Tag Archive | comfort

Books for Inmates

The Gift of Compassion

The Gift of Love

Your generous donation provides vital books to inmates in jails, prisons and rehab centers nationwide! All donations are tax deductible and will be used for printing and shipping thousands of books; offering hope, healing, and comfort to a nation of people hidden from society but not hidden from God!

Thank you for being a part of this life-giving ministry outreach. In partnering with us in this mission, you are partnering with Jesus and helping to set the captives free!

The Gift of Comfort

To Donate go to: http://www.nationofwomen.com/contributions. Scroll down to the ‘Books for Inmates’ image as shown above. Click on the donate button and type ‘prison books’ in the comment section, when it takes you to the fill-in page.

Please give confidently and with a joyful heart. This author is not taking anything from the proceeds of her first three published books. Please make checks out to Nation of Women Ministries, 619 Roberts Cut Off Rd., River Oaks, Tx 76114, and write ‘For Prison Books’ on the check.

Donations will be handled by the publisher, Cindy Neathery, of Nation of Women Publishing, Fort Worth, Texas, for printing and shipping books. Thank You!

To order books go to: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing/authors Scroll down to Lori J. O’Neil

For further verification, you may visit Prison Book Project of Titusville, Florida. There, Joyce and Ray Hall will be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You might consider partnering with their ministry! Thank you so much and may God Bless you!

To visit Prison Book Project go to: http://www.prisonbookproject.org


“Lori O’Neil’s latest book, His Voice in My Heart, is so well written and truly penned with God in her heart. Her Testimonials are especially significant to me along with all the love she conveys in every word, sentence, and book she has written. Lori is an amazing writer and I look forward to book four. Thank you, Lori, for this gift!”

Barb Z.

All proceeds, from ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ books ordered, will be sent to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. An amazing ministry with a 40 year history of restoring men from a life lost to addiction, to a new life in Christ. Please consider a tax deductible donation directly to Canaanland Ministries as well, by visiting https://www.canaanland.com. Your generous contribution will be helping them to fulfill the vision the Lord has placed on their heart–a Canaanland in every state!

All contributions and proceeds from orders of ‘His Voice in My Heart’ and, soon to print, ‘His Voice in My Heart Volume II,’ will be invested in books placed in inmates hands. Thank you for opening your heart to this ministry and its mission!

“‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-40


Anchored Strong

The harsh winds blow–no one knows from whence they come nor where they go but pay them no mind; they have no bearing on you. You stand strong and firm on the Rock, and the winds shall not prevail against you.

In hiking mountainous regions, you witness a lone tree clinging tightly to the rock, laid bare by the winds, but neither the rock nor the tree move. You could spend your strength, tugging and pulling on that tree, but it would not be budged; for tightly it clings to the rock–the rock that holds it.

The winds shall not prevail against it–

The winds shall not prevail.

Give it no mind–stand firm.

I AM with you!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” Psalms 46:1-7

“He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalms 62:7-8

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for ever more.” Psalms 121: 1-8

Two new books available to help you in these challenging times . . .

“Comfort in the Challenge.” Published in 2019, and written in dedication to caregivers. A book inspired by God, in provision, before awareness of Covid 19. Read it to be comforted, and encouraged. All messages are spoken from the Heart of God as fresh bread. All proceeds from “Comfort in the Challenge” go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland has a wonderfully successful 40 year history, dedicated to helping men desiring to overcome addiction and find new life in Jesus!

“His Voice in My Heart,” published in 2020. A journey of messages God has spoken over the past seven years to bring healing and restoration to the wounded soul. In sorting messages for “Comfort in the Challenge,” ‘prisoners’ welled up in my heart so strongly, that I began to sort messages for this special assignment as well. “His Voice in My Heart” is filled with His messages to comfort, challenge and bring restoration; along with several inspiring true testimonies of God’s healing and provision. “His Voice in My Heart” is a special book in your journey to freedom!

The messages are spoken from the heart of God, but are not meant to replace the Word; rather, they serve to lead you to it, give practical application, and encourage understanding of the Word. It is the Word of God that saves, heals and delivers–Jesus, is the Word. Included in both books you will find many scriptures for your study in the Word.

Both books may be ordered from, Nation of Women Publishing, found by clicking the link below.

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the Gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus

Human nature tends to shoot their best supporting foot, just because it steps a little different than the other. May we all take on the ‘nature’ of God and receive His peace and understanding for one another!

Thank you and God Bless You,

Lori J. O’Neil

Refuse to Wear Shame

Happy is he who stands in the court of My Father and is not ashamed.

You wear My Blood.

It is the issue that came forth–proclaiming you to be Mine!

Never to part.

Proclaim this to the enemy, when he speaks of your sin, to your ear. It is the enemy and though he knows truth, he does not speak it–think on this.

Why then do you feel ashamed, as if you believe it?

Shut him down!

You wear My Blood–never to be naked again.

Sin has no place in your life, nor does strife–shut it down.

You wear the Blood.

Bow before Me in humility and cast it aside–but don’t lose your stride–

for you wear My Blood!

It is your Wedding Garment–

not shame.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do; sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, in order that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” Isaiah 54:4-5

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“–Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night within his temple; and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'” Revelation 7:13-17

Two New Books available to help you in these challenging times . . .

“Comfort in the Challenge.” Published in 2019, and written in dedication to caregivers. A book inspired by God, in provision, before awareness of Covid 19. Read it to be comforted, and encouraged. All messages are spoken from the Heart of God as fresh bread. All proceeds from “Comfort in the Challenge go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland has a wonderfully successful 40 year history, dedicated to helping men desiring to overcome addiction and find new life in Jesus!

“His Voice in My Heart.” Published in 2020. A journey of messages God has spoken over the past seven years to bring healing and restoration to the wounded soul. In sorting messages for “Comfort in the Challenge,” ‘prisoners’ welled up in my heart so strongly, that I began to sort messages for this special assignment as well. “His Voice in My Heart is filled with His messages to comfort, challenge and bring restoration; along with several inspiring true testimonies of God’s healing and provision. “His Voice in My heart” is a book of your journey to freedom!

The messages are spoken from the heart of God, but are not meant to replace the Word; rather, they serve to lead you to it; to give practical application and encourage understanding of the Word. It is the Word of God that saves, heals and delivers–Jesus, is the Word. Included in both books you will find many scriptures for your study in the Word.

Both books may be ordered from “Nation of Women Publishing,” found by clicking the link below.

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the Gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus.

Human nature tends to shoot their best supporting foot, just because it steps a little different than the other. May we all take on the ‘nature’ of God and receive His peace and understanding for one another!

Thank you and God Bless You,

Lori J. O’Neil

 

Together in Prayer

This morning I awakened with a really, really bad headache. I asked the Lord to take it from me and that is all I remember. He must have instantly put me back to sleep, for when I awakened again there was a cool breeze rushing through my head and all of the pain was gone.

And then He spoke this message to me . . .

You’re trying too hard, and this stresses you. We are partners, you and I, a team.

Allow Me to carry you.

I carry your concerns–right to the Throne and I speak them, even as you speak them. I speak of you, even as you speak of Me–to the Father, you are bound to Me.

So I ask you to bear down, but I will push through–together, we will birth what’s stirring in you!

The strain, the headache, come from works.

I ask you to rest, as prayer flows through you.

It is My Strength, you rely on, and My Power in you–together we see this thing through.

Together–I AM in you!

“I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrated myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:15-26

Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus!

Order Today: ‘Comfort in the Challenge’

A book filled with God’s Comforting Messages in times of trouble. All proceeds from sales go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Thank you, for being a BLESSING in helping these men to restore!

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

The Season in Your Heart

You are not to be controlled by the seasons, rather, you create, from the ‘season’ in your heart.

Look Within.

Do you see sunshine or despair?

Do you wander in there?

I have created the seasons for your life–they are in there, but you must find them.

If you allow emotion to carry you–you are either running or exuberant, but emotion is not a season; it is a fleeting moment in time.

I want you to find the ‘season’ I have for you now.

It is not a moment, and it will not ‘carry’ you, but you are to operate in it. Use it as a springboard for your faith or for understanding to wait, but seek to understand the meaning of NOW.

All are good, for all will be revealed through the ‘season’ of your life.

Find Me in it–I AM there!

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

Readers, my first published book is now available–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge.'”

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

Canaanland charges nothing for a year stay; including room and board for their families as well, if necessary. I find the true dedication of Canaanland, in surrounding these men with love, and the life-changing power of the Word of God, to be unsurpassed. All is made possible through the dedication and hard work of these men, and generous donations of partner support.

It is their vision to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state and my vision, for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones and yourself–for Christmas? The books are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Click this link to Order Today: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you and yours this Christmas and always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

 

Now Then, Are We There Yet?

People are often more interested in reaching then, than they are concerned about now.

They want to play now–rather than pray now.

Yet I say, pray now, for the fields are white for harvest.

Pray that I may send you!

If your now is not right, then you are not prepared for then, and you may not reach it when. For I have come for now, but I will come a second time for THEN.

Know Me now, so you will know Me then, and you will be fully prepared for WHEN!

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36

“–The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37

Readers, I am excited to announce the arrival of my first published book–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge’.

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

Canaanland charges nothing for a year stay; including room and board for their families as well, if necessary. I find the true dedication of Canaanland, in surrounding these men with love, and the life-changing power of the Word of God, to be unsurpassed. All is made possible through the dedication and hard work of these men, and generous donations of partner support.

It is their vision to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state and my vision, for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones and yourself–for Christmas? I literally just received my books, as I am writing this. They are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Order Today by visiting: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you and yours this Christmas and always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanlandministries.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Abide and Conquer

Loneliness seems to plague man in a world that becomes ever more secluded, in contrast to My plan for family and community.

I created man to love–an expression of Myself–to give love and receive love. And yet, so many seek or fall into isolation, declining for lack of love. Why?

Why in a world so teeming with life, would you avoid life?

Why, in your hunger for love, would you reject love?

You have armored yourself against love for fear of rejection, fear of hurt and the unknown. But what you haven’t known is Me, for perfect love casts out fear.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.”  I John 4:18

I AM perfect Love.

If in Me you abide, you are never alone. And though man may reject, I will never neglect the one who seeks to know Me.

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” I John 4:15-16

Know Me on the inside–not from afar.

From afar I AM only Deity, one you don’t understand. Invite Me inside and we will abide and you may call Me, Friend.

“and the scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’; and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:23

“Jesus answered him, ‘If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23

Never alone.

Then you will understand that it is the work of the enemy to divide and conquer. But you can abide and conquer him. Conquer fear with love, for perfect love casts out fear.

Have no fear–Perfect Love is here…

I AM Perfect Love.

“‘I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.'” John 14:18-21

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.'” John 15:10-14

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.” I John 4:7-8

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16

 

 

 

Exhale to Breathe

An empty heart is quiet and feels nothing–as if numb. You think you cannot go on and you really don’t care anymore for you are weary–spent.

There is so much hope for you, for you are in the best position to be filled!

For there is room for Me.

You see, when one is casting about–struggling with feelings, thoughts and emotions, I AM just more noise in the midst of their chaos.

I lead My sheep beside still waters that they may drink.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” Psalms 23:1-2

You cannot drink in the midst of your struggle. You must be calmed, quieted. For you to be filled, I must be welcomed–invited.

Empty out that I may come in.

Releasing all the turmoil, struggles and fears to immediately receive My Peace, Comfort, and Hope is like exhaling to breathe again.

Fresh Air–No more despair.

The exchange that must be led by you.

For I do not force Myself upon you; I wait for you to realize that you need Me. I lead you to a quiet place, then offer you a drink.

“As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.” Psalms 42:1

Fresh water–the substance of life; It is and–

I AM

“How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. They feast on the abundance of thy house, and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light.” Psalms 36:7-9

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

“Teach me thy way, O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.

For great is thy steadfast love toward me; thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalms 86:11-13

 

 

Breath of God

Catch a deep breath

Can you keep it? No, what isn’t exhaled becomes absorbed into your system. If you take no further breath, you will die. So it is with…

  • My Word
  • My Presence
  • My Love

If you do not further refresh, you will die. Maybe not physically, at first, but by gradual decay; as a flower fades, your spirit loses strength. And as the flower withers, so stagnation comes to your spirit–your inner man…

The core of your strength

  • Body fails
  • Beauty follows
  • Earth swallows
  • Hope is lost

Catch a deep breath and run to My arms–held wide for you to abide in My ever-present love!

  • All is not lost
  • I’m still here
  • Still near
  • And I still hear

Call upon Me without fear…

While there is yet breath!

“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

“For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides for ever.’ That word is the good news which was preached to you.” I Peter 1:24-25

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. God will help her right early. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalms 46:1-7

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:4-11