My dearest child...

*I did not write this. This is something my youth pastor gave to all of us February of 2007. I found it and decided that it needed to be shared with all. So here it is...*

My dearest child,

It thrills me when I see you begin to walk in truth, and I ache when you misunderstand things. One of the biggest misconceptions my children have is in how I see you and how I want to use you. Tonight, I want to share some things with you.

Do you understand that I see you as a co-laborer? Oh, how I wish you could see that we work together. The reason you have compassion for people who are hurting is that I have compassion for them. That's how I work through you. When you extend your hand to someone in need, you're extending me. As you grasp how I work through you, you'll become more and more willing to go where I want you to go.

Satan is the father of lies. He attacks by manipulating and bending the truth about how I see you. We in heaven are always astounded by how many people are deceived into living in condemnation. What a devastating lie that is! I want to say this very clearly: There is no condemnation for those who are in my son, Christ Jesus. I long for you to know that I like you, I desire you, and I want you to be my voice to the world. Do you see this? Do you feel it? Do you smell it? If not, you will continue to sink in fear, panic, and torment. That is so far from what I desire. I want you to be free. I long for your freedom. My son died for your freedom. So take my hand and embrace the faith I have in you.

For far too long, my people have run from me. But that is changing tonight. It's time to go for it. It's time for you to trust in me and to see how I trust in you. I no longer call you a servant; I call you my friend. You are a child of the King-act like it! Love greatly; risk deeply; live fully. Jump out of your boat and start walking on water. When you see a hurt, be a voice for me. Don't worry about what to say. I live in you, and I'll speak through you. I'm not a different Spirit; I'm the same one who set the world on fire through the least likely people in the early church. They were broken like you are, but they weren't hung up on their brokenness. To be a person of great faith, you have to be anchored in my love, in my faith in you. I've said it in my word-faith works by love. Immerse yourself in my love, and you will see your self-hatred drown.

Come close now. Feel my love. Let it penetrate your heart. One of my greatest thrills is destroying the barrier to belief that you've heard about tonight. I'm appalled when my children are consumed by their imperfections, because that's not what I desire for you. I want to show you a brand new way of living. I'm crazy about you! My love for you is deeper and higher and wider than you realize. Come and live in this love, and I'll show you how to love yourself.

Love,
Your Father