July 29 – Sunlit Glades
Lord, bless us and this evening hour, and in Thy Mercy heal us all.
Do not think that suffering is the only path into My Kingdom. There are sunlit glades, and ways amid the loveliest flowers, along which the steps and hearts of men are drawn to Me. There are birds and laughter and butterflies, and warm, life-giving summer air, and with these as tender companions and friends, the Joy-Way into the Kingdom can be taken.
Bleak, cold, and desolate, brier-beset and stony, are not all the ways. Leave all to Me. The choice of ways, the guidance in the Way. But when the sunlight calls accept it gladly.
Even in the Spirit-World appreciation results from contrary experience. Can the fireside of home be more dear than to the traveler who has forced his way over bleak moor and through blinding storm? Take to your hearts this word of cheer. “He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will, with the temptation, also find a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it.”
The world is not the Kingdom. In the world ye shall have tribulation but “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Live with Me, the Conquering Christ, and the Joy and Peace of conquest shall be yours too.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God,
and God in him. 1 John 4:16