Thursday, December 1, 2011

Back on track

Tumultuous. This word best describes the last year of my life. Divorce, death of my beloved dog Disney, a new job, and news I was going to be a grandma for the first time (the best news ever!). Major life changes . . . bad and good. The words of Jesus in the Volumes and Monthly Messages provided comfort and the perseverance to stay focused on the most important thing . . . pleasing our Lord. The April 1, 2011 Monthly Message particularly gave me strength:

April 1, 2011

Jesus

"Dearest apostles, you are serving Me despite trials and temptations. That is why you are called apostles, because you follow Me and serve Me. No life is easy or without strife, and I know, dear apostles, that you experience your share of difficulty. These difficulties are important for you because through the suffering of them you gain mastery over yourself. When you conquer a difficulty, using the holiness you have received from Me, you become stronger spiritually and then when the next difficulty comes, you both view it differently and treat it differently. You view it as expected, because your experience tells you that in life in general, and service to Me specifically, will include these difficulties. You treat it differently because you know that I am with you today as I have been with you in the past. Additionally, you understand that all difficulty passes. What is it that remains, dear apostles, when the difficulty passes? Your commitment to Me remains and the work I will for you remains. You are not overcome and I need your help. And so we go on, Jesus and His apostles. The work continues and comfort and salvation are brought to God's children. Be at peace, dear friends. I am with you and I am factoring in your presence as I plan for the advancement of the Renewal."

Jesus understands our trials and temptations. He experienced it Himself on earth. He triumphed over evil, the same evil you and I face every day as followers of Christ. He knows our weaknesses and that we may fail once in a while. But, He promises He is by our side all the way, loving and forgiving us through thick and thin. Keep your eyes looking toward heaven, lay apostles, as it will make us stronger Christians, more compassionate, less judgmental, creating mastery over ourselves and how we behave.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing to love me despite my failures. Help me to remember Your Presence during my trials and temptations.

God bless,
Bonnie (future grammy of Connor!)




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