Fellow Saints,
I've let you down this week! My goal is actually to send these out on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, feel free to hold me accountable to that ;)
On the other hand, you have all lifted me up. I pray that I can convey this message clearly to you. I'm writing this message to YOU. I imagine that your assumption is that this is a letter to the ward. However, I've been praying that I can reach YOU. I promise that each sentence in this message is for one of you. I've earnestly prayed for the Spirit to deliver it to your heart and I have faith that it will. If there is fault, please forgive me and if you are inspired, please glorify our God, love our Lord, and share His Gospel.
I learned this week with greater surety that the Lord knows you and loves you, He sees you. You are not alone. I know you're tired - I promise that the Lord can strengthen you in your weakness. I know that you wonder if you're adequate, I promise that you are qualified for the work. I saw you forgive your neighbor and I witnessed the Lord forgive you. You are concerned about your children, the Lord is concerned for them too - I promise, with so much surety that He has a plan for them. You are worthy of the greatest promises that heaven has to offer. You have wondered if you should return to the Temple - the answer is He is begging you to return and I promise that we will find a way to get you there. You will find the Lord in the temple. You have sought your family's support, your family is here, we are your family too. You have been frustrated with those few that don't recognize your dedication - I have seen the Lord recognize you, I recognize you. Your covenants matter. If you seek peace, please forgive. If you seek peace, please ask the Lord to soften your heart. If you seek security, come to the temple. You are seeking perfect righteousness, practice patience and just remember that the Lord doesn't expect perfect righteousness, He seeks only a broken heart and contrite spirit. If you wonder if you're welcome, YOU ARE WELCOMED. If you wonder if there is love for you here, I love you.
This week, I wondered if I could be enough. In the temple, I learned that I am not. I also was powerfully reassured that the Lord absolutely is. I doubted if I was worthy enough to be around such powerful saints. I was reassured that the Lord qualifies each of us and that His atonement makes each of us worthy. I learned that He is the miracle we are seeking. I learned that if we sacrifice desires and consecrate our gifts to the Lord, He will unify us. I learned that our ward is becoming mighty and strong, great and beautiful.
Brothers and sisters, come to church. If you have a calling, will you magnify it? If you don't have a calling, will you seek one? Please, come to the temple with me. Zion is awaiting us.
Lastly, thank you so much for restoring my faith in miracles. Thank you for igniting my passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is His Church. I was lost and I truly am found. I have had ups and downs and, my friends, I have never felt so up as I do now. Thank you for your patience with me and for molding me into a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I have hope that we are molding each other. I am going to extend a little prophesy that Zion will be built in our testimony meeting today. Jesus is the Christ, He is our Redeemer and Prince of Peace. He died that we can live. Joseph Smith was the prophet through which Priesthood Authority and Sealing Power was restored to the Earth. President Nelson is absolutely 100% the Prophet of all the Earth today. The Book of Mormon IS another testament of Jesus Christ, it is perfect and was translated by the power of God. The way to everlasting joy is through Christ the Lord.
With love and admiration,
Bishop Kienzle
PS I'm soooooooooo excited for the Christmas season!!!
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