Nice to hear from you, Rita.

As in all things related to God’s precious people, there is much mixture, tares and wheat growing side by side. I do suspect, though, that the stone coldness of Puritanism was more offensive to the Lord than the excess of “Holy Laughter.” I have been to some of these meetings, not any big ones, but I know people that have. I suspect each person receives what they go in looking for. Many come out of such experiences with a far closer relationship with Jesus than they ever knew, and some find other things. So it has always been.

I believe in the power of the river of life from God and I know that oftentimes, when God moves, extraordinary and unusual things happen. At the same time, some similar meetings we attended here in Houston, we found that some of those ministering had a real word from God and anointing in praise. Then others got up and ?. well, we just quietly got up and went home.

I do not judge God’s people. I never decide they are “missing God.” They belong to Jesus, not me. I know what I witness to and what I do not. I know that some of what is happening is for many a close personal experience with Jesus, but I also feel a real shallowness there sometimes, when it comes to my own desire for God.

The issues I raised in "How to Deal with Deception" continue to puzzle me. I am commanded by God to receive every believer in just the same way that Jesus receives me. I have believed things about God that were completely wrong, yet Jesus paid no attention to that, but walked with me along the way with tenderness. So, when I look at people who hold to a love of this world in Christian garb, that I know is hurting innocent people on the other side of the world right now, and then I see God moving upon them in tenderness, as much as He is able, I marvel.

Yet, I know that the shallowness of much of Christianity does not draw my heart. I don’t have a problem with spiritual phenomena in itself. But I know that there is very little of what I long for to be found in the Christian world. And when I look back at historical Christianity, I find more Old Testament legalism there, than union with Jesus. Those who loved Jesus and separated themselves from this world were so quickly put to death, in Protestant as well as Catholic countries.

God, I suspect, is not bothered by the things that bother us. He moves right in alongside things that are not of Him and ministers to hearts however He is able. Yet I know that there is a kingdom and an overcoming and a victory and a sharing with Christ in His triumph that is offered as the actual reality of the gospel, but which only a few will apprehend. I believe this, if you want to be with Jesus (not in heaven by and by, but) in the triumph of His victory standing right here on this earth, then I suspect you are one of those whom God has chosen.

I am learning that my union with Jesus, not something I have to make happen, but something that is, that I must allow myself to believe, is everything. Jesus is my life, I have nothing in me that is not filled with Jesus and I am utterly carried inside of Him.

As are you.

My blessings with you, Daniel

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