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Do you think I talk to everyone or just a select few? My word says that my sheep hear my voice, so this must include all believers. Yet no one can come to me unless I call him, and I am not willing that any should perish. Does this imply to you that I speak to everyone? The fact that so many are inattentive does not mean I am not speaking. What am I saying to you? I speak in many different ways. Are you willing to listen to all of them? It is not a question of whether I am speaking but what I am saying. You serve me by speaking my words, being my voice to those around you. I commission you to enlighten those in darkness by pointing out the ways I have already spoken to them.

I have experienced  tremendous joint pain for the first time in my 60 years. I injured my knee about 10 weeks ago and then re-injured it 3 more times in the following 8 weeks. I either sprained it or tore something in the side of my knee. I put out a prayer request for healing and am very grateful for all the prayer and email responses. Your prayers and friendship are appreciated more than you can imagine. Many have issued prayers of command for the knee to be healed, and I have agreed with them and seen God's healing power flow into my knee. I gave it three days of rest before I was scheduled to teach again. Now, two weeks later it is almost completely pain free.

Do you prefer to associate with your peers, those with a similar cultural, financial, and educational background? I told a story of a rich man who threw a wedding feast. The invited guests were presumably from among his friends, but they would not come. He was upset and told his servants to go far and wide to find the poor and blind and crippled and compel them to come in. This illustration uses strong language to show this man would rather associate with those outside his circle of equals than have an empty banquet hall. So I give my great commission to preach the gospel to every creature. As my servant are you willing to invite those you would not otherwise associate with?

Do you think it is a virtue to never give up when you are right? It depends on the cause. This is referred to by believer and unbeliever alike as fighting to the bitter end. If you continue to fight to defend your rights or obtain what you perceive to be your due then the end can be very bitter. Is there a point at which what you hope to obtain is not worth the cost? My word tells you that it is better to suffer yourself to be defrauded than for brother to sue brother in court. If you are acting in obedience to me then I will give you peace even as you fight. If not, for what price are you willing to sell your peace? 

Blessed Holy Lord Jesus, what word do You have for Your people today?

My beloved children, those whom I hold close to My heart. Know that I am always with
you even though you may choose to wander away. Keep coming to Me for everything - and
I do mean everything! Nothing is too large or small for Me! I know what is best in each and
every situation. Why not be wise and use My input in dealing with all of the issues of life!
 

Have you ever seen children who have wisdom beyond their years? Out of the mouths of babes and infants I have perfected praise. What about the elderly who still have childlike energy and a sense of mystery and wonder? They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They shall run and not be weary even as Moses whose natural force did not abate. When you enter my Kingdom you step from time into eternity, resulting in an ageless quality for those who follow me. This effect is more obvious in some than in others, but any improvement in the aging process should be considered a blessing from and a testimony to me. 

Is my generosity a hindrance for you? I told a story in which a man hired workers at various times during the day, and at the end he paid them all the same. Those who worked all day were offended, thinking that they should get more. But the man pointed out that they were paid the wage they agreed to. It was the undeserved blessing of someone else that offended them. Do you think I am too generous to the undeserving? If so then come to me that you may be transformed in your heart that you may rejoice in seeing my goodness poured forth as the rain and the sun on the just and on the unjust. Don’t let your thoughts be evil because I am good.

Kids are like rubber bands - you can stretch them and stretch them and they don't break! They love to take in new ideas, new thoughts and concepts - if presented right. Most children are pretty smart. They can achieve so much if given the right mix of education and encouragement coupled with knowing which learning "buttons" to push and what their specialty is!

Haiti Journey of Compassion

Do you think I am a sloppy farmer? Most farmers plant seed carefully in good soil because they don’t want to waste it. Yet I told a parable about a sower who appeared to scatter seed indiscriminately, without regard for the quality of the soil. You know that I was referring to myself, and by extension all those who sow the seed of the word. Can you tell by looking at someone whether they will respond to the gospel message or not? The quality of spiritual soil you encounter is not obvious. Therefore scatter the word freely and don’t worry about wasting it. I will work the soil to prepare it for harvest.