A Message of Freedom

I went to a healing retreat last weekend and it has wholly turned my life around. There have been many touchpoints in my life where I have been able to dramatically and divinely experience God's presence in my life in order to shed bad messages, memories and inaccurate views. The result is always greater freedom and joy. I have been chasing after God each morning since then and have continued to receive healing, guidance, counsel and more release from some of the things that have been holding me back. God is so good.

This morning, I received a message of healing that I am compelled to share because I think it is one that someone else who reads this needs to hear today as well.

So I'm just going to type out what I wrote in my journal this morning. Italics are what I heard from the Lord. Brackets are just to explain something that I already am familiar with but maybe you aren't.

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What do you want to tell me today Lord?

Just sit here with me. Remain in me and I will remain in you.

John 15:4 ~ No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

[Read the rest of this passage here.]

What kind of branch am I when my mood is out of control? [if you are new around here, I have Bipolar II Disorder] Over the past few days I have been a little less stable. A little louder, a little more animated. A little less inclined to do the work I should be doing. Where am I then and how can I remain in you, Lord?

The fox may come and steal some of your fruit. Even if he steals ALL of it, you are still Mine. You are still on the Vine, grafted in and you will again bear fruit in season. I may prune you but I will never completely cut you off. You are mine and I chose you.

The enemy wants me to think I am totally fruitless when I am manic or depressed or just not functioning well. He wants me to think that I am already cut off and withering, ready to be thrown into the fire. With Christ alive in me, that is not true. With Christ alive in me, God is always still doing something. Even though all of the Fruits of the Spirit are never operating at 100%, there is still always something. If I am not patient and kind, I may still be faithful to take care of my family. If I do not have a full measure of joy, I can still love the Lord and my family. Stupid enemy tricks!! Trying to make me think I have to have the whole list in order to be "bearing fruit." Sad how he has taken this beautiful passage, one of my most favorite and twisted it and tried to throw it in my face.

Thank you for this freedom and knowledge today, Lord. I confess that I stumble in the fruit bearing department every single day but rejoice in knowing that you are still with me and working in me. I am sorry that I believed these lies and let me soul get full of muck and cobwebs. Help me fully walk in your Truth today.

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Blessings on your day -- I hope this help you!