gifts I would freely bestow in answer to childlike faith. “The simple heart that freely asks in love, receives.”
I seek a people who are not afraid to believe boldly. History is a record of My faithful response to this kind of bold praying. I see instead, the tendency to rely on human schemes and worldly wisdom—and there is not simple, bold faith in that. So My blessing is delayed or its magnitude is diminished. “According to your faith be it unto you.”
I set “impossible” goals before you to prove My power and goodness. You say, “They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness.” Why? Because they were faced with their own limits and My limitless goodness. Think on these things today, My child, and grow more simple.
February Twenty–second
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
My way is perfect and My love is pure. Your love is sullied with self-interest. It cannot be otherwise at this stage of growth. Only let there be growth, My child, growth away from all that the “natural you” implies—jealous, fearful, controlling, unmerciful—and let My spirit control and guide what you shall yet be.
In Me there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. All is light. All is known. All is life. The mystery, My child, which you find in thinking of Me, is a mystery of light, not darkness. The greatest mystery you can contemplate is the mystery of My love—“love to the loveless shown.” Think often of that. Let the theme of it soften your heart and your thought of others, especially those who do not yet see the wonder and glory of it all.
February Twenty–third
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Matthew 6:22
The eye is a precious gift. It allows the manifold wonders and beauty of the created world to enter your mind and soul. You are spiritually affected by what the eye sees. And herein lies a problem. Your mind is not disciplined to focus on the inner vision. It grabs what the eye conducts to it and runs in many directions, always ending in self. This makes it a serious distraction, and is one of the reasons for praying with closed eyes. Even this is not a sure shield against distraction, for your mind will still process images stored in its memory.
Do not despair, My child, but do not accept this condition as unchangeable. Keep working at getting the inner vision calm, stable, and stayed on Me. It will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile comes without struggle.
February Twenty–fourth
Ye also helping together by prayer for us …
II Corinthians 1:11
My child, do not delay in coming to Me with every situation you face. Your life—your whole life—is in My care. Nothing happens or can happen outside that care. This is hard for you to grasp because you have allowed strongholds of unbelief to be built up in your soul. I said to My disciples when they asked the reason for their failure to exorcise the lunatic boy, “Because of your unbelief.” Faced with that situation and My absence, their faith failed them. And they were powerless. But there was another failure. “This kind goes forth only by prayer.” They were lacking in prayer.
Your strength and the inspiration and energy you need to fulfill your duties are dependent on your “prayer connection.” That is why I say, “Do not delay in coming to Me in every situation you face.” Prayer will make a difference, but it must be practiced to work.
February Twenty–fifth
Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time I have heard thee, and in a day of salvation I have helped thee.
Isaiah 49:8
None ever called on Me in vain. None. Though they knew Me not, though they may never have realized that their cry was heard, their call was not in vain. My ears are open to the cries of all My children, and My heart is open to their needs. Think not that I am unmoved at the sight of the suffering in the world.
Today I give you this word: Trust Me in all things. Everything is in My hands, and you can leave to Me whatever is disturbing or troublesome to you. Trust Me and seek to live in My peace.
February Twenty–sixth
We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are unseen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18
Turn your eyes away from the drabness of the day and look at the brightness of My dwelling. I dwell in the high and holy place—and that means that where I am there is all the brightness and beauty you could desire. And I dwell with those who are of lowly and contrite hearts—which means that My beauty and glory will be yours to the extent that you have a contrite heart.
February Twenty–seventh
Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 17:20
Oceans and mountains are no problem for Me. Harder it is to work a change in the human heart. Not only does sin cling closely to the heart—the heart clings closely to its sin. You experience the same old aches and longings, My child, and are lazy in your struggle to be free of them. Struggle you must, because I will not violate your will and do it for you. I will give you the grace and strength you need, and I want you to be free of them. It can take place—if your heart will let go.
February Twenty–eighth
Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:33,34
Traveling along the road of your pilgrimage, there are lessons to be learned every day. There are old ties to be cut or loosened, so they will have no power to hold you back on your journey toward Me. Remember, My child, that is where your journey leads, toward Me—your true End and Home. All these earthly scenes are passing ones. They change constantly because that is their nature. They serve their purpose, but they are not the End. Mourn if you must the loosening ties, but do not linger long in tears. I am your Comforter and abiding Joy. Abide in Me.
February Twenty–ninth
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
