This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis [ts@godspeak.net]

-----

                     Which Spirit Do You Serve?

      "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to 
       fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom 
       we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" -- Romans 8:15

Dear child, I am a loving Father and you should not be afraid to draw 
near to Me--not even in those times when you are convinced that I am 
displeased with you. You remain My child even when you misbehave, and 
I will not disown you or stop loving you. Do not be afraid to draw 
close even when you know that you have done wrong or fallen short. I 
do not desire to punish you or destroy you for your shortcomings, but
to restore you. 

Yes, there may be times when your rebellion is great enough that I will 
have to chastise you, but I never do that with the intent of exerting 
revenge for your shortcomings. My chastisement is always intended to
turn you; to get you once again on the right path and to restore your
relationship with Me. The faster you turn and sincerely repent, the less 
your chastisement will be. Likewise, the more you resist and rebel, 
the more strongly you will force My hand of correction upon you. So, 
dear one, it is really up to you how much chastisement you will receive 
in those times when you need it. 

But even when you are under My chastisement, there is no reason to fear
Me. I remain your loving Father and I do not intend to destroy you. If 
you run back to Me even in the midst of your punishment, I will wipe 
away your tears and I will comfort you. I will restore you and I will 
take care of you. I will provide for all of your needs and I will keep
you safe from the schemes of the evil one against you.

How much more, then, should you not hesitate to run to Me in those times
when you are not under My hand of chastisement? If it is safe for you 
in the time when you believe I am angry with you, how much more safe is
it to draw close when you think that you I am not displeased with you?

Dear one, don't be afraid to draw close to Me. I have not given you
the spirit of fear, but the spirit of adoption by which you are able to
call Me your loving Heavenly Father. The spirit of fear hovers near to 
you, hoping to influence you should you reach out and embrace it. It 
hopes to drive a wedge between us, to keep you distant from Me, so that
you cannot draw close and become secure in My great love for you.

But that is not the spirit I have given you, for I have placed My Spirit 
Of Adoption upon you, to draw you closer to Myself. So, dear child, you
must decide: which spirit will you listen to and which one will you 
serve?