I was refreshed by your post to brother Rodney(and Rodney's as well). There was a time in my life when people had the same reaction to the life that burst forth from my inner being. It was not the old me. It was new. Love, joy, peace &self sacrifice are an incredibly powerful witness for the power of the Lord. It is the good news, not only for this life. It is that life that bursts from us that is the true witness of the word. The word that is sharp and piercing, yet, such a compassionate sword.

I too long for that which was so evident at one time in me.

A broken and contrite heart, Lord, you will not despise.

I will pray for you both.
I hope you will pray for me.

May we seek him with our faces in the dust.

It can be very heartbreaking. But in the end. God uses it to make his elect stronger.

Also, thank you for confirming a like experience. Without his power we can do nothing.

Blessings and encouragement this day to all the brethren. And let us pray for those in the fire of persecution and heavy trials in the world. May the Lord continue to refine in the fire the sons of Levi. And may he bless us in power to spread the word amongst all creation that he puts in our path.

May we always be an obedient, joyful people in the midst.