FJWL_01:287
         Do not listen to the lies of Satan when he tells you that I would punish in such an unmerciful way. Satan does seek to confuse you in these matters. He knows that if he can deceive you with lying vanities, you will forsake the mercy I would pour out. Oh, My beloved, I will have mercy and not sacrifice toward you.
         Hear now and learn a great truth. Within the majesty of choice that has been granted to man, My hands are tied according to your will. Open your eyes and see beyond the veil--for many circumstances and incidents are brought down by your own hand. Be not confused between what is from My hand and what is from your own hand, and what is from the hand of the Evil One, for he does ask to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
         In the divine majesty of choice that has been granted to every man lies great responsibility. Of you to whom much has been given, much is required. In this you are learning to be responsible for your own actions. Be not deceived and mock Me not, for whatsoever a man will sow, that will he reap. It is the trickery of Satan that would have you believe that all punishment is from My hand, for he walks about seeking to distort, that in so doing he may cause you to doubt My love. Therefore you must not blame Me for actions of your own doing.
         Many things that you call punishment are but a reaping of your own actions. It is by the majesty of choice that a man willfully chooses and signs his fate. Have I not put ample warning within My Word, that you may follow? Likewise, have I not promised that as you love Me with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul, and as you love your neighbor as yourself, all will be well with you? Have I not promised that as you trust in Me and do good, you will dwell in the land and be fed?
         Have I not promised that as you delight yourselves in Me, I will give you the desires of your heart? Have I not promised that as you commit your way unto Me, I will do all things well concerning you? Have I not recorded in My written Word, and do I not continue to pour out daily through My living Word, oodles and oodles of promises toward you?--Promises of power and peace and plenty in all things concerning you, My loves, if you will but follow, and reach out, and take hold. Have I not promised mercy in place of sacrifice? By mercy I do lead you and by mercy I do teach you, for My mercy toward you is from everlasting to everlasting.



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