From "God Calling" by A.J. Russell

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Years ago I had a paperback of the devotional, God Calling a daily devotional book (edited by A. J. Russell) of which  I'm sharing a portion today.

    I loved my copy so much that I gave it to my best friend, then replaced mine with another paperback at my first opportunity. That was in 1978.  After years of use my "new" God Calling literally fell apart. In 2011 my  friend sent me a hardback version which I especially cherish because she gave it to me. The  reason I know these dates? My friend, Madeline, wrote a lovely note in the front of the book which included those dates as only she could do. And that gift of hers amazes me still! 

    The book is timeless  and I now keep it on my nightstand though I don't read it everyday.  However, this morning as I walked by it, I was drawn to it. Looking at it lying there, I heard a familiar voice within quietly say, "Read today's entry."  So I did. It was amazing how appropriate it was while also being strengthening and encouraging. It  spoke plainly to me about a particular issue in my life which I had  recently determined to overcome. Well, actually, I had recently exchanged my weakness for His strength in order to overcome! 

Then, the same evening as I was preparing to slip into bed, I read it once more and it had the same effect- I was strengthened and encouraged. It was then that I  chose to share it all here where perhaps others might be encouraged, and strengthened as well. 

So without further ado, the following is what the "Two Listeners" (the name the ladies chose to call themselves) who heard  from "The Living Christ Himself".

Devotional begins.

December 19

Perfect Love 

Our Lord, give us that Perfect Love of Thee

that cast out all fear.

Never let yourself fear anybody or anything,  No fear of  My failing you.  No fear that your faith will fail you. No fear of poverty or loneliness. No fear of not knowing the way. No fear of others. No fear of their misunderstanding.

    But, My children, this absolute casting out  of fear is the result of a Perfect Love, a perfect Love of Me and My Father. Speak to Me about everything. Listen to Me at all times. Feel My tender nearness, substituting at once some thought of Me for the fear..

    The powers of evil watch you as a besieging force would watch a guarded city--the object being always to find some weak spot, attack that, and so gain an entrance. So evil lurks around you, and seeks to surprise you in some fear.

    The fear may have been but a  small  one, but it affords evil a weak spot of attack and entrance, and then in come rushing despondency, doubt of Me, and so many other sins. Pray, My beloved children, for that Perfect Love of Me that indeed casts out all fear.

"From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission."

Devotional ends.

   

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Encouraging Word

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Today's post is another  encouraging word from Rachel Shafer, the young multi-gifted young woman who authored   America's Anthem which  I shared in my last post.  I'm providing a link to what she shared recently which includes a word from the Lord, on  Dutch Sheets' Give Him 15.  I trust you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Her short but very power video is only one click away: Watch What God Will Do.   I'm trusting this will kindle a flame of hope in your heart for better things to come no matter how things may appear today!

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

America's Anthem

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

After the recent historic developments in our country's "justice" system as displayed in a particular trial and verdict in  the state of New York,  again I felt  a little encouragement might be called for as well as the need for prayer for our beloved country. 

I decided to share this particular song after having watched  her father Tim Sheets' prophetic message Order! on YouTube where it was played during the service.

Following is Rachel Shafer's American Anthem, author and vocalists of  this beautifully inspiring song. 

 

God's Blessing to all.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Victory in Jesus: Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Just a little something to perk-up the soul and fuel the spirit.

 Hope you  enjoyed it!                                                         

                                                     

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Spirit Wind

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof;
the world and they that dwell therein.

The link I'll be sharing concerning Spirit Wind, is the clearest,  most straightforward  teaching about what it means to be a spirit being and operating in life from that foundation that I've heard.  To me, it is the definition of what it means to live a life that knows how to cast our nets on the other side of the boat or the "right side" of the boat.  In plain English, Jesus was telling his disciples to cast their nets His way-the kingdom of heaven way- instead of their way,... the hard, toiling, figuring it out yourself way that they were use to.

The only way to live an overcoming life is by yielding to the Holy Spirit, and I know I, as much as some and perhaps more than most, need to yield to Him in a greater way,  Thank God He is so gracious and will accept us and receive us wherever we are if we only invite Him in and choose to allow Him to be our personal teacher or Life Coach as the world puts it. 

Here are some things Jesus said about the Holy Spirit and what He was sent to do for us:

John 14:16-18, 26 NASB1995

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 26...but the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom I send in My Father's name  He will teach you  all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 

He is still speaking and the word and the Spirit will teach us to hear His voice! 

So now, back to  my reason of posting this...sharing the link to  Dutch Sheet's  Give Him 15 video for  today, April 19, 2024,  entitled "Spirit Wind People".   I for certain want to be one of them...

      Here's the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4OnRCeFNY

.... and after watching the video, I trust you will want to be one too!

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels

that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), Copyright (C) 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The

Lockman Foundation. Used by permission

Just Show Up? Really. (repost)

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

This was first published August 18, 2022, and for parts of it which I've highlighted, I thought it would be a good reminder for this new year, 2024. 

Just Show Up? Really.

"Back in the day" whenever that day was,  I recall some who hosted what was called a "Come As You Are Party." As the title suggests, it was an impromptu party where people  came dressed in whatever they were wearing at the time of the invite.  I thought of it because of the decision I finally came to this morning. 

Around the globe, we're living in such a chaotic time where each day seems to require more effort to  make it through than the day before.  So what do we do when our best efforts and all our reserves of strength and internal fortitude have been used up and are failing us?  I was there this morning.  I really had reached that place and was pouring it out to my Father....and after a moment or two of silence before Him,  I was somehow enabled to make a decision, even after considering all my weaknesses and  seemingly insurmountable issues.  I decided I could just simply...show up.  

Though nothing really changed, my decision made a difference and I knew it. Then  a few moments later-even as God had spoken to Gideon-I heard the voice of the Spirit say quietly within "go in the strength you have". That confirmation from Him made all  the difference.  I knew it would really be okay just to show up despite how I may be looking or feeling, just like going to a Come As You Are party.  I knew from past experiences that if I'd show up where I was suppose to,  He'd show up, too! 

At times just showing up really is enough and that's a miracle in itself.  I came to this point with this blog entry yesterday. After making several attempts to end it,  I knew I didn't have the true reason why just "showing up" is so important  to our God.  I knew I had to see it from His perspective so the following is what He showed me early this morning:

By choosing to show up, we're reaffirming our commitment to stand with and honor Him not in words only, but also in our actions.  Since He's already promised to remain with us,  as well as stating in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you;” our loyalty to Him satisfies His heart in a very special way as we actually stand with Him in our weakest, most vulnerable seasons.

"Thank You, for your lovingkindness to us your children, and for always giving us strength to stand...for after all, Your Presence with us IS that enabling strength!"

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Breaking Dams and Shining Lights

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Today I want to share part of an entry from my journal which was born out of one of my visits with the Lord recently. This one, particularly, because it relates to our lights shining brighter. So, here goes:

As we allow The Holy Spirit to unstop the dams within, the Living Water can begin to flow more and more freely, and we can become more like Isaiah 58:11 describes:

NASB 1995
And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. (Emphasis, mine)

And also like John 7:38

King James Bible
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

 

The Living water of His Spirit will flow more freely to us and through us, and our Light will shine brighter and brighter as we allow Him who is Light to have His way more and more.  Only the Spirit and the Word of God  can work together to reveal spiritual heart blockages and He is skilled in  removing them. All He needs is our permission and cooperation to proceed.  As we allow His great love for us to call us deeper  into Himself,  we not only see more of who He truly is, we also can begin to to see more clearly who we are truly created to be,,,, and it'll be much better than we could have  imagined!  And as I've mentioned before, the journey can be painful at times but it is so worth it, especially because of our increased ability to see and experience His absolute loveliness! 

Truly, truly,  Jesus IS the reward....and that is exactly what He thinks about us....and for most of us, THAT is difficult to  receive.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.