Day 3

Before I get started on day 3, I want to take the time to share some things that Steton Hayes preached on yesterday. I had never thought about it this way...so if it is new to you, allow God to reveal what He wants you to learn through His Word.
John 15:1-17 ( New Living Bible)
1 "I AM THE true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He lops off every branch that doesn't produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can't produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.
5 Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing. If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned. But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father.
9 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow! I demand that you love one each other as much as I love you. And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends; and you are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you slaves, for a master doesn't confide in his slaves; now you are my friends, proved by the fact that I have told you everything the Father told me.
16 You didn't choose me! I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lovely fruit always, so that no matter what you ask for from the Father, using my name, he will give it to you. I demand you love each other..."

Have you ever thought about how a vine and branches are connected? A vine begins at the root, which I think symbolizes God the Father. Then from that we move up to the vine, which I think symbolizes Jesus Christ. And according to this scripture, we are the branches. One cannot function with the other. The root takes in and provides nutrients, which flows through the vine, to feed the branches. Steton said it somewhat like this. For a plant to produce, you have to have relations. If there is no relation, there will be no fruit. Just like with us humans, we cannot reproduce without having some type of relations. I know that is putting it blunt, but sometimes it is better to put it literal and understand than to beat around the bush and you not fully understand me. He goes on to say in verse 2 that he cuts off the branches that don't produce. I think of when you prune a plant and there are those branches that are old and drying out and sucking the life out of the plant, as those that he cuts off just as I would my plant. However, he goes on to prune the ones that are producing small fruit in order that they might produce larger fruit. And to know that He prunes us and gives us greater strength and usefulness in His commands, makes life a larger pleasure and joy to live. Then His commands do not seem as harsh, the stronger we are in Him, the more we want to become like Him and do His will. But then in verse 4 He says, "Take care to live in me, and let me live in you." He wants us to take care of ourselves and allow Him to be in us. If we care for those branches carefully and make sure they stay connected to the vine they thrive!!! Just as we can thrive in Christ by staying attached to Him, our vine. He later in verse 7 talks about how if we stay in Him and keep His commands, then you may request anything you like and it be granted. Does this mean that if I am sticking tight to my God and Christ that I can ask for a new house, boat, car, or etc. and receive it? Absolutely not!!! I agree totally with Steton on this one. The closer the branch is to the vine, the more like the the vine the branch becomes and we begin to desire the same things as God (our root) desires for us. How awesome is that?!!!
Steton also brought up a point that I don't feel like this translation leads to as much as the KJV. There are steps to growing closer to God. At first we are merely disciples. We go to church, we read our Bible, we obey most of His commands. Then we get that spark and desire to work and spread the Word. So we become servants of God. By serving Him, mind you we still are disciples, spreading the Word, and serving others with God's love. When you think of a servant, what comes to mind? Slavery, and how things were during those times. The master owned the slaves...and they were bound to him. What was the relationship with the master like? Did the master tell the slave all his business? Did he share with him his deepest desires and dreams? However most slaves were given a place to sleep, eat, and work. Just as the slaves were bound to their master so are we bound to ours. However, I know we got the better end of that deal!!! Our Master, (our root) gives us all our needs. So now we have gone from disciple, to servant, and finally we become a friend. Have you found that friend that you can tell all your secrets and will share theirs? If not, just know that Jesus is that friend. He said, He loved us as His Father has loved Him. When we live in His love then we want to obey and grow in Him. He also says that the greatest gift of all is when a friend will lay his life down for you. Do you have a friend like that? You sure do!!! Jesus laid His life down for you and for me! Just so He could call us disciple, servant, and most importantly friend.
I know I'm about to rabbit trial and may have done so up above. You know when you hang out with certain people you begin to think alike, do things alike, and science has proved you will actually start to look alike...LOL That may sound crazy, but if we can think like Jesus (our vine), do things like Jesus, and look like Jesus isn't that our goal?!?? I am sooooo looking forward to growing in Him and connecting on that level of vine and branch that I have talked about. I hope you are too!!! Be blessed and have a great week. I love you all, Cheri

Ok! So I am still on day 2 of the 1st week in this 6 week study. It may take me way longer than 6 weeks to complete but, I suppose the good thing is that I am growing closer to my God. Have you ever had a special place? Maybe it is the one you remember picnicing with your parents for the 1st time, fishing with grandparents, a tree house someone special built for you, or maybe it is a place where you met your spouse, or where he proposed. God wants us to find that place with Him in our hearts. Keep Him close so that, we "...remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty."(Psalm 91:1 amp) This should be a place that is only for you and God. "The secret place is reserved for God's children who have invited Jesus Christ to live in their hearts as their personal Lord and Savior. And even then, it's reserved for only the ones who desire it with their whole being. It's the depth of Jesus" (VF pg 10) Have you ever been there? It is an indescribable, mysterious place where you meet the face of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. There is a sense of overwhelming joy, peace, and humbleness that you want more of once you have experienced it. If you haven't you can! Cindy refers to 1 Cor. 2:7 where Paul talks about "secret wisdom". Paul then says that we can understand God's truth because of the Spirit living in us. In 1 Cor. 2:12 Paul says, "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." Wow! Really, we can understand what God has given us?!?! Wouldn't that mean that we are growing closer to him? Why would we want to grow closer to Him and go to that special place?
1 We want stability in our lives. Psalm 91:1 (amp) "[She] who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty!" (VF pg 11) As I was typing out this verse for like the 5 time it occured to me...hmmm! "fixed under the shadow" what happens if you are under the shadow of a tree? It moves!!! The only way it doesn't is if you are standing close to the trunk and in the heat of the day you will just about have to be wrapped around the trunk in order to stay in its shadow. Maybe if we, mainly I, stayed wrapped to His trunk life wouldn't be so unstable. I'm also thinking that the trunk is the most stable part of the tree and when it gets stormy where would I want to be, on a branch? out on a limb? I may be earthly crazy but it makes sense to me to hold on to that trunk!!!
2 We want to rest in God's peace instead of living in turmoil. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdend, and I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28, NIV I believe there is a lullaby about rocking a baby. I believe that there is a cradle, a place where we feel safe and peaceful in the arms of our Savior. This is a cradle that won't break and that we won't fall out of.
3 We want others to see Jesus in our life. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven" (Matt 5:16, AMP) We want others to come to know Christ as their Savior. I am sure we can all agree on that. But what do they see in us? Do they see the love, kindness, and goodness of Christ in us? I think that is what he is talking about here. Live our lives so that others will praise Him and recognize Him in us.

How do we go there? (that secret place) How did the disciples do it? Did they need to get other stuff done before they followed Him? Did they follow without delay? Did they wait for a more opportune time to leave with our Lord? Did they feel they didn't know Him well enough to follow Him? or Were they willing to put everything else aside and follow Him? I know there are times in my life where I put other stuff in front of Him, or delay, or think well God it really isn't a good time for me, or God I don't know enough about you to share your word with someone or speak up in a class, however, I also know there have been times that He has called and I have answered, "Yes, LORD!" Wow! How sweet those times were...I urge you not to waste time thinking you don't know Him well enough or there will be a better time. No time like the present and there is no time like being in His presence!!! My prayer this week is that we continue to meditate on the secret place. Finding that time to sit at His trunk and hold on. I know we are going on a ride. It may be rocky, may be windy or rainy, but we will never know it if we are resting in the shadow of the Almighty!!! I look forward to growing closer and experiencing more of His peace and joy. Hope you are too!!!

Day 2 The Secret Place
Focus: Discovering special moments with Jesus
Scripture: Psalm 91

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrowo that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91, NIV)

Victoriously Frazzled- The Frazzled Female's Guide to Restoring Her Sanity
by Cindi Wood
visit www.frazzledfemale.com for more info on study and author.

Week 1
memory verse: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty"(Psalm 91:1, AMP).

"Our God is a frazzle-friendly God! Not only will He enter into sour stressful circumstances, He longs to be there to bring His relief, comfort, and joy." (Victoriously Frazzled pg 6)

Day 1 Be Still and Let God Fight!
Focus: Being still and allowing God to take over.
Scripture: Exodus 14:1-14

I find it interesting that God gave Moses specific instructions as to where to encamp. He had also told Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Do you feel that God has ever hardened your heart? If so, what are some lessons learned from it. I know, I have been hard at times. Mostly at times when I feel as though I'm not loved, deserve more, mistreated, and etc. The one thing I think I have learned is that if I allow myself to feel those things it is ok. It is allowing them to control me that causes satan to sneek into those secret places where I spend time with God. God also knew the reaction of the Israelites. Before Pharaoh had released them from slavery, some of them were content. Can you imagine being enslaved to someone or something as the Israelites were, all while knowing our God?!? It just doesn't seem possible. However, I know I do it every day. Whether it is the tv, feelings, emotions, money, computer, facebook, or etc., we allow things to come between us and our God. How great it is to serve a loving, gentle, kind Master, Savior, and Friend!!!
Back to Pharaoh, his heart was hardened. He began to listen to people around him. Why did you let them go? Wasn't life easier having a servant? We should go and get them and bring them back...and so guess what? He allowed worldly influence to creep in. We do that. We shift our focus from God, to our children or the world because it seems that those things are more important. That is what happened to Pharaoh. I believe he looked and listened so much to what the world had to tell him he forgot God's promise to his people. He gathered up his best chariots and the most powerful of his army and set out to get the Israelites. As he (Pharaoh) approached them, the Israelites, they called out to God. Then they began to blame Moses. We told you we were content to serve the Egyptians. Why did you bring us out here to die? The Israelites thought it would have been better for them to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert. By this point you'd think the Israelites would have learned their lesson. But God continues to get His peoples attention. In verses 13-14 Moses said to the people, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." How true is that? We say, God will take us over it, under it, through it, or around it, however, sometimes, all we need to do is be still and know that He is God and He will deliever us from whatever is causing our frazzledness. For "what appeared to be total chaos was not! It was God's plan to bring glory to Himself. His children were not faithful in believing that the same God who had alsways taken care of them would do it again." (VF pg 8)
Do we act as the Israelites did? I know I do. I spend my day running and filling my schedule with all sort of "important" things, neglecting the one most important thing. We are not here to do all things well. We were created and placed here to do one thing, bring glory to God. When I shift my focus from all the things I have to do and the people around me to solely looking at God and seeing His beauty, creation, and majesty the world slows down and I have time for the other stuff as well. It is kind of like in Matthew 14 when the disciples thought they saw a ghost and it was Jesus. They had cried out in fear. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; it is I." Peter said, "Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus told him to come. As Peter stepped out on the water, he realized he was walking on it and began to shift his focus from Christ to the circumstances of wind around him, he began to sink. Notice Peter didn't just all at once fall under water, it was a progression. We start out that way. We get comfortable with the water around our ankles then it begins to climb. Before you know it, we feel as though the current is too much and we are drowing. Sin works the same way. We watch a tv show that has a few swear words in it, then, a show with a little sexual display, and before you know it we are watching things that God warns us to protect ourselves from. It works that way with food for me. Oh, I'll have just one cookie today. By next week, I'm sitting down with the bag and eating all of them. It is something that has a stronghold on me. God is working on me with it, but, boy do I have a long way to go. He is continually working on us to make us molded more and more into His image. He is patiently waiting for us to come to Him for the strength and help that we need. If we allow him to fill us, then there will be no longer be looking for the world to fill that void. As Peter was sinking, Jesus said to him, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Have faith and be still, God will protect us, just as He did the Israelites. Are you looking for a way out? Are you looking to fill a void? Is God calling you to come to Him? Don't hesitate! He loves us so much!!! So much, He was willing to send His only Son to die for you and me. I am so thankful for that. As bad as I think things are sometimes, when I think of Christ on the cross and the events that happened before He was put there, it can't be that bad after all. He was the one that took my beating, carried my cross, was spit on, had nails placed in His hands and feet, a crown of thorns placed on His head, and His side rivened. It wasn't me!! But HE, Jesus Christ, did it for me!!! How greater a love can you find, than a friend, who wants to walk with us, than the love of my Savior Jesus Christ. If you are interested in a personal relationship with Him, all you have to do is be willing. He longs to have you close, and it is so simple to have; all you have to do is ask Him. Doesn't mean life will be simple, just that there is joy in knowing MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!

He waits for us to be still and listen as we grow into the likeness of Christ!! Hope you are growing closer to Him today as, I am. Love in Christ to all who read this!!!:0)