This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis (ts@godspeak.org)

-----

                 For Those Who Feel Far Away

Child, why are you running from Me?  Haven't I proved Myself to be good and
loving towards you in the past?  Haven't I welcomed you with arms wide open
any time you strayed and then ran back to Me?  Haven't I held you close and
showered you with My love when you turned back to Me?  Haven't you found Me
to be a safe haven and a place of comfort and rest when trials assail you on
every side?

So why do you think this time would be any different?  Why do you hesitate
in running back to Me?  Are you afraid that I am disappointed because you
strayed away?  Yes, child, I am disappointed, but that should not keep you
from running back to Me.  I am just like the father in the parable of the
prodigal son. I will not force you to return home, but when you do humble
yourself and return, I will receive you again with joy. And I will restore
you to the place of son-ship where you belong in Me.  And I will embrace
you and hold you close, and reveal more of Myself to you.  I long for you
to be back in that place of intimacy with Me once again.

And yes, I will even kill the fatten calf for your sake when you return.
Do you not realize that I have a calf I have been fattening just for you?
I have the resources that you need from Me and I am looking for the
opportunity to give them to you.  I have more than you can want or desire,
more than you believe you deserve. I have good things for you, things that
I only give from that place of intimacy and closeness.  Child, I know what
you need and yes, I will take good care of you.

So do not fear to run back to Me when you stray away.  Know that My arms
are open wide to receive you and know that I desire earnestly for you to
come back to Me.  Know that I will restore you to that place of intimacy
and I will not hold your straying away against you when you return to Me
with all of your heart.

But also know this; when you return to Me, you must return to Me as Lord
and Master.  For I am willing to receive you only when you come on those
terns. You cannot come to Me if you not intend to obey Me and to honor Me
and to love Me -- for I am God almighty and I demand these things from
My children.  Just as an earthly father is to be treated with respect, so
am I to be treated with respect.  Even My Son Jesus respected and obeyed
Me when He walked on this earth, and I expect the same from you.  You
must be committed to do My will when you come back to Me.  But when you
come on these terms, know for a certainly that I will receive you and I
will restore you and I will pour out many blessings on your head.

So child, do not run from Me, but run to Me.  Yes, run to Me on My terms
and you will find satisfaction for you soul within My loving embrace. Do
not stay away, do not wander in the desert or in distant lands.  Run back
to Me, and you will be received and restored.  Run back to Me child, for
My arms are open wide to embrace you.  I will wash away the shame of your
failures and I will cover you in My love and in My glory. Run to Me,
child, run to Me!