A letter from a dear friend is opened with joyful anticipation while a letter from a stranger is opened with suspicion.
A message from the Lord is received with joy by those who see the Lord as a Dear and Precious Friend.
The same message is eyed with suspicion by those who are strangers to the Lord.
The voice of a dear friend brings joy to the heart of the hearer while the voice of a stranger puts the hearer on guard.
Jesus said, "My sheep will hear my voice and they will come."
The children of a loving father run to meet him when he comes home, while the children of a hateful father seek to hide.
Likewise, those who see God as loving Father delight in His inspired words and look forward to His coming.
All others do not.
©05/07/2001 Jim Welch

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