KEYWORDS: things, faith, life, lord, way

Issues, Part 8

Karen Zerby

By MariaMaria #575 CM 3356 12/00

What's the definition of "making it"?

The Reiki Healing technique

Cheating the System?

Benefits 24-7

Laws in Heaven?

Getting rid of it

Anchor down…

Keeping things in focus …

What's the Definition of "Making It"?

Q:

1. Repeatedly over the past several years, prophecies in the new GNs talk about "making it." Topics range from "what if I feel I can't make it," to "you can make it," to "only by using the new weapons will you be able to make it in the days ahead," etc. Like­wise, there have been numerous proph­ecies that say that those who don't follow the New Wine and use the new weapons "won't make it" or will "fall" or "won't survive" during the Endtime.

2. Here's my question: What exactly does the Lord mean when He uses the words "make it"? Over the past years as more and more New Wine has come out, giving us the new weapons and preparing us for the days ahead, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that "I'm a goner." I didn't come to that conclusion in a "freak out" sort of way, but rather matter-of-factly.  "I'm a goner" basically meaning that I won't live through the days ahead, but will be killed off in some atrocious manner; or if not killed off, will experience some other dreadful event of equal severity. Not exactly the happiest of thoughts, and I prefer not to think about it a whole lot.

3. When it comes to using the new weapons, I try my best, but I know that I'm nowhere near the standard of, say, those in your Home or in WS when it comes to putting them all into practice. So with each new mailing that comes out warning of the dangers ahead and how if we don't use the new weapons we won't make it, I've become more and more defeatist, with the attitude of‚ "Oh well, that's it for me then‚ isn't it?" Because try as I may, the standard kept getting higher and higher—or at least that's the way it seemed in my mind.

4. And then that got me thinking: Perhaps my idea of "making it" isn't exactly what "making it" is all about! The Lord has never specified (at least not to my knowledge—and maybe I just missed it some­where along the way‚ which is really quite possible) exactly what "making it" is. It seems to me that because "making it" is such a broad term, every person has their own idea in mind when the words are used.

5. So maybe I don't think I'm "making it" because I've got one idea in my mind that I'm not quite attaining to; whereas the next guy looks at me, and measuring me by his yardstick of "making it," says‚ "Wow‚ I hope I can make it like she has!" And that's why I sincerely want to know what the Lord sees "making it" to be. What is His yardstick? Perhaps I'm already on my way to making it‚ but just don't know it. Or perhaps I'm heading towards "not making it" and don't know it either.

6. My mother-in-law said that in her opinion‚ "making it" is fulfilling your goals in life. My husband proposed the idea that "making it" meant remaining in the Lord's highest will for your life. Other ideas that were thrown out were that "making it" means remaining in the Family; that "making it" means having a close connection with the Lord; that "making it" means staying active in service for the Lord; or that "making it" means surviving the days ahead.

7. Maybe "making it" is an individual thing for each person, and each person has to find out what it means for their own life. I'm not sure what my idea of "making it" was, but whatever it was, it certainly seemed very lofty and out of my reach. So I just resigned myself to the fact that maybe I wouldn't "make it," but at least I'd go as far as I could before the inevitable ate me, or captured me, or whatever else was in the line-up took place.

8. As far as "falling by the wayside" or "falling" or "not making it" or "not surviving," I always assumed that since these Letters are discussing our future and what's ahead, that the "not making it" was something to the effect of abandoning our faith in the Lord, or taking the Mark of the Beast, or getting killed off. Now that I think of it, I'm really not sure what it means to "not make it"—only that it sounds scary and something I'd rather not have to succumb to.

Mama:

9. We asked the Lord, "What do You mean when You use the words 'make it,' as in 'you can make it'? What is Your yardstick for 'making it'?" Here's what He had to say:

Jesus:

10. This is a very good question! Just what do I mean when I say, "You can make it"? What is "making it" and "not making it?" This is a deep question, one that stirs and stimulates the mind, and as you found out, dear one, "making it" can mean different things to different people.

11. To some‚ "making it" means fulfilling your goals in life. To others it means remaining in My highest will for your life. To others it means remaining in the Family in active service for Me. To others it means keeping a close connection with Me. To yet others it means surviving the days ahead. Yes, these are all part of "making it." Yet I have a clearer, simpler explanation for you that encompasses all of these things, but remains simple and easy for you to digest, assimilate, and understand.

12. To you, My dearest one, I apply a special balm of simplicity in My answer, for this question, though good, thought-provoking, and deep, has also weighed heavily upon you. So I want to free you from carrying the weight of this question—one which your mind has tossed back and forth and mulled over frequently‚ and one which has grown in weight and volume over time. It is now a cumbersome mass in your mind, taking up unnecessary room.

13. And so, I apply the balm of My answer gently to your forehead so that your mind may be set free from this question, and thus shall you be set free, My darling, My young, strong one. I've gifted you with a strong and keen mind, one that is agile, one that questions, one that seeks, one that explores, one that desires truth. And yet‚ so often the truth is simple; it's not complex and complicated. This is the way I ordained it to be, for this is where true mind expansion begins: in accepting the reality, depth, and power of simplicity and faith. This is often the greatest test of the human carnal mind and reasoning: accepting the simplicity of My truth.

14. When I talk about "making it" and "surviving" versus "not making it" and "falling by the wayside‚" I mean simply this: "To make it" means continuing to move forward‚ continuing to have the faith needed to follow Me, to keep on re­ceiving and believing My New Wine and the new moves of the Spirit. Conversely, "not making it" is the absence of these things.

15. To Me, "making it" means each of My children continuing to strive to be all that I know each one can beeach one continuing to strive to reach their full potential, destiny, and calling. It's as simple as an illustration of one child tightly holding on to My hand and the other child loosening her grasp and letting go. Yes, I love the child who loosens her grasp and lets go of My hand, but of course when she's not as close to My side, I can't keep her, hold her, and protect her the same as the child who holds tightly to Me at all times. She who continues following Me, her hand securely in Mine‚ looking into My eyes in trust and faith—even if her step falters and she knows not where I lead—to her I provide My full blessings, My full protection, My tender­est care. Through this act of faith on her part—her weakness grasping ahold of My strength—shall My power and anointing flow.

16. So, My love, "making it" is more than having faith in Me. For even during the dark days ahead, many of My other children will continue to have faith in Me‚ and I will love them and provide for them and use them as much as they ­allow Me to use them. Their faith in Me will sustain them‚ but in many cases it will just sustain them—nothing more. They will not be the pillars, the beacons of light that you, My loves and brides, will be, because the flame of their faith will burn low and dim, easily blown out or smothered. In many cases they will become easy prey to the waves of the cir­cum­stances around them, easy prey to the Enemy's deceits and devices. Their faith will not give them the power, grace, and special anointing that will be needed in the coming days to combat the force of the dark side. In these coming days, the dark­ness will be so thick that if it were poss­ible you could reach out and touch it.

17. So while these, My other ­children‚ love Me and have faith in Me, because they don't have My new spiritual weaponry and the special power and anointing My new weapons give, their lights will be dim and easily extinguished.

18. However, "not making it" or "making it" is not just a case of whether you live through the coming dark days or not. For instance, for some of My elect—My strong ones fully exercised in the new weapons—their stay on Earth during these days will be short, because this is My will and calling for them. Their candles will burn brightly and fervently, but will be consumed before these dark days come to an end. Whereas you will see others—Christians who you know love Me and have faith in Me, but who follow afar off—who will live on and will survive these coming days.

19. So you see the wisdom in not judging solely on whether you live through the Last Days or not as a standard for spiritually "making it" or "not making it." These, My other children, will exist but they will not truly live and give life to others as My hot, fervent brides will live and give life!

20. In the days to come, the new weapons will afford you great power and anointing. Right now you probably don't feel that power and anointing, and you use them by faith, but I see the work they're doing in your spirit—a great work of faith. In the dynamics of the Spirit, by embracing the new weapons and striving to use them, by continuing on with Me each day, you are "making it" and will continue to "make it" and be all that I know you can be in the coming days.

21. Great growth and power is being made available to you, though many times you cannot see it with the natural eye or mind. The use of the new weapons is causing a work of faith within your spirit, and a connection and bond is being forged between us that will cause your light to shine brightly and fervently in the coming days!

22. You ask what My yardstick is when measuring whether someone is "making it" or not? First of all, My love, I carry no yardstick, no measuring rod or chart wherewith to chart your spirituality or spiritual progress. I don't carry it when I'm with you‚ and I don't carry it when I'm with someone else. You must believe Me when I tell you that I don't compare or judge your "spirituality" or "progress" against anyone else. This is not the way I operate. I am an individual Lord, Master‚ Lover, Husband and Friend to each of My children and brides. I'm not thinking of anyone else when I'm with you; I'm not comparing you with anyone else; I'm not judging you against anyone else. All I'm thinking about is you and how I can best meet your needs and make you happy‚ and how I can continue to nurture and nourish our love and connection.

23. The Enemy will do all he can to exaggerate the height of the spiritual doorknob, to elevate it way above your reach. His job is to cause you to look at yourself, to cause you to turn your eyes inward and to discourage you from ­trying‚ to discourage you from continuing to face each day. He won't just paint the pic­ture black before you, but he will paint it so thick in density that it appears totally unattainable‚ because He's trying to convince you that you may as well just quit right now, desert your post and give up any effort, any attempt to keep taking steps forward. Please don't listen to the Enemy or his minions when he whispers this lie in your ears!

24. This "spiritual doorknob" battle is one that many of My children face, one that is like quicksand, threatening to en­gulf you and swallow you up. The mind and flesh wearies and faints so quickly when met with the onslaught of lies the Evil One spews out about My so-called "spiritual standard." Always he seeks to paint Me as one who knows not your frame; who does not understand or know your heart and soul; who is not concerned about your weaknesses and frailties; one who is only interested in quick results and progress; one who thinks only of Him­self and not of you or your well-being and happiness. He paints Me as a stern‚ unfeeling physician at the end of your hospital bed‚ while you lie anxiously upon your bed awaiting My verdict, watching Me as I pensively and judgmentally chart your progress. He always fails to highlight the most important things: My great and all-encompassing love for you, and unfailing desire to do all I can for you.

25. Right now I want you to forget any sort of spiritual yardstick or measurement. Forget any picture or reference altogether that leads you to think of Me as watching over you in the sense of charting your progress. Instead, remember that I'm right beside you as a doting Lover and Companion, My hand in yours, My strong arm always ready and available to support you, doing all within My power to help you, to guide you, to keep you‚ to keep our connection and love for each other strong, young, and virile.

26. If you stumble, I'm right there to gently lift you, with no stern looks of condemnation, no frowns of disappointment, no grunts or groans on My part that you're not walking fast enough, you're not keeping up with Me. I give you the benefit of the doubt at every turn. When I gaze upon you, I take into account your past experiences, including any setbacks or disadvantages you may have had. I take your physical makeup and strengths and weaknesses into account. I accept you as an individual being with personal, individual needs and desires. I seek only to love you, to help you, to strengthen you, to gently lead you into light and truth. I live only to encourage and lift you—not to drive you like a heartless taskmaster intent only on reaching the goal.

27. What man measures as small steps are very often giant steps in the spirit, for man sees not as I see. In My eyes, spiritual progress is not always measured by outward, visible appearance or signs. It's a matter of the heart and spirit, and thus can only be truly judged by Me, for only I see into the heart and soul of another.

28. Very often the progress that seems slow, and yet at the same time proves to be sure and steady, is the progress that is rock solid and sound. It endures, and thus it is real progress—ground that will not have to be covered at a later date. This is when real growth has come about, and very often this type of growth has its testings and its Gethsemanes—its times of standing on the brink wondering if you're going to topple over, its times of standing on the edge of your faith. This kind of progress goes deep, penetrating the very fiber of your being, down into the recesses of your spirit.

29. Do you see how through believing these simple truths you can be set free, My dear inquiring one? It can set you free from the bondage and fear of feeling like you're not meeting My or others' stan­dard or expectations in some way. It can set you fully free to be yourself, to love Me and follow Me and My Word to the best of your ability. For I see your heart, My dear one. I see your desire to love Me and follow Me through today and into tomorrow. This is what I see—your desire and love for Me—and this is what truly counts. You believe and receive My Words—My New Wine—and you desire to move forward, and that is all I need to know in order to help you to keep putting one foot in front of the other each day, even if those steps are small. You can make it. (End of message from Jesus.)

The Reiki Healing Technique

Reiki Healing. (Japanese rei, "universal‚" and ki, "life force energy.") In alternative medicine‚ a hands-on healing system based on channeling universal life force energy. Reiki teaches that a life force energy is present in all living things, and that a shortage or blockage of this energy results in physical and mental imbalance and illness. Balance can be restored by tapping into the universal source of life force energy.

The principles of Reiki are thought to be related to ancient Tibetan healing prac­tices rediscovered by the Japanese Buddhist monk Mikao Usui in the late 1800s and brought to the United States in the 1930s.

Reiki treatment sessions generally last sixty to ninety minutes‚ during which the practitioners transmit universal life force energy by placing their hands at specific positions on or slightly above the recipient's body. Reiki theory states that the practitioner does not create or direct the energy, but merely transmits it from a universal source and that the energy goes wherever it is needed for healing.

—From Microsoft Encarta

Q:

30. We wanted to ask if you have heard anything about Reiki Healing. In fact‚ we wanted to ask if someone would be able to ask the Lord about it‚ as we have heard some CM Family people who have been to alternative health practitioners who practice Reiki Healing‚ and have then been telling other brethren of its benefits.

31. However, we have grave reservations about it. A quick search on the Inter­net shows that Reiki is portrayed as a "harnessing of the life force" to effect healing. One Web site links Reiki with Sai Baba, an Indian guru who claims to be an incarnation of Jesus. Sai Baba has an immense following and apparently has power to work miracles. He preaches a New Age Hindu philosophy of self–healing that most definitely does not and cannot include the Lordship of Jesus.

32. Another site shows Reiki to be "spiritually guided life force energy." It seems very New Age. "Heal yourself by charging yourself with positive energy." However, Jesus wants us to be dependent on Him. More and more, the New Wine directs us to depend less on ourselves, and only on Him.

33. The next Web site also describes Reiki as being "energy guided by a consciousness higher than our own." It talks about getting connected with spiritual beings and the force higher than ourselves.

34. There is much more on the Web, and we're not spending a lot of time researching it, as it seems obvious to us that there is a definite connection between Reiki and the New Age Hindu philosophies that are prevalent today. We are concerned about other brethren's contact with this kind of thing. We can't believe that it's of the Lord for His saved children to be partaking of these things, which to us appear to be doctrines of devils.

35. The Lord has healing for us. "I am the Lord that healeth you." "By His stripes we are healed." "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever." "The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up."

36. We're sorry to trouble you with these things. We could be wrong in our judgment‚ and if so, we would like to know the truth.

Jesus:

37. There is nothing new under the sun. It's human nature to have a fascination with something "deeper," something "more powerful," some "hidden knowledge," some "rediscovered" technique, rather than just looking to Me directly. This was true even in the Garden of Eden. If Adam and Eve had only followed My simple instructions, you'd be living in a very different world indeed. But they wanted to know more; they wanted to be as God, mainly in the knowledge of good and evil.

38. I created all things and I can fix all things. If you know Me and My Word, I expect you to exercise your faith and make use of My Word for healing. I expect you to learn more and seek Me and dig in My Word, and even do research from other sources. But beware of the source of your research. You must try the spirits, to see whether they be of Me or not.

39. The "founder" of Reiki was a back­slidden Christian. He was discouraged with the poor sample of Christianity he was given, but he had access to My Word, and if you don't receive the love of the truth—My Word for My children—then you will get a strong delusion. Strong delusions make you weak in faith.

40. As your Father David taught, the Enemy can afflict people, then remove the affliction so it seems like he and his techniques are "healing" the afflicted one. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" helps you to know if a tree is good or evil. Some berries look nice, but are deadly. Some doctrines look nice—they appeal to the carnal mind or desire for higher spirituality—but they're not the fruit of My tree. Other times the fruit may look mottled or humble or small, but it's delicious, healthy, and nutritious. You don't judge by the looks, but by the results, the outcome.

41. Are the people who are healed in­spired to give Me or the technique the credit? Are they using their healing to serve Me with more vigor and zeal? This man certainly did not go on to glorify Me. Be not as the foolish Galatians who forsook My simplicity and turned aside to follow their desire to be "more spiritual," more "wise and knowing" than My simple, humble children who strove to serve Me and witness My love and salvation to others.

42. Of course, there is truth hidden in the Reiki Healing techniques, much like there is truth in transcendental meditation‚ other meditation tech­niques, and "back to nature" holistic medical ap­proaches; but make sure the foundation of your research is My Word. My sheep hear My voice, and a stranger they will not follow. The Internet is a manifestation of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Choose the good and eschew the evil. Discern and try the spirits.

43. Be amazed at My works‚ My miracles, My healing. Follow My Word‚ My counsel‚ My guidelines for healthful living. Take care of your temple by letting Me direct your steps. I've provided the oper­ator's manual—My Word. I've provided My hotline and help line. Avail your­selves of this direct means to seek My reme­dies and My preventive course of action to regain and preserve your health. Glorify Me in all that you do, and be not ashamed to dip yourself in the muddy Jordan if need be. My remedies are humbling and not according to your "higher self," or even your willpower and discipline.

44. I have and will provide all your needs—including wise counsel from doc­tors and nurses‚ books‚ and Web sites‚ which I can direct you to if you're seeking Me. The children of this world are wiser than the children of light, but I am wiser than the children of this world, and you have a direct link with Me. Use it, My beloved.

45. Why look to these other things before looking to Me? By My stripes you are healed—not by physicians‚ medicines, techniques, or even spirit helpers. I created life from nothing. I animated the inanimate. I resurrected the dead. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am your Servant, waiting to be commanded by you concerning you, the works of My hands. What more could you ask for? I'm at your service. Invoke Me! It is My desire and pleasure to care for you, manifest My love for you, and do miracles for you.

46. If you suffer and experience afflic­tions, these are but for a moment, and when you see and experience My world to come, you will know that it was worth it all. Have patience and endure unto the end. I too am eager for all things to come to pass so that we can all be together in My perfect world. You have My promise of ultimate healing when I issue you your new and perfect body. Enjoy it by faith now. Claim My touches of resurrection power for your intermediate healing.

47. My power, as Daniel acknowledged and demonstrated, is greater than that of the astrolo­gers, stargazers, and prognosticators. Obedience to Me and My commandments is a greater healing agent than the techniques, medicines, and herbal potions concocted by man. Of course‚ some of these techniques‚ medicines‚ and herbal potions are inspired by Me and use My principles, but don't neglect to seek Me first‚ My loves. (End of message from Jesus.)

Cheating the System?

Q:

48. Is it okay to "cheat" the System? For example, some people will buy something from a store for a short period of time and then return it when they don't need it anymore. Or they'll buy something, and then when it's starting to wear out‚ return it and get a new one. There are all sorts of ways that you can cheat the System, and some people feel very justified doing it, because, after all, we're doing the Lord's work, and the com­panies or stores have plenty of money that they're not going to use for any good cause.

Jesus:

49. This is one of those "ethical" questions, and there are always people on either side of the fence ready to defend their position. You're all wondering what I'm going to say, but before I answer the question, I'm going to go back a bit to My time on Earth.

50. My disciples were a group of young men, and they were human and had their quirks‚ just like anyone. Some of them in particular were rowdy and liked to defy the System. Some of them really hated it with a passion‚ and at times I had to keep them in line and keep the peace for the sake of our witness and sample. I needed all of them to be alive after I was gone, so that they could continue spreading the Word.

51. I had to tell My disciples to watch their behavior, their conduct, and to conduct themselves to the approval of most people—not the religious hypocrites, but the common people. They couldn't throw all caution to the wind or share our more radical doctrines with everyone on the street, because they wouldn't be able to receive it. The things of the spirit are reserved for those who are of age, who can handle the meat of the Word, not babes. I had to teach My disciples and impress upon them the re­sponsibility they had to be good examples, because they were now bearers of the Word, carriers of the Gospel, and I gave them special powers and anointing in order to do that job—but they couldn't misuse it, or be a testimony against the Gospel.

52. That's where that verse "Let no man speak evil of you" comes into play—and it applies to you today just as much as it did to My disciples. Sure, there were no malls around then, nor any of the gadgets and things that you might want to "borrow" from the System for a time, then return and get your money back on. But believe Me, there were other things in our day along the same line. We didn't have any dwelling place. We rarely knew where our next meal was coming from, and we didn't have money to buy food and lodging. The Father supplied and it was sufficient‚ but not always the highest quality. Sometimes we abased and at other times we abounded. Some of My disciples were tempted at times to feel that as the Son of God, I deserved better, even if these things weren't given to us directly. Surely it was going for a good cause, and we would be blessed for furthering our work.

53. But no, that wasn't the way it worked. God wanted to supply for us, and can you imagine how tarnished our testimony would have been if one of My disciples had snitched something or taken more than was offered us? We had legitimate and valid needs—and I'm not talking about some cool piece of ­clothing, a camera, or something else that you want to pay for and then return later. I'm talking about food and clothing and shoes—you can't get around without those things! But it wouldn't have been right, or a good sample.

54. That applies to you as well. You have to be role models. You have to be lights shining in the midst of this dark world. If people see you doing things that don't measure up to their idea of what a Christian should be, then you're failing them, and you're failing Me. You're not being the disciples I trained you to be. Yes, the System can provide you with a lot, and I can provide you with all that you need, but for your sample's sake, you have to go about it the right way.

55. What is your motive? What does My Word say about it, and what do you think I would say about such actions that besmirch your sample and My name? If you have any doubts on the matter, come to Me yourself to ask Me for a confirmation of this. Each situation is different‚ but overall‚ doing that sort of thing is not good; it's a bad testimony and it will hurt your sample—and because you're an extension of Me, it will hurt people's faith in Me.

56. You should have more faith in Me, that I'm able to provide for you. I want to, you know? But if you choose to take another route that you think will provide your needs, or that is more "sure" than going from day to day trusting that I'm going to provide you with your needs through supernatural means—like getting your taxes from the mouth of a fish—then you'll pay the price that comes along with it.—And that could be hurting someone's faith or chance at receiving salvation because of your poor sample, decreased blessings, or a host of other things.

57. So I don't consider it worth it. I didn't do it, I told My disciples not to, and I'll tell you not to now. It's not healthy. It's simply not a good Christian sample.

58. That's not to say that you can't use the avenues the System provides for getting your needs, such as being able to return things where it's allowed when something really did break or was faulty, but it should be something that you don't have to hide, cover up, or hope nobody sees or finds out your true motivation for doing. You should be able to be upfront, honest‚ and able to explain it to your sheep. Could you do that? (End of mess­age from Jesus.) (See also ML #193:14–15; ML #866.)

Benefits 24-7!

Mama:

59. In this message the Lord outlines some of the many benefits of being the Lord's children and having Him live in our hearts, which we often get so familiar with and take for granted‚ because they're so common to us. We forget what it was like to live without the Lord's love, the assurance of salvation, His personal care‚ and the many other benefits our relationship with Him brings. Some of us have never even known life without knowing the Lord. It's easy to become secluded in our blessings, when the whole reason we're still here on Earth and why the Lord didn't take us Home when we got saved is so we can bring others to Him!

60. Hearing the Lord enumerate some of the blessings that we enjoy on a daily basis—gifts that are ours 24 hours a day‚ 7 days a week, simply because we know Him—should be a tremendous motivator for us, realizing that many people go through life without knowing the Lord, and hence without these benefits. Even more sobering, they might not ever have the chance in this life to receive them unless we give them the opportunity to receive the Lord!

Jesus:

61. I could go on forever telling you the advantages of being My child and My bride. They are too numerous to list, and you will continue discovering more and more of them throughout eternity. There's no end to the wonders of the realm of the spirit, and all of these wonders are within your reach, because you're Mine.

62. That's one of the privileges of salvation: the ability to see beyond the physical‚ carnal dimension and into the realm of the spirit. You sometimes don't realize how much you know and understand, how much you see that others don't see. They live on the flatlands, in the plains and valleys of carnality, and they know not the reality of the world beyond, which is what makes your lives of such great value.

63. There are others who don't know Me, who believe in the spirit world, but because they don't have My Spirit to shield and protect them, they're most often influenced by the dark side of the spirit world. So while in some ways they're closer to the truth than the total flatlanders, in other ways they're much worse off. They're afflicted with fears and terrors, because they see into this world of the spirit but do not have My protection. You, on the other hand, can be aware of the spiritual battles and activities, yet without fear, knowing that you have Me on your side, and that I have overcome all and will overcome all.

64. That's another blessing of salvation: the assurance that you're on the side of right, the side of good, the winning side. Some people who don't know Me or believe in Me struggle to fight for the right according to their conscience or what they believe is good for others, and I reward them for this. But they don't even have the assurance that good will overcome in the end. They have the fear that it's possible that even if they and many others do all they can to improve things for others, evil will win out in the end and it will all be in vain! Imagine the discouragement, the depression, the heaviness of spirit that such labor without faith would bring.

65. Of course, you also have the blessing of Heaven and the knowledge that you will go there. And not only will you go there, but when you do, you'll be greatly rewarded for all that you've done on Earth.

66. You who are Mine have the assurance of knowing that you will never be alone. Even if all your loved ones were to pass away or leave you, even if all forms of visible help, comfort, or friendship were gone, you would always have Me with you. Though it's not often that I manifest Myself visibly in the flesh and allow you to see, touch, or hear Me with your senses, I make My presence known. I provide for My children in dire straits; I give comfort and peace to the hearts of those who are weary and fainting; I make a way where there is no way—a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

67. Who else can be such a Friend, such a reliable source of provision, protection, and secur­ity? Who else can be with you at all times, anywhere? Who else can stay up with you all night and never be tired? Who else could be with you if you were in solitary confinement in a prison? Who else can soothe and heal the aches and pains both of body and of spirit that you face? Medications and doctors cannot heal as I heal. Though they may temporarily relieve some of the symptoms and pain, I can heal the cause, remove the root‚ and alleviate the accompanying anguish of mind and heart that no doctor‚ psychologist‚ psychiatrist, friend, parent, or mate can.

68. When you're saved, you have direct personal access to the source of power that created the universe. You have the ability to hear the voice of God, as well as My ministering spirits and angels. You have the ability to call on us to provide protection from danger, or to be rescued from impossible situations. You have the ability to command Me, the God of Heaven‚ to work on your behalf. When you cry unto Me desperately and are in dire need, I answer and I deliver.

69. At times I also do miracles for others who don't yet know Me, in order to prove My power or bring them closer to Me. Yet you have the faith and the knowledge that if you ask for such things, I can give them to you.

70. When you have questions on your heart, things that you can't understand or comprehend, you have a channel with Me through which I can send My answers. I can reveal the mysteries of the universe and the realm of the spirit to you. Or in times when I don't see fit to reveal a thing‚ I can in the place of understanding give you faith and trust, so that you're at peace and content to leave in My hands that which is not yet for you to know.

71. You, My saved children‚ are the only ones in the world who can have the full faith and assurance that whatever you put into My hands is kept safely there. You don't need to struggle to find or determine your destiny, nor take it upon yourself to understand or decide things about life or your future. You can simply trust Me and know that I will work things out for your good.

72. You can know that even if bad things happen to you, I will turn them to some good. Others don't have this knowledge and assurance, and indeed it is not the case for them. "All things work together for good to them that love Me." This is only a promise for those who love Me, or for those who in times of difficulty or trial turn to Me. Then I can make all things work together for good. This is a beautiful privilege and promise that is reserved for those who love Me‚ and these few words of promise can make all the difference in your life—for they can transform the most horrible happening into something bearable and even wonderful.

73. With Me within you, you have the power to change anything about your life or about yourself that needs changing. You also have the power to learn to accept and live with things that don't need to be or shouldn't be changed. Many people struggle through life full of weaknesses, sins, and evil oppressions or obsessions that they can't control. Without My help and assistance, the heart of man is evil, and made much more evil because of the evil spirits that lurk in the shadows, always ready to propagate evil and cause it to spread, always ready to influence men's hearts and play on their penchant for evil.

74. Many others find themselves in miserable situations and become depressed or despondent, because there's no way out. In Me, there's always a way out! Even if there's not a way out physically or bodily, there's always a way out in spirit and a means of relief. I'm the only one who always guarantees a way of escape and that you will not be tried above what you can bear. This is another promise made specifically to My children, and not available to those who don't know or love Me.

75. You have all the promises in the Bible on your side. Exceeding great and precious promises, treasures without number; all these are only available to you who know Me and love Me, and who can, through My Name and My salvation‚ take hold of them and claim them as your own. Within this avenue alone—claiming My promises—you have a million advantages over anyone who is not My child and bride. With your salvation you hold the key that opens any door. Through this one precious gift, you have access to a treasure vault of gifts, promises, and blessings!

76. Not least of all, you have the privilege of being My wife, My bride, whom, because of My love for you, I can choose to shower with goodness and blessings, making your life beautiful, filling the empty places, and causing the path before you to be smoothed out so that you can walk safely and surely. There are difficulties, because they have been foreordained as part of life; but with Me on your side, all difficulties are less overwhelming. All trials are easier to go through than they would be if you didn't have Me. Life itself is easier, both because of the vision and faith you have for the glories of the world to come, and simply because I'm there with you to help you carry the load. (End of message from Jesus.)

Text box:

Q:

77. Lord, Your promises are wonderful and the list of Your benefits and advantages is terrific‚ but when You say we have "a million advantages" over anyone who's not Your child and bride, are You speaking literally or figuratively?

Jesus:

78. My love, those of you who know Me will live forever, millions of times as long as those who do not know Me or who reject Me. And within those many years, as you would measure them, there are untold millions of blessings. So I do not exaggerate in saying "a million advantages!" (End of message from Jesus)

Laws in Heaven?

Q:

79. Are there any laws in Heaven? Like here on Earth we have the law of gravity or the laws of time and space. Are there any kinds of limits in Heaven, or is it all just miracles and magic? Will everything just be like‚ poof, we can do all this stuff—or are there any logical explanations for why we'll be able to walk through walls, appear and disappear, fly, etc?

Jesus:

80. God is the greatest scientist! He was the One Who created all the laws that govern your physical world. He's programmed everything in creation, down to the tiniest molecule. He's created patterns that are followed in creation. This is why scientists, mathemat­icians, and all the rest of them can only marvel as they continue to make discovery after discovery about the marvelous Earth you're living on.

81. God is not the author of confusion, and there is your answer, in brief. Of course there are guidelines in Heaven—laws that God has set down for His crea­tion. Many of them are similar to Earth's laws of nature—but, of course, with no curse Here as there is on Earth and with the limitations of the physical body taken away, the laws in Heaven are much less restrictive than they are on Earth.

82. God doesn't need abracadabra-style magic—on Earth or in Heaven. In His great foresight, every need has a law which corresponds to that need. Sometimes He even crosses the veil between the physical and the spiritual, applying Heaven's laws to Earth's people, and the result is a miracle. This is why "with man it is impossible‚ but not with God, for with God nothing shall be impossible."

83. Men have already discovered that, technically, if they could only discover how, a person should be able to walk through a wall and come out whole on the other side. This is possible, but this secret will be hidden from man until he gets to Heaven, where many former secrets are common knowledge.

84. There are so many things that will be possible in Heaven, and sometimes the only way you can imagine such things is to imagine that things appear or disappear, or that you fly "magically"—that is, that there's no explanation for why you can do those things in Heaven. But rest assured that there is an explanation for everything.

85. You'll all get to go through a special educational course to teach you to expand your mind to grasp laws that are unimaginable on Earth. There's a special order and harmony in Heaven. There has to be; otherwise things would be appearing in the oddest places‚ and there would be mass confusion.

86. Also, beginners in Heaven have a little less leeway at first. It's kind of like a child who's learning to ride a bicycle. At first he has training wheels‚ which limit him in a way, but also keep him from falling over while he's learning to balance! This is somewhat how it will be in Heaven as you're learning to grasp the laws of Heaven and to harness the expanded powers and abilities you will have. It's a class to look forward to! (End of message from Jesus.)

Getting Rid Of It

87. (From an SGA woman: ) I know that as a Family in general we are anti-abortion—that is, abortion that's done in hospitals by "those ungodly people who kill babies." But during the last two years I lived with four girls who aborted their babies "naturally." They did not go to a clinic, but just took a mega­dose of something or other. There was different "stuff" used, but the bottom line is the same: They were pregnant and were too scared to have a kid‚ so they induced a miscarriage. I know many young girls are pretty scared when they first find out they're pregnant, especially if it was after what you would call a "one-night stand" and the guy is gone and they're facing the prospect of becoming a single mother.

88. Having lost a son myself (last year I had a baby who went back to Heaven eight days after he was born), I realize that this sort of experience is a heavy thing to go through, and it's probably even more difficult if you know that you are to blame. I was wondering if the Lord would have something to say about this sort of thing when the girls want to get rid of them "before they look like a baby." It seems that some of us women do have faith to get pregnant, but then when we realize that there's more to it than just giving birth and the reality hits that this baby is here to stay, some girls just freak out and go through this inducing miscarriage business.

89. I was also thinking about certain ways of birth control that seem to contradict the Word. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to condemn those who use it or point the finger, but I just feel that certain things are ungodly and I want to know if I'm wrong or right. In the Charter it doesn't specifically say what sort of birth control we are to use should we use any, and I know that some girls choose to use the spiral (IUD), so that they won't have to swallow a pill every day or use condoms, which they feel are not very reliable. As far as I know, the way those "inside devices" work is that they don't prevent pregnancy from starting, but "kick it out" of the womb before it can attach itself to it and grow into a fetus. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it looks like a very early form of abortion.

90. After the experiences I've had during the last two years, I'm convinced that babies are the most precious gift from the Lord to us, but I also realize that when someone has them every year it might be very difficult for them, and that might make them think very seriously about birth control, something that will help them feel more secure. Still, are we to use those things that kill a pregnancy, or are those things really ungodly?

91. I guess I do feel a bit too strongly about all this since it took me four years to get my little darling, and it wasn't without many struggles for his life after he was born. Hearing people talk about "easy recipes" for getting rid of an unwanted baby just cuts me to the heart.

Jesus:

92. You folks should realize by now that I love children and babies—and that I use almost every opportunity I'm given to make more! I've explained before how it is My will for you to be fruitful and multiply, and I have set My laws of nature in their course so that when a man and woman have intercourse, children will result—if not right away, then definitely at some point.

93. So what would be the right thing to do for a young woman in the predicament described here? Well, for starters, young men and women who aren't prepared for the responsibility of parenthood shouldn't be having sex that could result in pregnancy. That's pretty basic and something that you all know—and yet I understand that sometimes while the spirit is willing, the flesh is pretty weak, and you can get into a situation where it's pretty hard to resist, and sometimes you don't exercise enough self–control or will power. So then when reality hits and you realize that you're going to have a child—or in some cases another child—as a result of it‚ or even when you realize that you'll be obligated by the 20–month "minimum responsibility" to be together for at least that long with the father of this child, sometimes it's just too much of a strain on your emotions and you don't think you can take it.

94. Believe Me, I understand these difficulties. I may not be a woman, but I created woman's heart‚ and I know the emotions which you are capable of experiencing. I've tried them out Myself—every one, the whole spectrum—and I can say in full honesty that I know how you feel. You might wonder then, if I've really felt it and really understand, why do I let such things happen? Well, the truth is that it's not My fault. It's your decision and responsibility. It is My doing when you get pregnant‚ in a sense, but it's also largely your own doing and a result of your own choices. One choice leads to another, and making the decision to fuck is just the first in a whole long string of decisions. I know you girls know what I mean.

95. I don't condemn you for your weakness, for those times when different ones of you have been frustrated, confused, at wits' end, and due to this have opted to try to get your body to rid itself of the life within you. I do want to let you know, though—and I know some of you have experienced this for yourselves—that that's not necessarily going to "make everything better." It's not only very difficult on you physically, creating the potential to mess up your body pretty badly‚ depending on what you do; it's also very difficult on you psychologically‚ emotionally, and spiritually. It's something that generally haunts you and weighs on you for years to come.

96. That feeling comes from a spiritual connection that you have developed with that child, no matter how long or short a time it was with you. It was part of you, and yet a new life, and there is a metaphysical link formed between you at the moment of conception. If you "lose" it, then you really do lose something—something that was a part of you and which was meant to be yours. That's why mis­carriages are so difficult. It's not just the physical pain, but it's a very emotional and even spiritual thing. It's compounded‚ though, when it's a result of your own doing and you suffer from condemnation, making it much more difficult than when it happens naturally.

97. When you're caring for yourself and the child within you and it's taken from you, then you can trust Me that I allowed it for a reason—and the possible reasons are many. But when you give it up of your own accord, then you'll always wonder, "Would my life have been better if I hadn't done that?" You may not admit it, even to yourself. You might say, "Of course I'm better off without it," and you might have some seemingly very good reasons for feeling that way: "I'm too young to start having kids." "I could never get hitched with that guy." "There are so many things I want to do—good things for the Lord and in my ministry—that I won't be able to do with a kid." And of course sometimes the reason is just plain old selfishness—you just want to be free and independent and don't want to make the sacrifices that come with the territory of being a parent or a wife. No matter what you may be saying now, though, the fact is that if you lose a child, and especially if you get rid of it yourself, you'll always feel a little incomplete.

98. As for birth control, again, you know that I'm not for it and it's not My plan or highest will. I don't want to promote it in any form, because I want people to make responsible choices. I don't go for this "taking the easy way out" stuff when it comes to decisions you make with your life. Nevertheless, I have not "outlawed" birth control, so to speak, because it's a choice that you must make according to your own faith.

99. If you determine that it's necessary for you to use some form of birth control, either for health or other personal reasons‚ you would be wise to do some research and try to use the most natural means possible. And then‚ of course, take the matter to Me and let Me speak to you about it and what would be best for you. Even though I don't promote it in any way‚ if you ask Me about it, I can speak to you and help it to be better than if you didn't ask Me about it, and then at least you're going for the silver‚ and can receive My blessings for being willing to hear My counsel on the subject and receive My consent. Of course, no matter what method you use, the fact is that nothing's foolproof, and a lot of methods have other side effects as well. So it's not a matter to take lightly, and it doesn't completely take all responsibility off of your shoulders either.

100. The wisest thing for most of you girls is just to move slowly, take it easy, wait until you've found the right person that you're willing to work and live with and raise children with‚ before you go all the way sexually. The next wisest thing‚ if you're going to use birth control, is to do your homework and make sure you know what you're getting into.

101. And please, for your own sake as well as Mine, if I entrust you with a child as a result of your lovemaking, hold on to it and treasure that gift. Treat it as I would treat it, and open your life and heart to it, even if it seems like the most difficult thing in the world at the time. If you do‚ you'll see that you'll be rewarded for it in ways that you can't possibly conceive of until you've taken that step. (End of message from Jesus.)

Text box:

The IUD—Some Facts for an Informed Choice

The IUD: What is it?

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a foreign body basically made of a relatively non-reactive plastic material (polyethylene) inserted into the uterus of a woman for birth control purposes. Some of the more recent devices have incorpor­ated active chemicals such as copper which slowly release and react locally to contribute to birth control efficiency.

How does the IUD work?

The IUD does little or nothing to interfere with sperm migration or fertilization (conception). It achieves its birth control effect primarily by preventing the newly conceived human life from implanting in the uterine lining (endometrium), and is thus an abortifacient.

What is an abortifacient?

An abortifacient is an agent which causes an abortion by interfering with the development of the conceived child in the womb.

Can the IUD affect a woman's health?

Yes. The IUD can be a cause of serious complica­tions which include hemorrhage, pelvic infection, and perforation of the uterus. These may produce sterility. Major surgery may be required in some cases and death may follow in a few. An IUD manufacturer's booklet for patients lists 31 possible adverse reactions from its IUD.

Practical conclusions

Whatever uncertainty may still exist concerning the actual workings of the IUD, there is no reasonable doubt that it accomplishes its birth control function as an early abortion agent after conception has occurred, and it is a misnomer to call such an action "contra­ceptive." Any woman who is concerned about the life of the unborn infant will avoid choosing the IUD as a method of birth regulation. The IUD presents serious dangers to a woman's own health and her ability to bear children in the future.

Jesus:

102. Many of the pharma­ceutical companies would like to cover this information up because they make a lot of money off these devices. That's why you don't read it and hear about it everywhere, on every Web site. But it's true, and it shouldn't be hard to believe, because when you go sticking things in your bodies that weren't made to be there—and not only weren't made to be there, but go against My plan of procreation and unselfishly bringing children into the world—you're bound to have problems. I just can't bless it, and I didn't make your body to have it there. It might go okay for some people‚ but it can cause a lot of problems too, and is an unnecessary risk to take. (End of message from Jesus.)

Anchor Down…

Mama:

103. The following was given for one of our young staff members during a period of about a month when he was being hit with bizarre doubts and questions, which struck at the very foundation of his faith. He felt shaken, destabilized. The fundamentals of our belief in the Lord and His love, salvation, the spiritual warfare, etc., began to seem illogical, and the more he tried to figure things out, the worse the battles became. He was very discouraged about it and wondered if his time of usefulness in WS or even in the Family was coming to an end.

104. He didn't believe the various doubts and questions that were coming into his mind; because they were so extreme, he knew they were straight from the Enemy, and it was an obvious attack. But it was still very discouraging to be hit with them day after day. He wondered what had gone wrong or why this attack had seemingly come out of nowhere. I think the Lord's counsel to him will be very encouraging for many of you, as the Lord explains the purpose of these strong tests that many are having to endure in this new era of action.

Jesus:

105. Think it not strange, this fiery trial that tries you, My son. You know of the wonderful things which are in store. You know of the promises I've given about your future. It's no wonder that the ­Enemy would try to steal that away from you, to make you feel that it's not worth fighting for, or that the battle is even unreal. You shouldn't be amazed or surprised at his tactics—he's simply trying to pull you off the wall and distract you, get you so busy sorting out doctrine in your head, trying to determine what you believe and what you don't, that you don't realize the real battle for your spiritual life which is ­being waged.

106. I know you realize that this is a battle. You've heard My words, that this is an outside attack. This is not something that you've let into your life through sin or disobedience, but in order to win this battle‚ you must cleanse your life and heart. At this moment, there are things in your heart that are standing between us. When it comes time to fight in heavy battle‚ you're distracted; you don't have full faith to claim My promises because you haven't fully yielded to Me. That's the first step‚ My son.

107. Again, think it not strange. This is not something that you're going through alone. Each of My children who desire to enter in and fully partake personally of the era of action and all that is in store will have to pass a test. They will have to pay a price—often a price greater than they think they're capable of paying. But that's because of the great honor that lies on the other side of that test—the honor of participating in this era which all the prophets prophesied of‚ the era when My power, supernatural and mir­aculous‚ will be poured out more strongly than ever before. It's an era when you, My children, who have become one with Me and paid the price‚ will be powerful, mighty; your wish will be My command, for we will be as one.

108. All things which have gone before have been preparation for this era. All the tests, all the practice with the new weapons, all the nudging and pleading to become My brides, wholly dedicated to Me—it's all been preparation for this era to come. You, My brides, have become the favored ones, My pets. You who have left behind your pride and been willing to prove your love for Me‚ even though it required humbling yourselves, will be exalted and honored above all who have gone before on the face of the Earth, for you will play a key role in this, the last chapter of history.

109. Think it not strange that the Enemy would tempt you to throw away your crown at this last stage, this great test, this entrance exam. He knows that if you pass and enter the era of action with the full power that I've promised because of your full obedience and yieldedness, the doubt will be erased from your mind and you'll see with your eyes that which I have been promising.

110. It will no longer be a case of walking by faith—it will be the reward for you who have walked by faith. You who have believed without seeing will see My promises fulfilled. You who have entered in and become My brides, the lovers of God, will see My power and protection and anointing manifested in you like never before. You who have chosen to be My weak and humble vessels, and have allowed Me to work in your lives and prepare you, will be amazed when you feel My anointing rush in and fill you like never before.

111. These are the days of fulfillment of My promises. The Enemy is furious! He will stop at nothing to try and keep you from entering in with faith and complete yieldedness. This is but one of his puny attacks. I know you feel that your foundation is shaken, that you don't know if you can continue, because every emotion within you is changed. The things which you trusted unquestioningly before now seem to be a glaring distortion or perverted sense of reality. The basic foundation beliefs now seem strange. The precious words that I've given you seem hollow.

112. But none of this is so. It's all an illusion, a misconception, a play on your feelings and emotions. It's not the truth. Your faith is intact. Your beliefs are strong. The foundation of your spirit is still there—the Enemy is just playing tricks on your emotions. If you get caught up in his mind games and begin to analyze and listen to the thoughts he puts in your head‚ it gives him power to erode your foundation. It begins to create reality from the lying vanities. If you choose to believe him by choosing to analyze things with your carnal mind, he has real power to destroy the good foundation that you stand upon, and it will damage your faith and your spiritual life.

113. But if you choose to ride out the storm—to put your faith solely in Me, in those things which you can't see or feel or even find confidence in with your natural mind, but that you know to be true because you know My love is true even if you don't feel it at the moment—then the storm will pass, the clouds will lift, and that attack will be over.

114. There's another thing you must do, My precious love. You must seek Me regarding what more I'm asking of you, now that you've entered the era of action. It must be a case of old things passing away and all things becoming new. In order to effectively pass this test and ­enter this wonderful era and all that it holds with the full power that I want to give you personally, you must come before Me with empty heart and hands and be willing to be what I want you to be. I know that's a hard saying, but remember that you're not alone in facing this decision. Each of My children is being faced with a choice, or will yet be.

115. Be encouraged to know that because what I'm asking of you is great, the power I'm waiting to give you is greater still. Be encouraged when you're faced with these tests and battles, knowing that the greater the battle, the greater the victory. Just the fact that you've made it this far is a very great honor, and I'm giving you a chance to make it all the way. I know you can do it, but there's a price to be paid. The choice is yours. Come before Me and hear My words to you. I will speak to you and complete this message. I will give you that which you need to understand. I will encourage you and give you faith. So much I will give you through My precious gift of prophecy!

116. Don't let the Enemy rob you of the joy of this precious gift of hearing from Me in prophecy. Hold on to it as if it were your life, for indeed it is. Don't listen to the Enemy's lying vanities. Hold fast to your crown. All Heaven is rooting for you. We know you can make it—you have to believe us and just keep running‚ even if you don't know if you're going in the right direction or not. We'll keep you on the right track. Keep going by faith.

117. Anchor down, and let the storm pass. And pass it will‚ if you anchor deep into My Word and hang on to My promises. Pass this test. It's twofold—don't let your faith be shaken by the lying vanities the Enemy would plague and bombard you with, and give Me everything so that I can empower you fully. Even if all your senses seem to be telling you otherwise, you're firmly planted on My foundation‚ and unless you move your feet‚ you will not be moved. Hold fast that which you've been given—let no man take your crown. (End of message from Jesus.)

Keeping things in focus …

Mama:

118. Following is an excerpt of a letter and message that I sent to one of you after hearing of your battles‚ which I think many of you might identify with.

(Excerpt of Mama's letter to this young woman:)

119. [Your shepherd] mentioned that you and [your mate] were struggling with questions about the Family and the things shared by James Penn in your brief encounter with him. She didn't give any details‚ but when I heard that part of the report, I was moved in the spirit to pour out my heart for you in prayer—similar to how Jesus did for Peter when He said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you‚ that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

120. I hope you don't mind me writing you, but I just had such a burden for you that I felt I had to write and let you know I was praying for you and to send you a little something from our sweet Lover and Friend, which you will find below.

121. Peter and I love you very much and want to encourage you both to keep fighting—because you're very valuable to us, to Jesus, and to lost souls. We're proud of you for sticking it out in spite of it all, and being willing to become what the Lord wants you to be and to make the Family the place it should be. We're also grateful for all you've sacrificed and given to reach the lost, which has resulted in great fruit and many rewards laid up for you in Heaven. As we enter this new era of action, we're excited and eagerly anticipate hearing of even greater things. We're praying for you and for all the Family as we change, grow, and move forward.

(Excerpts of message from Jesus:)

122. I've done all things well in your life, and everything I've brought into your life has been for your good, even if sometimes it's looked like a stone instead of bread. I can even bring good out of this point of decision—a crisis of faith, so to speak—for once you are tried, you can come forth as gold, and be a strength and help to your brethren. I can help you and strengthen you and heal you of your wounds. It probably wasn't the best thing for you to do or get yourself into, but even from these battles I can bring forth good.

123. Like My Word says, "Can a man take fire into his bosom and not be burned?" Let's face it‚ My love, you took fire into your bosom and you were burned, and you're wounded—but I can and will heal you of your wounds. It can be like the picture of bloodstains in the snow and the wound on the side of the little lamb. I can heal the wound and cover the scar with new wool, and I send fresh snow to cover the bloodstains on the ground. It's not that the wound was never there, but I can help and cover it. And so it is with you—I can heal you of your wounds and cover them.

124. Let Me kiss away your hurts and your wounds! I will kiss them all away. Come kiss My honey lips and let Me cleanse and purify you by the sweet, pure water of My Word—delivered and cleansed by the Word.

125. I see you struggling. You've seen situations that haven't been the best, which give credibility to the lies, and this makes it even harder to fight. But the thing is, I love all My children, and what may seem like bad things to you are actually the very things that I've done in that person's life to bring forth a certain purpose. You can't really judge what I'm doing in others' lives. It's like what I said to Peter when he asked Me what another would do. I said to him, "What if I would have him tarry till I return? What is that to thee? Follow thou Me."

126. That is the essence, the crux of the matter: What is it to you what others do? Follow thou Me. You have to make your stand of faith if you love Me and are willing to follow Me and do My bidding. You can't let others' choices dictate what you're to do. All men must stand before Me and give account of their deeds, whether they be good or whether they be evil. When you stand before Me you will be judged based upon your actions, not another's. You'll not be able to say, "I stopped serving You because so-and-so did something wrong to so-and-so," or any other reasons that are going around in the rumors. You must take a stand, know what you believe, and live your beliefs no matter what anyone else says or does.

127. The thing that is the most important is our love for each other and sharing that love with others—the lost of the world. Have I ever failed you, My love? Haven't even seemingly bad things turned out for good? Even this struggle can become a victory out of defeat, in that it can strengthen your resolve and make you even more sold out to the cause of reaching the lost. So turn your eyes toward Me and look full in My wonderful face; let the things of this world become dim in the glory of My loving grace.

128. Don't worry so much about all these things and rumors and rumblings; keep your eyes straight ahead on the goal. Make your stand—your stand of faith—that you're going to be the best disciple you can be no matter what anyone else is doing or not doing. Read the Word and let your heartcry be as Joshua's, and as Elijah's: "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; for if the Lord be God, than follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (End of message from Jesus)

(End of file.)