Ellen Chaksil Interview
KDKA - Amplify with Father Ron Lengwin
CLICK HERE to listen to the radio broadcast.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Interview on KDKA's Amplify with Father Ron Lengwin
Ellen Chaksil Interview
KDKA - Amplify with Father Ron Lengwin
CLICK HERE to listen to the radio broadcast.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Interview on KCMN Legends 1530 A.M.
Ellen Chaksil InterviewKCMN Legends 1530 A.M.
Tron in the Morning with Tron Simpson
CLICK HERE to listen to the radio broadcast.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Dedication to Pope John Paul II
On April 2, 2005, the Catholic Church and all of God’s children experienced a time of grief, sadness and loss when our beloved Pope John Paul II died.
At this moment I have his picture before me. His beautiful blue eyes, which I gazed into when I spoke with him in 1992, are not so clearly visible in this particular photo, yet the peaceful expression on his face reveals his compassionate, love-filled character.
This great man of our time had already taken the steps toward inter-religious dialogue which should be required of all religious leaders. Many instances of his efforts in that area have been recorded. The one which Pope John Paul II made in February of 2000 while he was in Egypt, has special meaning for me, because he told the people that he believed the future of humanity depended on the dialogue between different cultures and religions.
Certainly our Holy Father did not make that statement particularly in regard to the message God has given me, which I have recorded in this book, but his statement nevertheless confirms the need I had expressed for humanity to join together in prayer, and so I knew it should be included here.
Some of Pope John Paul’s further efforts to promote interreligious dialogue are as follows:
• In 1986, leaders from several religions came together in Assisi to pray for peace
• In 1999, 230 representatives from twenty world religions came together to dialogue in the Vatican
• In February 2000, Pope John Paul II traveled to Egypt and prayed at the site where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments
• In March of 2000, a deep chord was struck with the Israelis when Pope John Paul II visited the Holy Land. A profound statement was made by Joseph Alpher, former head of Tel Aviv University, who said, “The message I got from the Pope is that Catholics are interested in looking at their roots in Old Testament Judaism”
• In May 2001, some historic moments were made in Greece and Syria–in Athens, with John Paul’s apology to the Orthodox, and in Damascus, with the first papal visit inside a mosque
• On January 24, 2002, Pope John Paul II hosted the leaders of more than twenty Christian denominations and world religions in Assisi for a second time to pray for peace
• In April of 2003, a meeting took place in the Vatican between Pope John Paul II, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Anthony, Episcopal Bishop William Swing, and Roman Catholic Archbishop William Levada. The three leaders also prayed at the three centers of their respective branches of Christianity—Canterbury, Rome and Istanbul
There are many more instances of inter-religious dialogue in which our beloved Pope John Paul II participated; however, I want to close with two of his statements which most eloquently speak of his desire for unity as well as his respect for other religious traditions.
In an address to the Curia on December 7, 1990, he stated the following:
Human beings may often not be conscious of their radical unity, and when they profess different religions incompatible among themselves, they can feel as if their divisions are insuperable. But all people are included in the grand and one design of God, in Jesus Christ who is united in a certain way with every human being, even if they are not aware of it. Every authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy Spirit who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person.
On September 9, 1998 at a General Audience, he stated the following:
Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The various religions arose from this primordial human openness to God. At their origins we often find founders who, with the help of God’s Spirit, achieved a deeper religious experience. Handed on to others, this experience took form in the doctrines, rites and precepts of the various religions. Normally, it will be in the sincere practice of what is good in their own religious traditions and by following the dictates of their own conscience that members of other religions respond positively to God’s invitation and receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even while they do not recognize or acknowledge Him as their Savior.
In view of those statements, is it any wonder that millions of people waited in line for twelve to fourteen hours to view and so pay tribute to a future saint, Pope John Paul II? And, in fact on May 13th, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he was setting aside the five-year waiting period called for by church law to allow the immediate opening of Pope John Paul’s cause for sainthood.
At this moment I have his picture before me. His beautiful blue eyes, which I gazed into when I spoke with him in 1992, are not so clearly visible in this particular photo, yet the peaceful expression on his face reveals his compassionate, love-filled character.
This great man of our time had already taken the steps toward inter-religious dialogue which should be required of all religious leaders. Many instances of his efforts in that area have been recorded. The one which Pope John Paul II made in February of 2000 while he was in Egypt, has special meaning for me, because he told the people that he believed the future of humanity depended on the dialogue between different cultures and religions.
Certainly our Holy Father did not make that statement particularly in regard to the message God has given me, which I have recorded in this book, but his statement nevertheless confirms the need I had expressed for humanity to join together in prayer, and so I knew it should be included here.
Some of Pope John Paul’s further efforts to promote interreligious dialogue are as follows:
• In 1986, leaders from several religions came together in Assisi to pray for peace
• In 1999, 230 representatives from twenty world religions came together to dialogue in the Vatican
• In February 2000, Pope John Paul II traveled to Egypt and prayed at the site where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments
• In March of 2000, a deep chord was struck with the Israelis when Pope John Paul II visited the Holy Land. A profound statement was made by Joseph Alpher, former head of Tel Aviv University, who said, “The message I got from the Pope is that Catholics are interested in looking at their roots in Old Testament Judaism”
• In May 2001, some historic moments were made in Greece and Syria–in Athens, with John Paul’s apology to the Orthodox, and in Damascus, with the first papal visit inside a mosque
• On January 24, 2002, Pope John Paul II hosted the leaders of more than twenty Christian denominations and world religions in Assisi for a second time to pray for peace
• In April of 2003, a meeting took place in the Vatican between Pope John Paul II, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Anthony, Episcopal Bishop William Swing, and Roman Catholic Archbishop William Levada. The three leaders also prayed at the three centers of their respective branches of Christianity—Canterbury, Rome and Istanbul
There are many more instances of inter-religious dialogue in which our beloved Pope John Paul II participated; however, I want to close with two of his statements which most eloquently speak of his desire for unity as well as his respect for other religious traditions.
In an address to the Curia on December 7, 1990, he stated the following:
Human beings may often not be conscious of their radical unity, and when they profess different religions incompatible among themselves, they can feel as if their divisions are insuperable. But all people are included in the grand and one design of God, in Jesus Christ who is united in a certain way with every human being, even if they are not aware of it. Every authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy Spirit who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person.
On September 9, 1998 at a General Audience, he stated the following:
Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The various religions arose from this primordial human openness to God. At their origins we often find founders who, with the help of God’s Spirit, achieved a deeper religious experience. Handed on to others, this experience took form in the doctrines, rites and precepts of the various religions. Normally, it will be in the sincere practice of what is good in their own religious traditions and by following the dictates of their own conscience that members of other religions respond positively to God’s invitation and receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even while they do not recognize or acknowledge Him as their Savior.
In view of those statements, is it any wonder that millions of people waited in line for twelve to fourteen hours to view and so pay tribute to a future saint, Pope John Paul II? And, in fact on May 13th, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he was setting aside the five-year waiting period called for by church law to allow the immediate opening of Pope John Paul’s cause for sainthood.
Introduction
It was in 1978, following my Baptism in the Holy Spirit, that I began keeping a journal. At the time, I wrote merely to record my precious moments with the Lord. In the interim, by way of Jesus and His Holy Spirit, I was graced to perceive an opening into the Divine Realm of God Our Father. I became aware of matters and knowledge I had previously been unaware of possessing.
At that time, there was no thought, plot or plan to write a book. However, in the ensuing years, when I reflected upon the interrelatedness and the outcome of each situation I had been led into, it became clear that the Lord did have a plan for just such a project. I simply responded and moved on in the story I shall share with you.
My account will also include the joys, burdens and hardships I experienced throughout these years. It is necessary that I reveal it all to you, as I want to give honor and glory to God, not only for bringing me through those various phases, but also for opening doors for me, thus enabling me to complete my mission.
It took me years to fully understand the first prophetic word I heard in 1978: “When they are threatened with the loss of all this, only then will they turn to Me.” Initially, in that time and place, I believed God’s word was directed solely to my Church, and so I made efforts to take that message to Pope John Paul II.
Following a near-fatal car accident in 1980, I was made aware that the above word was also meant for the whole of humanity, all of God’s Children, or Planet Earth would once again meet with devastation and annihilation. However, as you shall read, God our Father and Creator offers Hope for Humanity.
At that time, there was no thought, plot or plan to write a book. However, in the ensuing years, when I reflected upon the interrelatedness and the outcome of each situation I had been led into, it became clear that the Lord did have a plan for just such a project. I simply responded and moved on in the story I shall share with you.
My account will also include the joys, burdens and hardships I experienced throughout these years. It is necessary that I reveal it all to you, as I want to give honor and glory to God, not only for bringing me through those various phases, but also for opening doors for me, thus enabling me to complete my mission.
It took me years to fully understand the first prophetic word I heard in 1978: “When they are threatened with the loss of all this, only then will they turn to Me.” Initially, in that time and place, I believed God’s word was directed solely to my Church, and so I made efforts to take that message to Pope John Paul II.
Following a near-fatal car accident in 1980, I was made aware that the above word was also meant for the whole of humanity, all of God’s Children, or Planet Earth would once again meet with devastation and annihilation. However, as you shall read, God our Father and Creator offers Hope for Humanity.
Chapter 7: Called to Write
The responsibility for the disintegration of unity in the Body of God lies with all God’s followers, and all religious leaders must vigorously engage in a joint spirited effort to rectify this separation.
Objective discernment is needed to uncover ways to mend this rift, for as long as it exists the force of God’s power in the world lies dormant; it can be likened to a sleeping giant.
Rectification necessitates investigation into the history of the Church, that the causes which are succeeding in keeping God’s Power chained may be uncovered. Undoubtedly, they have precipitated division. If perhaps the implementation of laws other than those of God is responsible for the separation, a study needs be conducted so that the reason behind that specific legalization may be bared.
For example: Did the law benefit God’s People or was it rooted in humanness so as to inflate the pride of a leader? Was the law instituted to fulfill a desire for power or was it to satisfy self in response to a personal devotion? Subsequent action to reexamine and either nullify or retain the law needs to be taken. When leaders honestly respond to the task of discernment it is necessary they keep ever before them the Lord’s desire for the unification of His Family. Our God ceaselessly calls for unification, that His power be released to benefit the whole of His creation.
To avoid entanglement in the possibility of disguise, as had been presented to me in March, it is necessary that we worship only our one true God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is necessary that we too strive to retain our spiritual virginity. Metaphorically speaking, we are
never to engage in idolatry, that is, to take part in worship of anyone or anything other than God. We are never to allow a lie to pass our lips, that is, metaphorically speaking, we are never to call upon or make petition to false gods, in this particular instance, the beast. After all, only the Lord knows what disguise he will take.
It is obvious that grave, immeasurable importance can be seen in the worship of the One True God. And, if faithfully adhered to, focused, undisputed, singleminded worship of God will eliminate any risk of being drawn into idolatry by way of subtle trickery.
We are as well to heed the words recorded in Wisdom 14:10-12:
Work and workman will alike be punished. Hence judgment will fall on the idols themselves of the heathen, since, although part of God’s creation, they have become an abomination, snares for the souls of men, a pitfall for the feet of the reckless (the unwary).
Yes, God’s People, His Church, could very subtly be led into worship, obedience and service to one other than God. In possible response to the directive of an apparition, misguided into believing it is a holy person, their unwariness and apparent innocence could even convince them that they are justified in their action. The conviction may become even stronger when it appears as though the organization of the Church approves the particular adoration and devotion.
Intense scrutiny and discernment are required in such areas, as hasty approval or apathetic silence could lead to misplaced worship and misdirected, lost souls.
I hesitate to focus on that trauma I experienced in March, yet once again I am met with scriptural passages which confirm its foretelling of the dangers of disguise. Revelations 13:13-15 states:
And it worked great miracles, even to calling down fire from heaven on to the earth while people watched. Through the miracles which it was allowed to do on behalf of the first beast, it was able to win over the people of the world and persuade them to put up a statue in honor of the beast that had been wounded by the sword and still lived. It was allowed to breathe life into this statue so that the statue of the beast was able to speak and to have anyone who refused to worship the statue of the beast put to death.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10,
But when the rebel comes, Satan will set to work: There will be all kinds of miracles and a deceptive show of signs and portents, everything evil that can deceive those who are bound for destruction as they would not grasp the love of the truth which could have saved them.
In reading these passages it becomes obvious that what I saw as a possibility is, in fact, a confirmed probability. Another entity has become empowered to assume disguises for the purpose of drawing adoration to himself. In so doing, he is instrumental not only in drawing worship, obedience and honor away from the Lord Our God, but he is creating division among our people.
The studies of scripture scholars reveal and confirm the subtle trickery of Satan in the assumption of disguise. The confirming footnote to Rev. 13:15 states that, ‘The second beast mimics the Spirit who works miracles in the church to encourage faith in Christ.’
What subtle trickery! What an affront! Is that deception occurring today by way of apparitions? Church officials, the Vatican hierarchy, are laden with the responsibility to discern these false guises and subsequently teach God’s People to employ that same discernment.
Worship of anyone other than God, wherever it exists, needs to be abolished. It defies common sense to think it is not instrumental in removing focus from God’s vision for mankind. What our Lord is calling for and awaiting is the transformation of our being, that ultimately we will become like Him, in Whose image and likeness we are created. This metamorphosis will occur through the process of loving, not venerating, externals or others.
Why, I have wondered over and over again, has all of this become known to me? In the beginning I wanted only a closer relationship with God; I did not want any part of prophecy. And yet I also knew it was only through God’s grace that I had been given these gifts. I should not be afraid; He will surely protect me!
Through the power of His Holy Spirit, I have become attuned to His Reality; I have the sense of never being alone. In that security I am experiencing the fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus in that Scripture passage I read earlier today:
Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of Truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows Him; but you know Him because He is with you, He is in You.” (John 14:15-20).
Until we recognize the longing we have come to sense within us as being rooted in a desire for God, we will never be at rest. We might be surrounded by a world filled with people and things and yet we will be lonely and discontented. Why? I believe God our Father planned it that way. He created a void within us, one which can be filled only with Himself. When we finally recognize that desire and enter into a personal relationship with Him, we experience attunement, and our souls will be at rest and the void filled.
It will be so even in the midst of the problems which we as human beings will always have. For in Him, being secure in the knowledge that we are never alone, we will have the strength we need to persevere in any and all situations.
Christian Brotherhood becomes evident in relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. In becoming personally aware of the love God has for us, we develop a sense of bravery and pride. We are strengthened and take delight in proclaiming, “We are followers of Jesus Christ.”
Fear of death is abated; death becomes seen not as an end but as a beginning. Its nebulous, sometimes fear-filled inevitability becomes overshadowed by the knowledge that, through that passage, we will be reunited with our Creator.
For we Catholics, the sacrifice of the mass becomes especially meaningful. We come to know that in receiving the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus, we are made pleasing to Yahweh, God Our Creator. And, like Jesus, we sacrifice and consecrate our lives to Him. The fruit and purpose of our life becomes known to us. Intuitively we see this as our return to God, and know that our souls and our glorified bodies will be reunited with Him.
We also know that Our Lord desires we become a community. We are to help others embrace those truths which have freed us. In times of distress we are to assist one another; we are to pick each other up, help dust away whatever burden had dragged our fellow down, and wipe away each others’ tears, so that we can trudge on and engage in the challenge of life, for our human condition will ever subject us to on-going temptation, pain and burden.
And, praise God, we do experience joys; their presence is undeniable. We learn that they become manifest by and through the power of the Holy Spirit and work toward the elimination of evil in our lives. A desire surfaces within us to attack and destroy any form of evil, so that humanity can be rid of the destruction it leaves in its path.
Objective discernment is needed to uncover ways to mend this rift, for as long as it exists the force of God’s power in the world lies dormant; it can be likened to a sleeping giant.
Rectification necessitates investigation into the history of the Church, that the causes which are succeeding in keeping God’s Power chained may be uncovered. Undoubtedly, they have precipitated division. If perhaps the implementation of laws other than those of God is responsible for the separation, a study needs be conducted so that the reason behind that specific legalization may be bared.
For example: Did the law benefit God’s People or was it rooted in humanness so as to inflate the pride of a leader? Was the law instituted to fulfill a desire for power or was it to satisfy self in response to a personal devotion? Subsequent action to reexamine and either nullify or retain the law needs to be taken. When leaders honestly respond to the task of discernment it is necessary they keep ever before them the Lord’s desire for the unification of His Family. Our God ceaselessly calls for unification, that His power be released to benefit the whole of His creation.
To avoid entanglement in the possibility of disguise, as had been presented to me in March, it is necessary that we worship only our one true God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is necessary that we too strive to retain our spiritual virginity. Metaphorically speaking, we are
never to engage in idolatry, that is, to take part in worship of anyone or anything other than God. We are never to allow a lie to pass our lips, that is, metaphorically speaking, we are never to call upon or make petition to false gods, in this particular instance, the beast. After all, only the Lord knows what disguise he will take.
It is obvious that grave, immeasurable importance can be seen in the worship of the One True God. And, if faithfully adhered to, focused, undisputed, singleminded worship of God will eliminate any risk of being drawn into idolatry by way of subtle trickery.
We are as well to heed the words recorded in Wisdom 14:10-12:
Work and workman will alike be punished. Hence judgment will fall on the idols themselves of the heathen, since, although part of God’s creation, they have become an abomination, snares for the souls of men, a pitfall for the feet of the reckless (the unwary).
Yes, God’s People, His Church, could very subtly be led into worship, obedience and service to one other than God. In possible response to the directive of an apparition, misguided into believing it is a holy person, their unwariness and apparent innocence could even convince them that they are justified in their action. The conviction may become even stronger when it appears as though the organization of the Church approves the particular adoration and devotion.
Intense scrutiny and discernment are required in such areas, as hasty approval or apathetic silence could lead to misplaced worship and misdirected, lost souls.
I hesitate to focus on that trauma I experienced in March, yet once again I am met with scriptural passages which confirm its foretelling of the dangers of disguise. Revelations 13:13-15 states:
And it worked great miracles, even to calling down fire from heaven on to the earth while people watched. Through the miracles which it was allowed to do on behalf of the first beast, it was able to win over the people of the world and persuade them to put up a statue in honor of the beast that had been wounded by the sword and still lived. It was allowed to breathe life into this statue so that the statue of the beast was able to speak and to have anyone who refused to worship the statue of the beast put to death.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10,
But when the rebel comes, Satan will set to work: There will be all kinds of miracles and a deceptive show of signs and portents, everything evil that can deceive those who are bound for destruction as they would not grasp the love of the truth which could have saved them.
In reading these passages it becomes obvious that what I saw as a possibility is, in fact, a confirmed probability. Another entity has become empowered to assume disguises for the purpose of drawing adoration to himself. In so doing, he is instrumental not only in drawing worship, obedience and honor away from the Lord Our God, but he is creating division among our people.
The studies of scripture scholars reveal and confirm the subtle trickery of Satan in the assumption of disguise. The confirming footnote to Rev. 13:15 states that, ‘The second beast mimics the Spirit who works miracles in the church to encourage faith in Christ.’
What subtle trickery! What an affront! Is that deception occurring today by way of apparitions? Church officials, the Vatican hierarchy, are laden with the responsibility to discern these false guises and subsequently teach God’s People to employ that same discernment.
Worship of anyone other than God, wherever it exists, needs to be abolished. It defies common sense to think it is not instrumental in removing focus from God’s vision for mankind. What our Lord is calling for and awaiting is the transformation of our being, that ultimately we will become like Him, in Whose image and likeness we are created. This metamorphosis will occur through the process of loving, not venerating, externals or others.
Why, I have wondered over and over again, has all of this become known to me? In the beginning I wanted only a closer relationship with God; I did not want any part of prophecy. And yet I also knew it was only through God’s grace that I had been given these gifts. I should not be afraid; He will surely protect me!
Through the power of His Holy Spirit, I have become attuned to His Reality; I have the sense of never being alone. In that security I am experiencing the fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus in that Scripture passage I read earlier today:
Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of Truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows Him; but you know Him because He is with you, He is in You.” (John 14:15-20).
Until we recognize the longing we have come to sense within us as being rooted in a desire for God, we will never be at rest. We might be surrounded by a world filled with people and things and yet we will be lonely and discontented. Why? I believe God our Father planned it that way. He created a void within us, one which can be filled only with Himself. When we finally recognize that desire and enter into a personal relationship with Him, we experience attunement, and our souls will be at rest and the void filled.
It will be so even in the midst of the problems which we as human beings will always have. For in Him, being secure in the knowledge that we are never alone, we will have the strength we need to persevere in any and all situations.
Christian Brotherhood becomes evident in relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. In becoming personally aware of the love God has for us, we develop a sense of bravery and pride. We are strengthened and take delight in proclaiming, “We are followers of Jesus Christ.”
Fear of death is abated; death becomes seen not as an end but as a beginning. Its nebulous, sometimes fear-filled inevitability becomes overshadowed by the knowledge that, through that passage, we will be reunited with our Creator.
For we Catholics, the sacrifice of the mass becomes especially meaningful. We come to know that in receiving the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus, we are made pleasing to Yahweh, God Our Creator. And, like Jesus, we sacrifice and consecrate our lives to Him. The fruit and purpose of our life becomes known to us. Intuitively we see this as our return to God, and know that our souls and our glorified bodies will be reunited with Him.
We also know that Our Lord desires we become a community. We are to help others embrace those truths which have freed us. In times of distress we are to assist one another; we are to pick each other up, help dust away whatever burden had dragged our fellow down, and wipe away each others’ tears, so that we can trudge on and engage in the challenge of life, for our human condition will ever subject us to on-going temptation, pain and burden.
And, praise God, we do experience joys; their presence is undeniable. We learn that they become manifest by and through the power of the Holy Spirit and work toward the elimination of evil in our lives. A desire surfaces within us to attack and destroy any form of evil, so that humanity can be rid of the destruction it leaves in its path.
Chapter 8: The Cup: My Brother, Aaron
The appearance of the cup does bear special meaning. Once again, I will reveal the prophecy to Pope John Paul II and also my fear of disguised apparitions.
I also prayed: “O my Precious Yahweh! Such rapturous delight is mine in the appearance of the cup! I am made aware of Your activity in my life. It seems my lot is to be a conveyor of Your Word. Lord, in all humility, I have and will accept the cup and be the bearer of unfavorable tidings, to relay messages which subtly dictate the need for change in our Church. Father God, whether the word will be heard and responded to remains to be seen. But I will do my part; I will not turn my back on this task, even though I know it would probably be better for me and my place in the world if I did.
Many people oppose change, and will counter and persecute the bearer of such a call. So, Lord, I pray You will lead Your People to see that it is Your will I am responding to. In the meantime, I will not allow that fear of possible ridicule or persecution cause me to retreat. Instead, I will put all my trust in You and journey on, for through Your Son Jesus, You did say, “What does it matter if we gain the whole world but lose our soul?” What would there remain for us? Speaking for myself, I would never know peace, and would experience hell on earth. In such a case, the only entity to benefit would be Satan, and I will not be a party to that!
Yet, Lord, the result of my accepting Your cup that I may be heard depends totally upon You. I will need letters of recommendation to allow me entrance to the doors of our Church’s leaders. Without Your help, I can do nothing. Hence, as in all matters, I will await Your assistance.
Unless steps are taken to rectify, even abolish, the points of dissension which have instigated disagreement and ultimate disunity, we are in for grave punishment. We will bring the chastisement upon ourselves, for we have put these things into practice and have engaged in ways and means which give glory, honor and praise to those other than God. In doing so, though we may not be aware of it, we are already punishing ourselves in that we are being deprived of the peace and joy we can have, and are able to be blessed with, when we engage in worship of God.
What has happened? Why have we become so blind? It is clear to see that, as a united body, a united Church, we can become a great power in the world to combat the forces of evil. Further, unless we become such a body, manifesting God’s Great Power on Earth, we cannot hope to defeat Satan’s plan for a prolonged reign on Earth. Whereas with united, concentrated prayer, praise, and faith, we can turn the tide and head off destruction.
Lord, why have our people become so dense and blind? Unknowingly we have allowed obstacles to come between us and You. This travesty is the result of our perverse invention of unnecessary complications, which have made approaching You so difficult. Help us to realize that You, Dear God are alive, and that dead things cannot lead us to oneness with You. Remind us that You permeate the atmosphere with Your Presence and allow our minds and souls, our very essence, to meet and mingle with You. Lord, I am humbly grateful to You for gracing me in those times of union; I have become fortified and encouraged to go on.
It is sad to think that so many of Your People are deprived of such moments, and sadder still is the realization that, though they too love You, they will not progress onto personal union with You, as they have become entrapped in prescribed ways and means and the use of externals. Lord, help us to recognize and remove all those stumbling blocks.
It is most necessary we become One United Christian Body, with Christ at our Head. We are to be a Body intent on investigating and discerning our differences, for if they have bred disunity they cannot have been divinely inspired. In Matthew 12:25, Jesus did say, “Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and no town, no household divided against itself can stand.”
Therefore, we Christians must join together. We are to form a solid band, one which can be most powerful in the promotion of good for all humanity, and as a result will be instrumental in wiping out the places where the evil one flourishes.
Satan desires disunity, for in such a situation he is able to prosper. Whereas the separation of God’s People keeps God’s power at a low ebb: Christian individuals are prevented from joining together and contributing to the release of God’s good power on Earth. Also, our obvious disunity is an obstacle in our effort to entice atheists and unbelievers into becoming believers. This becomes clear in the following hypothesis:
In any large gathering, it is quite possible we can hear an individual express a desire to become a Christian. Upon hearing such a statement, several people in the party will come forward. One will say, “That’s wonderful! Why don’t you come to my church? I am a Catholic, and we...” Another says, “Come to my church. I am a Pentecostal, and we...” Still another suggests, “I am a Presbyterian. Come to my church, and we...”
Obviously, this barrage of diverse responses will not only disillusion the individual who expressed the desire, but will also influence him or her to remain just where they were. The desire, after all, was to seek out a religious faith where they could find peace and purpose for their life. Without doubt, when faced with such blatant dissension, they will conclude that adherence to the Christian faith is not conducive to peace and purpose.
In such a situation, the Christian witness of those who have spoken out is definitely at fault, because it would seem to confirm that we are a contentious and competitive lot, despite the fact that, in the Christian faith, peace beyond understanding is to be found in relationship with the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, a Christian does have purpose in life, that of gaining eternal life, Eternal Oneness with God. Too often we lose sight of that truth when attempting to explain our faith to the newcomer.
Therefore it would serve us well to remember Our Lord’s words: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for ruin.” In light of that truth, it is necessary that we get to work and rectify our apparent disobedience to God’s call for unity.
We must strive toward and achieve a cohesiveness, that we be ready to join Jesus when He returns to rid the Earth of evil. As impossible as that undertaking may currently appear–that is, in this immoral, sophisticated, sin-filled world–let us remember that, with God’s help, nothing is impossible. We need only be alerted to and respond to His Presence within us and, through his Power, be fortified and strengthened in our efforts to unite.
We will come to realize that loss of face or pride in accepting or relinquishing certain practices, habits, and traditions does not matter. What is really important is that, above all else, God has created each of us. He sent His Son Jesus to tell us we are His sons and daughters, we are a part of Him, and He loves each of us equally. We learn that it is up to each of us to love Him, and our ultimate goal is to become One with Him and all His Children.
I also prayed: “O my Precious Yahweh! Such rapturous delight is mine in the appearance of the cup! I am made aware of Your activity in my life. It seems my lot is to be a conveyor of Your Word. Lord, in all humility, I have and will accept the cup and be the bearer of unfavorable tidings, to relay messages which subtly dictate the need for change in our Church. Father God, whether the word will be heard and responded to remains to be seen. But I will do my part; I will not turn my back on this task, even though I know it would probably be better for me and my place in the world if I did.
Many people oppose change, and will counter and persecute the bearer of such a call. So, Lord, I pray You will lead Your People to see that it is Your will I am responding to. In the meantime, I will not allow that fear of possible ridicule or persecution cause me to retreat. Instead, I will put all my trust in You and journey on, for through Your Son Jesus, You did say, “What does it matter if we gain the whole world but lose our soul?” What would there remain for us? Speaking for myself, I would never know peace, and would experience hell on earth. In such a case, the only entity to benefit would be Satan, and I will not be a party to that!
Yet, Lord, the result of my accepting Your cup that I may be heard depends totally upon You. I will need letters of recommendation to allow me entrance to the doors of our Church’s leaders. Without Your help, I can do nothing. Hence, as in all matters, I will await Your assistance.
Unless steps are taken to rectify, even abolish, the points of dissension which have instigated disagreement and ultimate disunity, we are in for grave punishment. We will bring the chastisement upon ourselves, for we have put these things into practice and have engaged in ways and means which give glory, honor and praise to those other than God. In doing so, though we may not be aware of it, we are already punishing ourselves in that we are being deprived of the peace and joy we can have, and are able to be blessed with, when we engage in worship of God.
What has happened? Why have we become so blind? It is clear to see that, as a united body, a united Church, we can become a great power in the world to combat the forces of evil. Further, unless we become such a body, manifesting God’s Great Power on Earth, we cannot hope to defeat Satan’s plan for a prolonged reign on Earth. Whereas with united, concentrated prayer, praise, and faith, we can turn the tide and head off destruction.
Lord, why have our people become so dense and blind? Unknowingly we have allowed obstacles to come between us and You. This travesty is the result of our perverse invention of unnecessary complications, which have made approaching You so difficult. Help us to realize that You, Dear God are alive, and that dead things cannot lead us to oneness with You. Remind us that You permeate the atmosphere with Your Presence and allow our minds and souls, our very essence, to meet and mingle with You. Lord, I am humbly grateful to You for gracing me in those times of union; I have become fortified and encouraged to go on.
It is sad to think that so many of Your People are deprived of such moments, and sadder still is the realization that, though they too love You, they will not progress onto personal union with You, as they have become entrapped in prescribed ways and means and the use of externals. Lord, help us to recognize and remove all those stumbling blocks.
It is most necessary we become One United Christian Body, with Christ at our Head. We are to be a Body intent on investigating and discerning our differences, for if they have bred disunity they cannot have been divinely inspired. In Matthew 12:25, Jesus did say, “Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and no town, no household divided against itself can stand.”
Therefore, we Christians must join together. We are to form a solid band, one which can be most powerful in the promotion of good for all humanity, and as a result will be instrumental in wiping out the places where the evil one flourishes.
Satan desires disunity, for in such a situation he is able to prosper. Whereas the separation of God’s People keeps God’s power at a low ebb: Christian individuals are prevented from joining together and contributing to the release of God’s good power on Earth. Also, our obvious disunity is an obstacle in our effort to entice atheists and unbelievers into becoming believers. This becomes clear in the following hypothesis:
In any large gathering, it is quite possible we can hear an individual express a desire to become a Christian. Upon hearing such a statement, several people in the party will come forward. One will say, “That’s wonderful! Why don’t you come to my church? I am a Catholic, and we...” Another says, “Come to my church. I am a Pentecostal, and we...” Still another suggests, “I am a Presbyterian. Come to my church, and we...”
Obviously, this barrage of diverse responses will not only disillusion the individual who expressed the desire, but will also influence him or her to remain just where they were. The desire, after all, was to seek out a religious faith where they could find peace and purpose for their life. Without doubt, when faced with such blatant dissension, they will conclude that adherence to the Christian faith is not conducive to peace and purpose.
In such a situation, the Christian witness of those who have spoken out is definitely at fault, because it would seem to confirm that we are a contentious and competitive lot, despite the fact that, in the Christian faith, peace beyond understanding is to be found in relationship with the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, a Christian does have purpose in life, that of gaining eternal life, Eternal Oneness with God. Too often we lose sight of that truth when attempting to explain our faith to the newcomer.
Therefore it would serve us well to remember Our Lord’s words: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for ruin.” In light of that truth, it is necessary that we get to work and rectify our apparent disobedience to God’s call for unity.
We must strive toward and achieve a cohesiveness, that we be ready to join Jesus when He returns to rid the Earth of evil. As impossible as that undertaking may currently appear–that is, in this immoral, sophisticated, sin-filled world–let us remember that, with God’s help, nothing is impossible. We need only be alerted to and respond to His Presence within us and, through his Power, be fortified and strengthened in our efforts to unite.
We will come to realize that loss of face or pride in accepting or relinquishing certain practices, habits, and traditions does not matter. What is really important is that, above all else, God has created each of us. He sent His Son Jesus to tell us we are His sons and daughters, we are a part of Him, and He loves each of us equally. We learn that it is up to each of us to love Him, and our ultimate goal is to become One with Him and all His Children.
Chapter 9: 1979 — A Year of Growth
We Christians are so fortunate; the possibility of stepping through the Door who is Jesus to come to know the Father exists for all of us. Our Lord’s coming into the world has offered us access to and attunement with the Father through His Son. Unfortunately, many situations prevent this from happening, the most important of which are sin, and holding on to the possessions of the world.
When we desire to meet the Lord in our innermost being and yet we are in sin, attunement will not occur because the sin acts as a barrier. In such a state of disorder brought about by sin, our conscience will prevent such attunement. We are then unable to intimately meet, mingle and fuse with Him who is All Good. Hence we learn that engagement in union with God demands the absence of sin and its accompanying guilt.
But what about those who selfishly hold on to the possessions of the world?
This too acts as a deterrent to attunement, to entering the Kingdom. A lesson addressing such a situation is presented to us in Mark 10:23: “Jesus looked round and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.’”
When we first read that passage, it appears as though the Lord is speaking only to those who possess great wealth. Yet His words are also intended for those who have few or no assets, because in reality it is individual character that is made manifest in our attitude toward holding on to riches. The man who, in a miserly fashion, holds on to his Earthly treasure amounting to ten dollars is just as guilty of the sin of selfish hoarding as is the millionaire. Each has allowed a possession of this world to take possess of them. They both allowed their wealth to become all important, to smother their innate desire to become attuned to God.
To rectify such a situation, our individual characters must be altered; they need to correspond to that of our Model, Jesus. As we have learned from Him, a charitable act must be rooted in the heart. Engaging in the act merely for the show of stacking up good works will not affect our characters to in turn contribute to the transformation of our souls. Ideally, this necessary metamorphose is set into motion when we enter into an act of charity because of the love and compassion we have for our fellow man. Love is to be seen as the basis for the act; its presence will affect our characters and change our hearts.
To help each of us discern our own character, it is necessary for us to stand back and objectively judge the motives, as well as the fruits, of our actions. After all, God knows the innermost secrets of our hearts; we can neither hide from ourselves or from God. Consequently, the fruits and motives of our actions will reveal our true characters to us, which are already known to God Our Creator.
Yes, salvation has been won for us by Jesus Christ, and yes, we need the symbols, sacraments, and particular devotions of our faith, which are intended to lead us into and help us remain in relationship with God. Certainly their purpose is to transmit the Lord’s blessings and graces upon us, so that we are strengthened to participate in our souls’ transformation. Consequently, in light of those truths, it is the responsibility of our Church leaders to discern and investigate each of these avenues so that they do not become an end in themselves, but instead fulfill their intended goal.
In instances where the means have become an end, these rituals are to be seen as dead works, which serve merely to placate our external being, because they fail to initiate internal action which will affect change and transformation. Engagement in these acts is nothing more than a show of religious piety.
Proper teaching is necessary for God’s People to be enlightened to the truth and purpose of the particular action or sacrament in which they are partaking. The faithful should not be led to believe that the sacrament is a miraculous blanket which works independently of the individual’s participation. Instead, the means is to be seen as a tool to pass along God’s grace as well as to initiate interaction with Him. In effect, we take advantage of God’s grace through the intercession of our priests, but only if we fully participate. When we are alerted to the truth, salvation is ours, because of and through the sacrifice of Jesus. God’s love is clearly expressed in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.
When we desire to meet the Lord in our innermost being and yet we are in sin, attunement will not occur because the sin acts as a barrier. In such a state of disorder brought about by sin, our conscience will prevent such attunement. We are then unable to intimately meet, mingle and fuse with Him who is All Good. Hence we learn that engagement in union with God demands the absence of sin and its accompanying guilt.
But what about those who selfishly hold on to the possessions of the world?
This too acts as a deterrent to attunement, to entering the Kingdom. A lesson addressing such a situation is presented to us in Mark 10:23: “Jesus looked round and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.’”
When we first read that passage, it appears as though the Lord is speaking only to those who possess great wealth. Yet His words are also intended for those who have few or no assets, because in reality it is individual character that is made manifest in our attitude toward holding on to riches. The man who, in a miserly fashion, holds on to his Earthly treasure amounting to ten dollars is just as guilty of the sin of selfish hoarding as is the millionaire. Each has allowed a possession of this world to take possess of them. They both allowed their wealth to become all important, to smother their innate desire to become attuned to God.
To rectify such a situation, our individual characters must be altered; they need to correspond to that of our Model, Jesus. As we have learned from Him, a charitable act must be rooted in the heart. Engaging in the act merely for the show of stacking up good works will not affect our characters to in turn contribute to the transformation of our souls. Ideally, this necessary metamorphose is set into motion when we enter into an act of charity because of the love and compassion we have for our fellow man. Love is to be seen as the basis for the act; its presence will affect our characters and change our hearts.
To help each of us discern our own character, it is necessary for us to stand back and objectively judge the motives, as well as the fruits, of our actions. After all, God knows the innermost secrets of our hearts; we can neither hide from ourselves or from God. Consequently, the fruits and motives of our actions will reveal our true characters to us, which are already known to God Our Creator.
Yes, salvation has been won for us by Jesus Christ, and yes, we need the symbols, sacraments, and particular devotions of our faith, which are intended to lead us into and help us remain in relationship with God. Certainly their purpose is to transmit the Lord’s blessings and graces upon us, so that we are strengthened to participate in our souls’ transformation. Consequently, in light of those truths, it is the responsibility of our Church leaders to discern and investigate each of these avenues so that they do not become an end in themselves, but instead fulfill their intended goal.
In instances where the means have become an end, these rituals are to be seen as dead works, which serve merely to placate our external being, because they fail to initiate internal action which will affect change and transformation. Engagement in these acts is nothing more than a show of religious piety.
Proper teaching is necessary for God’s People to be enlightened to the truth and purpose of the particular action or sacrament in which they are partaking. The faithful should not be led to believe that the sacrament is a miraculous blanket which works independently of the individual’s participation. Instead, the means is to be seen as a tool to pass along God’s grace as well as to initiate interaction with Him. In effect, we take advantage of God’s grace through the intercession of our priests, but only if we fully participate. When we are alerted to the truth, salvation is ours, because of and through the sacrifice of Jesus. God’s love is clearly expressed in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.
Chapter 10: The Beginning of Many Trials
Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, you who did keep the hope of mankind alive, why have you not accepted Jesus, the reward for your long-suffering patience? Were it not for your perseverance in belief in the One True God, humanity would not have had the hope Jesus has brought; we
would merely have had the pleasures of Earth, which fade even as they surface. Could we, your brothers and sisters in the Family of God, intercede and have you accept Our Father’s Gift? He loves you and awaits your acceptance. He promised your messengers of old that He would send you an Embodiment of His Word, and He has done so. But because the Gift was not exactly what you expected, you have turned away from it, never realizing how much Our Father has been offended.
The time has come for you to recognize the greatness of Jesus, God’s Gift to you and to the whole of the world. During His stay on Earth, your pride must have been shattered. After all, down through the ages you were followers of the One True God and you looked for your Messiah to be a great warrior. When meek and mild Jesus came along, He may have seemed more an affront to you than the promised Messiah. But then how were you to know that this Jesus would surpass all of your hopes and dreams, that one day He would be recognized and known by the whole world? If only you knew that the great warrior you wanted is in fact Jesus! He is the Mighty One who strengthens His believers to become giants.
O Jerusalem, do not forsake the words of your prophets. You have let slip through your fingers the Redeemer of mankind. Pride is a terrible sin and very difficult to overcome, but with Your God, Our God, all things are possible. Come, recognize and accept Jesus.
A loving Father is always happy to have His lost son return. So too with you, Jerusalem; strip away the pride and come join the feast. There will be much reason for rejoicing when you embrace Jesus, when you take advantage of the gift of the Holy Spirit of God promised by Jesus. Come, let us worship together; we can bring down the beams of disorder in the world with praise for our God. United, we can become a powerful force on Earth. Filled with God’s good power, we can clear the path and make way for a condition of peace.
You have seen the greatness of Jesus; this is as it should be for the Son of God. He is in control of the elements and, through His resurrection, He manifested the power He has over death.
would merely have had the pleasures of Earth, which fade even as they surface. Could we, your brothers and sisters in the Family of God, intercede and have you accept Our Father’s Gift? He loves you and awaits your acceptance. He promised your messengers of old that He would send you an Embodiment of His Word, and He has done so. But because the Gift was not exactly what you expected, you have turned away from it, never realizing how much Our Father has been offended.
The time has come for you to recognize the greatness of Jesus, God’s Gift to you and to the whole of the world. During His stay on Earth, your pride must have been shattered. After all, down through the ages you were followers of the One True God and you looked for your Messiah to be a great warrior. When meek and mild Jesus came along, He may have seemed more an affront to you than the promised Messiah. But then how were you to know that this Jesus would surpass all of your hopes and dreams, that one day He would be recognized and known by the whole world? If only you knew that the great warrior you wanted is in fact Jesus! He is the Mighty One who strengthens His believers to become giants.
O Jerusalem, do not forsake the words of your prophets. You have let slip through your fingers the Redeemer of mankind. Pride is a terrible sin and very difficult to overcome, but with Your God, Our God, all things are possible. Come, recognize and accept Jesus.
A loving Father is always happy to have His lost son return. So too with you, Jerusalem; strip away the pride and come join the feast. There will be much reason for rejoicing when you embrace Jesus, when you take advantage of the gift of the Holy Spirit of God promised by Jesus. Come, let us worship together; we can bring down the beams of disorder in the world with praise for our God. United, we can become a powerful force on Earth. Filled with God’s good power, we can clear the path and make way for a condition of peace.
You have seen the greatness of Jesus; this is as it should be for the Son of God. He is in control of the elements and, through His resurrection, He manifested the power He has over death.
Chapter 11: Slain in the Spirit: Dormission
O unconquered area, domain of freedom...senses could go unleashed overwhelming immensity peace quiet purity area of domain of spirit so vast I perceive the presence of nothing known and yet the sense of being encompassment of the encompassing All. Slight fear but no fear except as a child while in the sight of loving parents takes off and attempts to walk take a step...Oh, just to be fixed locked Father, how much do You allow Your children to see You? Quest of life quest of infinity...when will we just be? I look for words of praise but none can suffice, none are large enough, none immense enough to describe You...I sense an inability to put into words a dimension only a word the Magnitude of the Magnificence...man is limited in his perception, though contained in himself is the ability to escape limit as we know limit, since we do not know limit where God is concerned...
The freedom in the presence of God the lightness to rid oneself of a cumbersome body All the days of my life...
Scripture scholars offer the following evidence of accounts of dormission, of being “slain in the Spirit”:
• In John 18:4-6, “Knowing everything that was going to happen to Him, Jesus then came forward and said, ‘Who are you looking for?’ They answered. ‘Jesus, the Nazarene.’ He said, ‘I Am He.’ They moved back and fell to the ground.”
• In Revelation 1:17, “When I saw Him, I fell in a dead faint at His feet, but He touched me with His right hand and said, “Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I Am the Living One.”
• At the tomb of our Lord, in Matthew 28:4, “The guards we re so shaken, so frightened of Him, that they were like dead men.”
• In Acts 9:3-5: “Suddenly while he was traveling to Damascus and just before he reached the city, there came a light from heaven all around him. He fell to the ground, and then he heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ ‘Who are You Lord?’ he asked, and the
voice answered, ‘I Am Jesus and you are persecuting me.’”
The freedom in the presence of God the lightness to rid oneself of a cumbersome body All the days of my life...
Scripture scholars offer the following evidence of accounts of dormission, of being “slain in the Spirit”:
• In John 18:4-6, “Knowing everything that was going to happen to Him, Jesus then came forward and said, ‘Who are you looking for?’ They answered. ‘Jesus, the Nazarene.’ He said, ‘I Am He.’ They moved back and fell to the ground.”
• In Revelation 1:17, “When I saw Him, I fell in a dead faint at His feet, but He touched me with His right hand and said, “Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I Am the Living One.”
• At the tomb of our Lord, in Matthew 28:4, “The guards we re so shaken, so frightened of Him, that they were like dead men.”
• In Acts 9:3-5: “Suddenly while he was traveling to Damascus and just before he reached the city, there came a light from heaven all around him. He fell to the ground, and then he heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ ‘Who are You Lord?’ he asked, and the
voice answered, ‘I Am Jesus and you are persecuting me.’”
Chapter 12: Our Journey to the Holy Land
Then he was told, “Go out and stand on the mountain before Yahweh.”
Then Yahweh Himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before Yahweh. But Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire.
And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Then a voice came to him which said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I am filled with jealous zeal for Yahweh Sabaoth, because the sons of Israel have deserted You, broken down Your altars and put Your prophets to the sword. I am the only one left and they want to kill me.”
“Go” Yahweh said, “go back by the same way to the wilderness of Damascus” (I Kings 19:11-15).
Then Yahweh Himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before Yahweh. But Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire.
And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Then a voice came to him which said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I am filled with jealous zeal for Yahweh Sabaoth, because the sons of Israel have deserted You, broken down Your altars and put Your prophets to the sword. I am the only one left and they want to kill me.”
“Go” Yahweh said, “go back by the same way to the wilderness of Damascus” (I Kings 19:11-15).
Father, today as I read about Elijah, I was filled with love for You, and also experienced a sense of my own inadequacy. Yes, I know that You have also spoken to me, but I am such a nothing– who will listen to me? Oh, Father, send forth Your Holy Spirit in great abundance, to remedy the shameful situation of divisiveness in Your Church!
The force of evil, as everyone knows, encourages division, for if the unifying power of Your Holy Spirit did flourish and reign, we would have peace on Earth. Nor would there be a need for laws, as love and justice would accompany peace. Even language would cease to be a barrier. I know this because today, as we went about our travels in your Holy Land, I had an experience of love in which that truth became evident to me without words any words being exchanged. A little boy in the street looked up at me and, when I looked directly into his eyes, I had only to smile and we instantly reached an affinity. Yes, love does have the power to unite.
Yet I know that there are others in the world who would not respond in that same way. For example, those who have not been exposed to love, those who are rooted in evil, and others who are prey to any number of human weaknesses. Faced with love, those rooted in evil would undoubtedly find themselves repulsed; there could be no affinity. Someone who has not previously experienced God’s love can only be prompted to respond with a desire to share in and become a party to such love.
All those rooted in evil are united in the force of evil, and gather together under the banner of the devil. Those who are inclined to hate desire to inflict injury, even take the life of another. Their desire is to promote dissension, to engage in any and all acts rooted in evil.
Father, You have led me to see that sadness, deprivation, and also guilt can occupy the minds and souls of those who love and accept You but have unintentionally fallen prey to Satan’s plan to promote disunity. They have done so by engaging in worship of those other than You. As a result we Your children have become a weak force for good in the world. I pray You help the leaders of all religions who, because of human pride or other reasons, have bred disunity. Help them to take the initiative to accept responsibility for any part they may have played in the resulting separation. Assist them in seeking forgiveness from one another. Their doing so would exhibit to the world that they are more interested in how they seem to You than to the world. This action would also point to the truth that they need to follow in the way of peace and love, the way of Your Son Jesus.
Father, in our love for You, help us to engage in and experience the freedom of thought and, more importantly, to have the liberty to express that speculation. If indeed it is in line with Your will, inspire our leaders to see that it is You who have inspired it.
Common sense dictates that just as it is You who first created our consciousness, it is You and You alone who have allowed its expansion. It is clear to see that the broadening of our awareness has permitted us to accomplish many things–to fly, to communicate, to enjoy myriad new discoveries and technological advancements. Therefore this awareness can also be effective in helping us to more clearly understand You. In light of that expansion, help us always to remember that You are a changeless God, You are Love, You are, have always been, and will forever be the same.
Conversely, we Your children live in a state of constant change, and just as a child grows and naturally matures so that his understanding of his parent changes, so too does our conception of You change as our consciousness expands and we become spiritually mature, more like You in whose image You have created us.
You have led me to see that, since Your Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life, resides within the whole of humanity, we the citizens of Your Kingdom are capable of unifying with and becoming in tune with You and one another. Consequently we can be effective in changing the whole world, joining under Your banner, the banner of God, to be a powerful force for good on Earth.
Father, especially help us to prompt all religious leaders to come together and be enlightened to the truth of love and justice, to the way that Jesus, in Oneness with You, has pointed out, for only then will the barriers of division be broken down and the Earth be rid of evil.
Matt. 21:21-22,
Jesus answered, “I tell you solemnly, if you have faith and do not doubt at all, not only will you do what I have done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Get up and throw yourself into the sea,” it will be done. And if you have faith, everything you ask for in prayer you will receive.
Today is our last day in Rome, the seat of authority of our Church. I wonder how many others before me have arrived here with high hopes, with a vision of the future of our Church, only to have their expectations stifled, since there appears to be no way to have them heard? Yet, speaking for myself, the disappointment has not succeeded in deterring me, for I do believe that at some future time, with God’s help, the prophecies and messages I bring to the Holy Father will be heard. While I wait for that to happen, I hope and pray that the inner urgings which serve to prompt and move me to get on with this task will be gentle and not torment me. I have done all I can, at least for now. I can do nothing more now than wait, and hope.
Chapter 13: Decision to Write a Book
Today is our last day in Rome, the seat of authority of our Church. I wonder how many others before me have arrived here with high hopes, with a vision of the future of our Church, only to have their expectations stifled, since there appears to be no way to have them heard.
My Lord and my God, I give You all praise and glory. Oh, how good it is to pick up this pen and communicate with You! While doing so I become aware of Your presence and, with the greatest expectation, await Your Word. Your lines of communication are ever open to me.
As You well know, Father, this lapse of time in my writing has been necessitated by my need to amass and review what I have thus far recorded. It is necessary that I send a small quantity of material to Aaron so that he can determine whether it is suitable to be published. This is his area of expertise, about which I know nothing.
In the beginning I never dreamed that my desire to write would lead to this! But You, Lord, have led me, taken me by the hand and here we are! As for the possibility of my work being published? At times I have a tendency to shy away from the very thought, as I hesitate to disclose to others my private moments with You. Yet when such thoughts prompt me to back away, I resist, because I realize that many people can be spiritually enriched and encouraged through my writing. Then again, I am also well aware that there will be others who, in their blindness, will ridicule me. Yet, Lord, if it is Your will that I reveal my experiences, I do know You will see to it.
But, Lord, it seems as if a sense of my own inadequacy is always getting in the way of my doing Your work. To dispel these doubts, early this morning I prayed with great fervor, asking You to show me if writing a book was the way You wanted me to go. Consequently, I was uplifted and encouraged when I opened my bible and Your Word revealed that I was taking the proper road:
Matt. 25:14-30,
It is like a man on his way abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one; each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out. The man who had received the five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more. The man who had received two made two more in the same way. But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now a long time after, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more.
“Sir,” he said “you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you could be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
Next the man with the two talents came forward. “Sir,” he said, “you entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made.” His master said to him. “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have shown you could be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
Last came forward the man who had one talent. “Sir,” he said, “I heard you were a hard man, reaping where you had not sown and gathering where you had not scattered; so I was afraid, and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back.”
But his master answered him, “You wicked and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I had not sown and gather where I had not scattered? Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers and on my return I would have received my capital with interest. So now, take the talent from him and give it to the man who had the ten talents. For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from the man who had not, even what he has will be taken away. As for this good for nothing servant, throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”
Lord, while reflecting upon that reading, I am filled with gratitude. I know You have been generous with me; You have blessed me with Your activity in my life. For the moment, please bear with me while I dream of the fulfillment that would be realized in seeing Your People benefit from reading the book I will write.
It is my hope that through the book people will realize that the same relationship I share with You is available to every last one of them, for only then will the talents You have entrusted to me bear fruit. O Lord, it is so good to be once again writing in Your company! I have not been able to do so recently, as I’ve sensed a need to hurry and prepare some material to present to my brother Aaron. But today Lisa will mail some completed pages to Aaron, and perhaps that seed will bear fruit.
Lord, let me ask, where are You taking this coal miner’s daughter with her bumpy fingers and limited education? Wherever it is, I do trust You. I am childlike enough to believe You have communicated wisdom and knowledge to individuals throughout history, and you do so even today, even to the likes of me. Most of all Lord, I thank You for the perception that is mine, that I am occupying a peaceful place, one You have allotted me within Yourself, for when I close my eyes I am able to perceive Your Encompassment.
O Lord, hello, I give You all praise and glory. There is a desire in my heart to address You with a grander, more befitting title, yet I know none are needed. You are able to comprehend my every thought and desire. There is need for me only to pause and rest in You in order to become surrounded by the invisible cloudlike blanket that is Your love. O my Lord, what security and pleasure there is to be found in You! It affords great joy–like hearing music in the sound of a bird singing, like being certain that our birth and life are but a temporary state, that our true home is not here, but with You. Yet we are comforted in the knowledge that in this life we are able to have moments of grace such as these, and also in knowing that in the time of our existence, every task and situation is filled with purpose. As a result we have a responsibility to bring our lives to a successful conclusion.
Oh my, the wisdom of God! He knows our worst enemy is ourselves. Consequently, to enable relationship with Him He sent His Son Jesus, that we might be guaranteed forgiveness of our sins. We, all of us, have committed sin in our lifetime, and if we were not assured of being forgiven, our sin and subsequent guilt would block us from relationship with God. Our sense of shame would drive us away from Him. Like Adam and Eve we would hide, being deprived of the bliss and the healing power of His company. As it is, the actual cleansing and knowledge of God’s forgiveness rids us not only of the sin itself but also of those nagging feelings of guilt. Then, unbound, we are freed to engage in a personal relationship with God. We are free to bring our journey of life to a successful conclusion.
My Lord and my God, I give You all praise and glory. Oh, how good it is to pick up this pen and communicate with You! While doing so I become aware of Your presence and, with the greatest expectation, await Your Word. Your lines of communication are ever open to me.
As You well know, Father, this lapse of time in my writing has been necessitated by my need to amass and review what I have thus far recorded. It is necessary that I send a small quantity of material to Aaron so that he can determine whether it is suitable to be published. This is his area of expertise, about which I know nothing.
In the beginning I never dreamed that my desire to write would lead to this! But You, Lord, have led me, taken me by the hand and here we are! As for the possibility of my work being published? At times I have a tendency to shy away from the very thought, as I hesitate to disclose to others my private moments with You. Yet when such thoughts prompt me to back away, I resist, because I realize that many people can be spiritually enriched and encouraged through my writing. Then again, I am also well aware that there will be others who, in their blindness, will ridicule me. Yet, Lord, if it is Your will that I reveal my experiences, I do know You will see to it.
But, Lord, it seems as if a sense of my own inadequacy is always getting in the way of my doing Your work. To dispel these doubts, early this morning I prayed with great fervor, asking You to show me if writing a book was the way You wanted me to go. Consequently, I was uplifted and encouraged when I opened my bible and Your Word revealed that I was taking the proper road:
Matt. 25:14-30,
It is like a man on his way abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one; each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out. The man who had received the five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more. The man who had received two made two more in the same way. But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now a long time after, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more.
“Sir,” he said “you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you could be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
Next the man with the two talents came forward. “Sir,” he said, “you entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made.” His master said to him. “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have shown you could be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
Last came forward the man who had one talent. “Sir,” he said, “I heard you were a hard man, reaping where you had not sown and gathering where you had not scattered; so I was afraid, and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back.”
But his master answered him, “You wicked and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I had not sown and gather where I had not scattered? Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers and on my return I would have received my capital with interest. So now, take the talent from him and give it to the man who had the ten talents. For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from the man who had not, even what he has will be taken away. As for this good for nothing servant, throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”
Lord, while reflecting upon that reading, I am filled with gratitude. I know You have been generous with me; You have blessed me with Your activity in my life. For the moment, please bear with me while I dream of the fulfillment that would be realized in seeing Your People benefit from reading the book I will write.
It is my hope that through the book people will realize that the same relationship I share with You is available to every last one of them, for only then will the talents You have entrusted to me bear fruit. O Lord, it is so good to be once again writing in Your company! I have not been able to do so recently, as I’ve sensed a need to hurry and prepare some material to present to my brother Aaron. But today Lisa will mail some completed pages to Aaron, and perhaps that seed will bear fruit.
Lord, let me ask, where are You taking this coal miner’s daughter with her bumpy fingers and limited education? Wherever it is, I do trust You. I am childlike enough to believe You have communicated wisdom and knowledge to individuals throughout history, and you do so even today, even to the likes of me. Most of all Lord, I thank You for the perception that is mine, that I am occupying a peaceful place, one You have allotted me within Yourself, for when I close my eyes I am able to perceive Your Encompassment.
O Lord, hello, I give You all praise and glory. There is a desire in my heart to address You with a grander, more befitting title, yet I know none are needed. You are able to comprehend my every thought and desire. There is need for me only to pause and rest in You in order to become surrounded by the invisible cloudlike blanket that is Your love. O my Lord, what security and pleasure there is to be found in You! It affords great joy–like hearing music in the sound of a bird singing, like being certain that our birth and life are but a temporary state, that our true home is not here, but with You. Yet we are comforted in the knowledge that in this life we are able to have moments of grace such as these, and also in knowing that in the time of our existence, every task and situation is filled with purpose. As a result we have a responsibility to bring our lives to a successful conclusion.
Oh my, the wisdom of God! He knows our worst enemy is ourselves. Consequently, to enable relationship with Him He sent His Son Jesus, that we might be guaranteed forgiveness of our sins. We, all of us, have committed sin in our lifetime, and if we were not assured of being forgiven, our sin and subsequent guilt would block us from relationship with God. Our sense of shame would drive us away from Him. Like Adam and Eve we would hide, being deprived of the bliss and the healing power of His company. As it is, the actual cleansing and knowledge of God’s forgiveness rids us not only of the sin itself but also of those nagging feelings of guilt. Then, unbound, we are freed to engage in a personal relationship with God. We are free to bring our journey of life to a successful conclusion.
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