We're already half way done with the month of November. It's been really nice so it's hard to believe. I'm told that the prognosticators think our Indian Summer with end mid-week this week. I guess we'll see about that.
Have you ever wondered about this statement:
Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
Suffering that caused God to "tremble because of pain"... There are some pretty grievous sins that need reckoning and atoned for, no question.
Today I was thinking about the atonement a little differently. I wonder if one of the things that made God tremble was to go through all that pain with the knowledge that a large number of his sons and daughters would choose not to avail themselves of the Atonement. Consider this statement:
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
The atonement is so personal to him that he will forgive freely and without reservation if one repents. However, if one does not, I think there is a very different conversation to be had with Him.
Things here are great. We love you as much as we know how and pray for your success. Be positive and upbeat.
I love you and am so proud of you,
Dad
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