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         (Dad:) I'm sorry that you've been battling so fiercely and having such a struggle. It really is a fight of faith to stay true to the Lord and His Word amidst all the changes that you go through, as well as all the ones that occur around you both in the Family and even in the world. Your faith is constantly being tested by new and different things. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His Word stands strong and sure, as a solid rock foundation that never fails, that we can always cling to and stand upon and claim. Though Heaven and Earth pass away--and even if everyone and everything else passes away or fails--His Word stands true and will not fail you!
         Thank you for staying faithful to the Word and looking to the Word--both the written Word, and exercising your faith muscles to receive His personal new living Words of love, encouragement, instruction and counsel for you personally, day by day. You need both, and I'm real happy that you're tuning in to His voice and hearing His whispers and listening to what He has to say.--And also for trying your best to read and follow and obey and implement the written Word in your lives.
         Don't worry about what others think. I know that's hard sometimes, especially when it's your Family and loved ones, but we all have to stand before the Lord and give account of ourselves and answer to Him.
         This Family is a wonderful Family, with wonderful people who have given their lives and everything to follow the Lord and obey His great commission. But we're all human and we all make mistakes, and we sometimes get off track, or get confused, or go through changes and fluctuations. But the Word stands sure, and that is the standard and the guiding light that will light your path and show you the way to go.
         So continue to look to the Word and obey the Word as you read it.--And try to help others to do the same by your sample of a meek and humble spirit. Stay loving, stay sweet, stay humble and open, but don't be afraid to stand up for your convictions and what you know is right from the Word, regardless of what others are doing. It's the Lord we all want to please and obey, and that is what He will bless.
         I know it's rough when people have different standards or different levels of faith and obedience, but you just have to do the best you can according to your faith and conviction from the Word. Use lots of love, wisdom and prayer power in helping to change the things that need to be changed. If you feel you can't operate according to the level of faith of those you are with, don't be afraid to go out and open a new Home or get a new team, and depart as friends and Family and brothers and sisters. You'll just have to pray and ask the Lord what He wants you to do, what the balance is between sticking and trying to lovingly and wisely help others, or if they aren't open to changes, launching out by faith for wherever and whatever else the Lord may have for you.
         But most of all, please don't give up and let the Enemy confuse you or discourage you or tell you that you don't fit in or there's no place for you in the Family. If you follow the Word, you know you're right, and you know you will be pleasing the Lord and will receive His blessings and guidance and protection and direction and provision of all your needs, as well as happiness and fulfillment.



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family