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Recently one Sunday I was taking my turn in Children’s Ministry, and the Lord had me take the kids through a visionary prayer time. We had music playing, turned down the lights, thanked Jesus for specific things, praised Him for awhile, then just asked Him to come into the room and show us pictures and take us to new places. Even though there were only a few children present that day, God’s amazing presence showed up, and the room was filled with His glory once again!

Do you notice that people who are self-confident, outspoken, and assertive tend to get their way and people will follow them even when they are wrong? Truth is not determined by a majority vote, and neither by force of will or argument. Those who know the truth may be meek and lowly in heart even when they are right. I was the personification of truth in this world which rejected me. Embracing the truth may not give you popularity and you have no assurance that others will accept it or you. Yet the alternative of walking in darkness is worse. Love the truth and pay the cost of walking in the light. 

I said that false Christs would arise. Are you aware of anyone claiming to be a messiah and offering redemption through his own atoning blood? Yet the warning is not so easily dismissed. For I also said that many would come in my name and deceive many, and that anyone who brings another gospel is anathema. You shall know them by their fruits, and so it is your duty to examine the life and doctrine of anyone who speaks in my name. I have given you my word, and the witness of my Spirit within you to serve as a standard and confirmation. Yet I would not have you fearful about the darkness around you, for my word implies that it is not possible to deceive the elect.

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.