My Dear Son and Daughter,

I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you in words what my life has not always exemplified, and in fact has often shouted louder than my words, and for that I am deeply grieved and sorry.

You need to know that all things are from God, through God, to God and all the glory forever and ever belongs to him. (Romans 11:36).  I realize that my words and actions have not visualized this for you, and for that my heart and soul are completed grieved and devastated.  Please do not let my failure to model Godliness for you trip you up in your own journey.  Please learn from my failure, from my sin, and realize that God’s grace is enough for not only me, but for you as well

Know this, that you must devote your heart, soul and mind to Christ.  Do not let the “shiny things” of the world captivate your eyes and cause your heart to wander.

Keep short accounts with sin, do not allow Satan to have a foothold in your life.  He only has one plan and desire and that is to ruin you and the good that God has predestined you to do.

Be careful to intentionally live within the context of Biblical community. It is not easy, but it is right.  Right things are very rarely easy.  Your walk with Christ is deeply personal, but never intended to be private.  You cannot be you, you cannot be who God designed you to be on your own.  We are a body, find Godly men and women to surround yourself with, let them speak into your life, be not only transparent, but vulnerable, there is a difference.

Do not be afraid to stand up for what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do and be.  Will you stand alone, will you follow relentlessly after Christ no matter the cost.

Devote yourself to the study of God’s Word.  It is the very words of God.  Study it, memorize it, live it, give it away.  In your study, never lose the awe that is Jesus Christ in the midst of your study, he is the focus, he is the reason, he is what brings life.

Never shy away from using the gifts, talents, and passions that God has planted in your soul .  The dreams you have are from him if your heart’s desire is to live Godly. Do not let others undermine the work of Christ in your life. Live humbly, but live boldly.

Remain teachable; you can always learn something from everyone and everything.  Do not allow pride to be a part of your life.  Pride will kill you and the ministry you hope to have, trust me.

Be a person of prayer. Prayer, intentional and focused prayer must be a part of your life.  How can you follow after the heart of God if you do not pursue his heart.  Find his heart, trust his heart, follow his lead.

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::  E.Scott Feather  ::