being Grafted means we are anchored to hope the way Zec 9:12 so poetically describes it,. Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. - NIV
What do you need to place in the roots of your Savior. Have you been crying out to God for growth but are seeing little fruit? What pestilence have been harassing you? What have you been trying to achieve on your own? Do you need to heal from hurt and failure and return to your fortress and become a prisoner of hope, once again?
As I put this message together there is the song that continues to play through my heart and head, Natalie Grants Held. I had a substitute teach my messagelast week because I am on my way to see my son in Fort Bliss, Texas. My heart has been longing to see him for nearly a year. He has recently returned from Afghanistan with a head injury. As medical situations continue to rise, I cry out to God to hold him and to hold my heart. I plead for healing and for favor on his life. I praise God that my sons life has been spared and that he is home and on the road to recovery. However during the times of worry, fear, anxiety and stress I could feel my Saviors arms around me. I could see the crook of His arms wrapped around my son. Holding him, keeping him, guarding him.
As I pray for my other son still fighting in the war, I see Almighty Gods arms as shield, protecting him, covering him, securing him. This is what it means to be grafted, to be anchored to be held.
World Wide Web info: The best way to graft grapes is to use a "T" bud. It can be used on both old as well as young vines. The key to making the technique work is to make a "bleed cut" about one to two inches below the "T" cut. In this way the vine bleeds at this cut.
The picture of grafting is very detailed and displays how the root system is cut down to just a few inches above the ground. No growth or to show what it is. All of its worth, work and value is hidden underground. There is nothing attractive about the root system. In fact, it is the branch that is being grafted, that gets all the attention. The roots main job is to create a history and growth in the young branch that never would have been, without the grafting.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. - Isa 53:2 NIV
NKJV) Psalms 18:35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
To be grafted is to be held. To be anchored to be sustained and in this instance to be lifted up and made great.
For a moment, think of a time you did something out of the will of God. Your intentions may have been good, but you knew you were going out on a limb and outside of His plan. Maybe it was a purchase, a new job, starting a ministry. There will be time in your life you will be taking a risk and will totally be in the perfect will of God. I am talking about going rogue, taking matters into your own hands and hoping for success outside of Him
Apart from him we are nothing. All that we have, care for or watch over must be grafted, anchored, held by almighty God. The danger of not being grafted is clear: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. -
"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. -
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. -John 15:4-6 NIV
The field you are called to care for must remain in Him. It must be grafted in Him. It must be dedicated to Him, or it is not of Him. When we marry and submit our lives to our God and our husband we are grafting our future to Him. When we dedicate our children we are grafting our parental choices to Him. When we answer the call of ministry, and we follow Him into unknown territory we have anchored ourselves to Him. Every day you wake up and decided to abide in Him, you are choosing to be held by Him, Anchored to Him, led by Him and part of His life. Doing nothing outside of His will. A branch that is not grafted may produce for a while but it will not produce for a lifetime. Grafting is about longevity, inheritance, future fruit and future generations.
If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Romans 11:16-19 NIV
(KJV) John 15:5 I am the vine, 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.
Abide means-to remain, to be held, kept, continually, to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure
Hebrews 6:19 KJV - Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the veil
Greek meaning of an anchor- to stay but it comes from the Root word meaning- the curve or inner angle of the arm, the bent arm
.
Imagine a mothers arms wrapped around her child, nothing is aloud to get in, and that child is most certainly not getting out. The little one is grafted into the mothers arms. He might as well be glued there. This is what it means to be grafted.
Being Grafted means we are anchored to hope the way Zec 9:12 so poetically describes it,. Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. - NIV
What do you need to place in the roots of your Savior. Have you been crying out to God for growth but are seeing little fruit? What pestilence have been harassing you? What have you been trying to achieve on your own? Do you need to heal from hurt and failure and return to your fortress and become a prisoner of hope, once again?
As I put this message together there is the song that continues to play through my heart and head, Natalie Grants Held. I had a substitute teach my messagelast week because I am on my way to see my son in Fort Bliss, Texas. My heart has been longing to see him for nearly a year. He has recently returned from Afghanistan with a head injury. As medical situations continue to rise, I cry out to God to hold him and to hold my heart. I plead for healing and for favor on his life. I praise God that my sons life has been spared and that he is home and on the road to recovery. However during the times of worry, fear, anxiety and stress I could feel my Saviors arms around me. I could see the crook of His arms wrapped around my son. Holding him, keeping him, guarding him.
As I pray for my other son still fighting in the war, I see Almighty Gods arms as shield, protecting him, covering him, securing him. This is what it means to be grafted, to be anchored to be held.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Go: lesson 2 Consider your field
Consider your field:
Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
What does it actually mean to consider? The Web Dictionary says it this way: to think deliberately or carefully; reflect, to view carefully or thoughtfully.
However the Hebrew word for consider is Zamam: meaning to have a thought, devise, plan, purpose, imagine. This is quite different from the word today. It has more of a risk and driven intent.
Hebrew word for buy laqach
Pronounced lä·kakh' meaning to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept.
This word is more than purchasing it means to commit to marry, to be bound to the land she is taking hold of.
So Proverbs 31:16 could be read this way
She imagines a plan and devises a purpose to lay hold and commits to a field.
When researching the ways to begin a vineyard I actually found a 6 step program on the World Wide Web. Listen for the spiritual connection to begin a vision…
* And bold font indicate the actually web advice
6 Things to consider before you become a vinedresser
The grape. This is the first major decision you MUST make. What are you planting?
The region. Keep in mind, Vineyards need a lot of heat.*Wine grapes usually require hot days and cool nights, and relatively dry climates that do not present a great deal of water per acre. Are you ready for the heat? Are your water supplies full?
The investment. What is this going to cost you? *Don’t kid yourself: Even for the independently wealthy, winemaking is not a business that carries low start-up costs and yields an immediate profit. This is truly a business venture for someone who is financially well-to-do and can afford to wait a good deal of time before realizing a return on investment. The experts aren’t kidding when they say that this is a business that will be profitable for your grandchildren.
The licensing/covering. Who will validate and endorse you. *Of course, starting a winery comes with some red tape. You’ll need a license from the state government and one from the federal government before you can start to produce or distribute wines.
The Marketing. Who is your audience, your niche, the people you are trying to reach? *This is a bit of a dry subject, but it’s essential for success. Before you get properly started, you must decide what market you plan to serve.
The support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help *One thing to remember about the business of winemaking is that you’re not alone in the venture; in fact, it’s accepted practice to look inside the industry for support. “I look at winemaking like I did being a driver,” says Andretti. “I don't know the inner workings of the engine, but you know that when it is right on song you are onto a winner.”
We have a field that God has placed under our care, our watch, our responsibility. Many times it is our family, our house holds, our aging parents, our unsaved husbands. In other cases it’s our ministries, jobs or volunteering. The important thing is to remember to focus on our one field and do it well!
Deuteronomy 22:9 Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.
The actually Hebrew meaning of defiled is to be separated to be set apart or in this case separated from the fruit you are working so hard to produce. You will labor in vain. We can prevent frustration by focusing on what is in our hands NOW. More fields will come with time, wisdom and maturity.
Master the field you are in before you start another one. Good example: Marriage or parenting is our first priority but many times it becomes our second field. God, family, ministry/field
Sometims, we mothers can get so occupied with our work or ministry that we drag our children around or begin to blend ministry and parenting. A good parenting ministry is birthed because of Good Parenting. We are called to be a light to our families, co-workers or husbands but sometimes we do not view them as a mission field or our field but view tham as hindering us from our ministry. This is when we do one, of two things.
1. We may dismiss them and consider another field that may be more interesting. Or
2. We try to juggle two fields and each one only gets 50% of our strength. And thus seeing our fruit separated from us.
Don’t get discouraged because you feel like you have been waiting a lifetime for your field. Remember the 100 year old vine.
Their will be plenty of times you will feel frustrated or on hold while you wait for your field. It maybe a timing issue or training issue. You may be ready, but your field is not. Or maybe your field is waiting for you to be equipped and trained. Either way we must be in constant communication with the Father as to what we need to be doing in the field we are in RIGHT NOW! No matter how small or insignificant it may seem or feel at times.
Zec 4:10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel
Many Times God is testing our faithfulness.
Luke 16:10-13 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” NLT
Stay the course
Our promise when we are faithful in our giving and our first fruits.
Malachi 3:11-12
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts
The Hebrew meaning for the Ground could also be read as Territory.
Hebrew meaning for vine could also be read prosperity
Hebrew for fail to bear fruit is miscarry, bareness or to be bereaved
Hebrew word for Blessed, Happy, lead, advanced, forward.
So hear it this way.
I will rebuke the devourer for your sake that he will not be aloud to cause your territory to be barren, you will not miscarry what your land is called to conceive. Your vine will be prosperous, full of life and fruitful for the territory you are called to occupy. All the nations will see that you are happy and advanced and look to you to lead them forward.
Things to consider.
What type of field am I cultivating? -Who am I trying to reach?
The un-reached, the saved, the broken, the forgotten, hungry, the prisoners, the orphans…
What is the condition of the field? - Why do I need to reach them? What do I need to be prepared for? Have I educated myself on the people, the area or the region? Have I researched the history, the strongholds, the strengths, the weaknesses? What must be done to win heart, heal heart, and reach hearts?
This weeks Homework: Who is my field? And how can I reach them?
Research the need of the areas: The tools you may need to acquire to reach them. Do you need to learn a foreign language? Do you need to take a class? Do you need to get connected with somebody who is in the field you are called to reach? Do you need to help another vinedresser while you are waiting for the fruit in your field?
Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
What does it actually mean to consider? The Web Dictionary says it this way: to think deliberately or carefully; reflect, to view carefully or thoughtfully.
However the Hebrew word for consider is Zamam: meaning to have a thought, devise, plan, purpose, imagine. This is quite different from the word today. It has more of a risk and driven intent.
Hebrew word for buy laqach
Pronounced lä·kakh' meaning to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept.
This word is more than purchasing it means to commit to marry, to be bound to the land she is taking hold of.
So Proverbs 31:16 could be read this way
She imagines a plan and devises a purpose to lay hold and commits to a field.
When researching the ways to begin a vineyard I actually found a 6 step program on the World Wide Web. Listen for the spiritual connection to begin a vision…
* And bold font indicate the actually web advice
6 Things to consider before you become a vinedresser
The grape. This is the first major decision you MUST make. What are you planting?
The region. Keep in mind, Vineyards need a lot of heat.*Wine grapes usually require hot days and cool nights, and relatively dry climates that do not present a great deal of water per acre. Are you ready for the heat? Are your water supplies full?
The investment. What is this going to cost you? *Don’t kid yourself: Even for the independently wealthy, winemaking is not a business that carries low start-up costs and yields an immediate profit. This is truly a business venture for someone who is financially well-to-do and can afford to wait a good deal of time before realizing a return on investment. The experts aren’t kidding when they say that this is a business that will be profitable for your grandchildren.
The licensing/covering. Who will validate and endorse you. *Of course, starting a winery comes with some red tape. You’ll need a license from the state government and one from the federal government before you can start to produce or distribute wines.
The Marketing. Who is your audience, your niche, the people you are trying to reach? *This is a bit of a dry subject, but it’s essential for success. Before you get properly started, you must decide what market you plan to serve.
The support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help *One thing to remember about the business of winemaking is that you’re not alone in the venture; in fact, it’s accepted practice to look inside the industry for support. “I look at winemaking like I did being a driver,” says Andretti. “I don't know the inner workings of the engine, but you know that when it is right on song you are onto a winner.”
We have a field that God has placed under our care, our watch, our responsibility. Many times it is our family, our house holds, our aging parents, our unsaved husbands. In other cases it’s our ministries, jobs or volunteering. The important thing is to remember to focus on our one field and do it well!
Deuteronomy 22:9 Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.
The actually Hebrew meaning of defiled is to be separated to be set apart or in this case separated from the fruit you are working so hard to produce. You will labor in vain. We can prevent frustration by focusing on what is in our hands NOW. More fields will come with time, wisdom and maturity.
Master the field you are in before you start another one. Good example: Marriage or parenting is our first priority but many times it becomes our second field. God, family, ministry/field
Sometims, we mothers can get so occupied with our work or ministry that we drag our children around or begin to blend ministry and parenting. A good parenting ministry is birthed because of Good Parenting. We are called to be a light to our families, co-workers or husbands but sometimes we do not view them as a mission field or our field but view tham as hindering us from our ministry. This is when we do one, of two things.
1. We may dismiss them and consider another field that may be more interesting. Or
2. We try to juggle two fields and each one only gets 50% of our strength. And thus seeing our fruit separated from us.
Don’t get discouraged because you feel like you have been waiting a lifetime for your field. Remember the 100 year old vine.
Their will be plenty of times you will feel frustrated or on hold while you wait for your field. It maybe a timing issue or training issue. You may be ready, but your field is not. Or maybe your field is waiting for you to be equipped and trained. Either way we must be in constant communication with the Father as to what we need to be doing in the field we are in RIGHT NOW! No matter how small or insignificant it may seem or feel at times.
Zec 4:10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel
Many Times God is testing our faithfulness.
Luke 16:10-13 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” NLT
Stay the course
Our promise when we are faithful in our giving and our first fruits.
Malachi 3:11-12
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts
The Hebrew meaning for the Ground could also be read as Territory.
Hebrew meaning for vine could also be read prosperity
Hebrew for fail to bear fruit is miscarry, bareness or to be bereaved
Hebrew word for Blessed, Happy, lead, advanced, forward.
So hear it this way.
I will rebuke the devourer for your sake that he will not be aloud to cause your territory to be barren, you will not miscarry what your land is called to conceive. Your vine will be prosperous, full of life and fruitful for the territory you are called to occupy. All the nations will see that you are happy and advanced and look to you to lead them forward.
Things to consider.
What type of field am I cultivating? -Who am I trying to reach?
The un-reached, the saved, the broken, the forgotten, hungry, the prisoners, the orphans…
What is the condition of the field? - Why do I need to reach them? What do I need to be prepared for? Have I educated myself on the people, the area or the region? Have I researched the history, the strongholds, the strengths, the weaknesses? What must be done to win heart, heal heart, and reach hearts?
This weeks Homework: Who is my field? And how can I reach them?
Research the need of the areas: The tools you may need to acquire to reach them. Do you need to learn a foreign language? Do you need to take a class? Do you need to get connected with somebody who is in the field you are called to reach? Do you need to help another vinedresser while you are waiting for the fruit in your field?
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