Dear Friend,
I believe that mankind is being asked to be a part of some very important days on this earth – to face the need for decisive action that peels off layer by layer the things that separate us from His Kingdom. That is why we are here in Minneapolis – to point everyone we meet to the reality of the Kingdom of God and to God’s invitation to gather together that we may demonstrate His Life and Love so that others can see. That’s why it is so encouraging to read your letter and hear your very important questions. The fact is that you are being stirred by Jesus to change your life.
Embrace Jesus. ALL of Him! It may sometimes seem that Jesus comes to cut away and prune. Sometimes it seems Jesus comes to hold us closely and heal the pain and infection that riddles our soul. But know this: Jesus Comes! He is not One we can selectively obey. Yet He does not force His Way on anyone. He waits till we are convinced His Way is our only Way. What patient, knowing he is gravely ill, dictates to the Doctor which parts of his body he will allow to be operated on and which parts he refuses to be changed? No, once we understand our condition we find a Doctor we can trust who has our best in mind and say, “Do what you believe is best.”
To trust God, to trust in His Love and Life, with our entire life -- these are the things that many voices in our world try to convince us NOT to do. And these cacophony of seemingly reasonable ideas, “accuse our God day and night”. They accuse Him of not being able to care for us. They accuse Him of having motives to harm and hurt and bring pain. They claim that it is impossible to hear His voice. They claim it is impossible to gather together in true Unity, as Jesus taught us to, with others along this Way. I know these voices, they were once my friends and I lived in misery until Jesus came to me. And they still knock at my door from time to time and must be answered with His Truth. “Trust in God, trust also in Me…Come to me all you labor and are heavy burdened and you will find rest for your souls.” – these are words of Life, Trust in Him with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. He will show you the Way, one step at a time, one layer at a time, because He Loves us.
