Feeling Worn?

I can't tell you the number of times I've listened to people talk about the ideas and thoughts that pop into their heads, and that are wonderful things, or beautiful promises, that apply directly to their circumstance, to their recent prayers . . . but they dismiss it as their own thoughts, even while their hearts are breaking because they don't feel they ever hear God.

That is unbelief.

I lived there for a long, long time (like two decades), so I feel like I can speak with some authority. ;o)

If it's GOOD, it is of God. Jesus said so (through Mormon), and I believe Him.

Moroni, recording what his father Mormon preached, wrote:

Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. ~Moroni 7:12-13

This song came on Spotify today as I was listening, and it became my prayer . . . it was my heart's cry yesterday, and today, as I took these words for my own and sent them heavenward, Jesus answered. With an outpouring of love and warmth and the familiar wonder of His presence, I heard in my mind and heart, infused with the unmistakable feel of His smile: "That's what I'm for, beloved. That's why I AM."

Here am I, Lord.

Reading something tonight about the last days opened my mind to be taught something really profound. All of these things could happen without great fanfare. We can be working on being diligent and receiving more light and knowledge, and go on to receive the Comforters . . . and even after all of that, we'll still feel like ourselves. We'll still have weaknesses, these thorns in the flesh, and Jesus will take the willingness of our hearts, the sacrifices we've made, and our repentant hearts that beat within these fleshy, marred veils, and use us to do service for Him beyond anything we could ever imagine.

Lord, I am so imperfect. So flawed. But . . . I love You.

Here am I.

Send me.

He Will Strengthen and Bless

"In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." ~1 Peter 5:10 NLT

This pattern has held true in my life . . . and let me just say: the restoration, support, strength and surety He gives absolutely dwarfs into insignificance any suffering I have ever done. 

He is faithful. Always!

Nourish It a Little Longer

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." ~2 Peter 3:9 NASB

"But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little longer. And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard." ~The Allegory of the Olive Tree, Jacob 5:50-51

He is faithful, and merciful. And I'm so, so glad for the time offered to us to repent and seek Him, and to love one another. He is long-suffering . . . NEVER giving up on any of us. 

Father, thank You for Your patience with the human family, born of Your incredible love for us. Fill us all with Your love and Your patience so we might learn more of Your ways, and offer grace to those around us, freely and joyously. In Jesus' name, amen. :-)