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Below is the final journaling exercise in the Counseled By God training module, which Cathy was completing as a student in CLU School of the Spirit.

Listen to this new free song about baby Jesus:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCdLDb-66pM.  Download it here: https://lindaharpermusic.store/single/120180/the-baby-king

Do you notice shifts in your behavior as you get older? Some people notice that they become more like their parents whether they intend to or not, and whether they welcome the change or not. Another way to describe this is becoming more like yourself as time goes on, based on the assumption that your parents were further down the road on the same path. Blessed are those who see their lives moving in a positive direction. Even if you don’t, the fact that you recognize the issue is a start. Do you see my transformative work in your life as a lifelong project?

Are you familiar with the story of the wheat and the tares? They grow in the same field, and the tares, which are weeds, were planted by an enemy. The workers want to separate them but the land owner instructs them to wait until the harvest for the separation lest the growing wheat be damaged. The story identifies the tares as being children of the wicked one and the wheat as the righteous. Can humanity be so neatly divided? Can people switch categories? Isn’t this what you would describe as the process of redemption?

What is your approach to evangelism? Are you discouraged if you don’t see results? Do you like to play board games? Typically each player has a playing piece that marks their progress around the board. Each turn is an opportunity to advance. You don’t expect to win the game in a single turn. In like manner, your witness of me may serve as a turn to move someone forward. You are not responsible for the entire process. Ask your friends how many times they encountered the gospel message before they received it. Do you recall that Paul planted, and Apollos watered, and I gave the increase?

I promised that those who seek the truth would hear my voice. This is a strong claim to make. Have you seen this happen? How many people do you think are seeking the truth? There is nothing in this claim that promises that the search will be quick or easy. To really seek the truth means staying with the process while it is difficult or uncomfortable. It means that you must not allow yourself to be taken off course by your fears or prejudices.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps 119:105

Of the top 100 questions asked to Google, 53% start with the word how. The number one question thing people are looking for is instruction. Instructions on how to do something, instructions on how to live, Wisdom on what is the right answer. God knew this, and He gave us an instruction manual for life called the Bible. It contains answers to many of life's questions, but to gain the benefits of the book, you have to read it. Today, I will talk about why that is a good idea.

LaWanda – O Jesus, precious Lord.  ♪♪ Nothing else will do.  Nothing else will do.  Caught up in your presence, I just want to sit here at your feet.  I’m caught up in this Holy moment.  I never want to leave.” ♪♪

The phrase self-control makes me think it is self, establishing control over self. But is it? I don’t think so. I believe self-control is requesting and responding to the empowering of the Holy Spirit.