Hello, John.
 
If I have submitted a letter before, it would have been many years ago. However, today I do have a few words it seems important to share, for I have great concern about the tone of discouragement I read between the lines of so many current letters. Here are my thoughts:
 
Dearest Five Dove Readers,
 
I have such great news for you!  Nothing that belongs to the King of Kings is lost.  He is here, and we need not wring our hands.  He is not surprised by the goings on in our country, nor is He worried.  Indeed, we are quite honored to be appointed by Him to this time and this place, and He has high expectations of us.  Keep in forefront of your mind that we did not choose Him—He chose us.  We did not choose to be here in the era.  He placed us here at this time for His purpose.   
 
Recently, I was challenged to think over the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal.  You know the story well, and can enjoy a review of it in 1 Kings 18.  The question put to me was: what was at stake in this dramatic and powerful war-like confrontation?  This was neither about land nor wealth. It was about something much more precious to God.  It was about the hearts and minds of the people.  Notice that when Elijah begins his preparations after the false prophets failed, the first thing Elijah did was to call the people closer.  As we read, we can see that this story is filled with to the brim with what spiritual warfare looks like from our poor and weak human perspective.  And that, my friends, is exactly where we are today.
 
Do not be fooled by what your eyes see (put into words by someone wiser than I to say “Lean not on your own understanding.”) Keep your line of vision vertically aligned—not horizontal.  There is war at hand, and we are the warriors.  We are well prepared, and dressed for battle.  Now, put up that shield of faith, for the flaming arrows of the enemy are flying.  At stake are the hearts and minds of the people who surround us.   Be ready to draw your sword, remembering that it is sharp, and cuts to where the soul and spirit meet.  As you prepare, do so with great joy—for you know the outcome already.  Remember what is going on around us that we cannot see as you see in the story surrounding 2 Kings 6:16.  
 
Dearest friends, we must not view our circumstances as the 10 spies saw the Promised Land and encouraged retreat, but as the two who saw the opportunities. Adjust your vision, and let’s roll.  We are honored to be appointed to such a time as this.
 
Barb Symm