Word of the Day
My precious branch, subtle little foxes come into your life with the intent of robbing our abiding relationship. You must be on constant guard and the best way to do this is to abide in Me moment by moment. It isn’t hard. Just to think on My name or speak it is enough. After all, My name is above all names. My name is above all things. Therefore, when you struggle with the necessities of life and long to be with Me, just cry out or even whisper My name and see what I will do.
Ultimately these little foxes retard, destroy, or cut off fruit. The destruction doesn’t always show right away. In time however, like a beautiful bouquet, wilting takes place. Being disconnected from the vine like a vase full of flowers will eventually produce a disheartened soul. Your soul needs your spirit to be connected to the vine in such a way to receive infusions of My life-giving nutrients. When separated from Me, little foxes have a way of plucking the life out of our relationship and produce outward manifestations of dryness which represent the inner workings of the heart.
Dehydration takes place when you don’t abide in Me, and as a result, the soul feels free to express itself with unkind words and deeds. This robs the garden I called you to be and brings barrenness, guilt and shame to the core of your being (Isaiah: 58:11). This is where the enemy of your soul compounds the situation with guilt, causing you to flee, instead of hiding in Me. Let it never be. Instead you must run to Me, not from Me. Don’t hide in unfruitful or barren places. There is no covering there. Confess, repent and draw near. It is the only way to re-hydrate and build up your spirit man. Attach yourself to the vine of My presence and be renewed.
An understanding and revelation of My nature and that of My Father will keep you attached. And you get this by being in the Word and by being with Us. We are your safe place.
You see, the very moment I observe an area of darkness, a hindrance, or weakness trying to separate us I am there with My pruning knife to cut it away. Have I not said, “Nothing can separate you from Me?” The whole time I am pruning, I am cleansing with great mercy and grace. Each time I prune, new tender shoots of fruit-producing growth sprout up in abundance, strengthening our relationship and your own perception of self.
Yes, each and every time I touch you, your revelation of Me grows and a deeper abiding is the result. This brings delight to your heart and gives you courage. I press you onward to your high calling in Me. It cuts off any harmful effects of the past and puts them where they belong; in the past. Remember; don’t let the little foxes push you away. Defy them; defeat them by coming after Me in hot pursuit. Counteract the schemes of the enemy by running to the only safe place—Me.
[My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire] Take for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards [of our love], for our vineyards are in blossom (Song of Songs 2:15)
Prayer
Lord, show me the little foxes that so easily beset me in order to draw me away from You out of fear, shame, and guilt or for any other reason. Teach me the power found in the simplicity of speaking Your name throughout the course of my days. I depend on Your name, for it is above all names. There is no other by which man can be saved or overcome.
I declare I am one who draws into Your presence through the power of Your Word and with a heart of worship. My heart is a heart which worships as David worshiped. I let go of the little foxes and the past which so enticingly calls to me in order to divert me from the path You have set before me. I will not be deterred. I set my face like flint and will not be dissuaded from the course You have set me on. I draw Living Water into the depths of my being. Your Word gives me life and refreshes my soul. The past is the past and I relinquish all negative holds it has on me. I resist the devil (the little foxes), submit to You and the foxes flee—they scatter to the four winds and I am free. Shame, guilt or fear has no power over me. This happens for I am in hot pursuit of You and You are in hot pursuit of me. Amen
Reflect and Journal
1. Look at the areas of dryness and see what little foxes you have allowed into your life? Have you been on constant or periodic guard?
2. Forgive yourself, forgive others and let Him prune your life. Do this with a heart of gladness.
3. Defy the lies of the enemy, let go of the past and embrace the watered garden you are. What do you need to let go of most in order for this to happen?
4. What is your own perception of cutting and pruning? Have the terms held any kind of negative connotation to you? In light of the Lord’s great mercy what do you think they are intended to convey?
5. Confess over your own heart the things He says about you and write what He speaks.