Don't Be A Stumbling Block

THE FATHER: My child, I delight to see how you are growing everyday. It is exciting, as a parent, to see you grow and enjoy the freedoms I give you. As you continue to grow you will find even more freedoms. In your freedom always remember your younger brothers and sisters. They have not yet attained the freedoms that you have. They are not ready for these freedoms. I will know when they are ready. Do not tempt them to walk a path they are not yet ready for. Put aside your freedom in this area so that your brother is not tempted to follow you. He may stumble and lose his way. As a result of your selfishness and pride, he may lose his way home.

THE CHILD: Father, I am so happy in my new found freedom. I want to share it with everyone. I want my brother to experience the joy I have found. But I don't want to cause my brother to stumble. I understand now that what I consider "helping" my brother, by pointing out the errors of his ways, is a prideful need on my part to be right. Forgive me, Father, and help me be more sensitive to my brothers needs.

Obey The Rules

THE FATHER: My child, obey my rules and follow the instructions I have given you. I know in your heart that you want to please me. You want to do what makes me happy. The instructions I have given you and the rules I have put in place will keep you safe from harm and allow you to live in harmony with those around you. Remember to show compassion for those around you and forgiveness for any wrongdoing whether real or imagined on your part. Remember I am the judge. Always operate in the spirit of truth. If you will do these things you will find favor with me and those you work with. Remember I only have the best planned for you and I'm working it all out in the best possible way, at the best possible time for you.

THE CHILD: Father, I do want to obey you and follow the instructions that you give me, but, when everyone around me seems to be breaking all the rules and yet finding more success and favor in relationships and at work than I am, it's hard. Especially right now at work when all the promotions are going to those who seem to "talk" more than they work. This is very hard for me, especially when I am struggling financially right now.

THE FATHER: I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper not to harm, plans full of hope and a bright future. You can count on me to do my part. Can I count on you?

Happy Are Those Who Mourn, They Will Be Comforted

THE FATHER: My child, along life's journey you will experience many losses. There will be times of great mourning such as when you lose a loved one. There are also other occasions which you will mourn such as the loss of a mate through divorce, loss of a job, a loss of security threatening your peace, a loss of youth. And, yes, there will even be times of loss of fellowship with me. Know that I am always here to comfort you. Some losses you have no control over, others are brought on by your disobedience to my Word. But always remember this, if you will confess your wrongdoing, whether intentional or not, I will always be here to forgive you and comfort you in my arms of love.

THE CHILD: Father, I love the way you read my heart. You recognize my thoughts and feelings before I do. Only you could help me see that the funk I was in on Monday was a type of mourning. I was mourning over the loss of jobs that paid better than my current job. The loss of which have put me in the financial situation that I am currently in. And losses, Father, that were caused by my own wrongdoing and, yes, downright disobedience to your Word. Thank you for forgiving my disobedience and for showing me ways to rise above the circumstances I'm in now. You could have walked away but instead you chose to walk with me through this valley of renewal.

Father's Day

THE CHILD: I hope you had a happy Father's Day. I enjoyed spending it with you.

Keys To Survival - Humility

THE FATHER SPEAKS: Throughout the next few days, possibly weeks, I want to discuss with you the keys to surviving during this time of enemy occupation. I smile when I hear one of my children refer to them as the "Beatitudes". I smile because if these "attitudes" can "be" the center focus of your journey you will never have to worry about losing your way.

The first key is humility. When I say "poor in spirit" what do you think of? I certainly an not referring to poor as in "poor pitiful me". Never would I ask a child of mine to think less of him or herself than what I do. You are a child of the King, an heir to the throne. One day you will rule with me in heavenly places. Because you know who you are, you don't have to be proud or arrogant. There is no need to try to convince others of your importance or worth. You can step back and let them be center stage.Put others in the spotlight of my love. You stand backstage beyond the spotlight and when they turn to recognize that you are the one who lead them to the light, direct them again to the spotlight of my love. For the kingdom of heaven is yours with all the riches and splendor you will ever need.

THE CHILD: Father, I must confess that many times I think less of myself than what you do of me. In my heart of hearts I know I am your child, the child of the King, an heir to the throne. But I am constantly bombarded with darts from the enemy reminding me of every time I have failed to behave like royalty or of decisions I have made that have dishonored the throne.

THE FATHER: Pick up your Sword and remember:

This is my Word.

You are who It says you are.

You can do what It says you can do.

PERIOD. END OF DISCUSSION.

An Introduction

THE FATHER SPEAKS: When I provided this temporary home for you, it was perfect. Every plant, animal and human lived in peace and harmony with one another. Then the enemy came and invaded and conquered, albeit temporarily. Each day our enemy grows more and more desperate to hold on to the territory he currently occupies because he knows, and yet refuses to accept, that his end is near. Because of the increased desperation on our enemy's part it is even more important today than it has been in the past that we keep the lines of communication open. As I speak to you I will instruct you and encourage you. However, this needs to be a two-way conversation. I need to know not only that you received my message but that you understood it. I need to know of any struggles or pitfalls so I can help you through the difficult times. There will be difficult times. Just remember there will be battles lost but the victory will be ours.

THE CHILD SPEAKS: Father, I am so glad you are with me and that I don't have to go through this battle alone. Sometimes I feel so surrounded by the enemy that it seems all lines of communication have been cut off. It is then that I realize I am looking at every thing around me and I've stopped looking up. Thank you that, even though I may lose sight of you in the midst of the battle, you never lose sight of me.

YOUR RESPONSE IS WELCOME.