Service-The Privilege Of Kings

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to serve all; to never think any job beneath our dignity. We are reminded that we are showing our love for our Lord, Jesus, in our service to others.

As I read the message, the words of Mother Theresa came to mind: “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” That’s such a powerful revelation! That tells me that in serving, and thereby serving the Lord, I am freed, first from the fear of man’s disapproval, and then from the need for his approval.

Service is the privilege of kings and queens. We are crowned with responsibility, hopefully, humility, and leadership. As children of God, and brothers and sisters in the Lord, we all take that leadership role at various different times, and in various different ways. But, the kings and queens who humbled themselves to serve with love are always the ones whose kingdoms endure. When you think of this in terms of your personal kingdom of family and close friends, you can see how this affects the legacy we leave behind. My Dad was one of the greatest examples of humility and service I’ve ever known.

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Each Reveals The Other More

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that seeing Jesus, we see the Father. When we see the two, we truly do have all we need. There truly is nothing that we cannot accomplish, then.

As I’ve been studying about generational curses, I’ve been back and forth between the Old and the New testaments. Of course, we see a clear picture of Jesus in the Gospels. Jesus said, “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:7) But, do we make the connection between our Heavenly Father and Jesus when we read the Psalms and the Prophets? I discovered, much to my delight, so much more about Jesus, in them! In both Old and New Testaments, we get some awesome revelation of both the Father, and our Lord, Jesus. How wonderful that is, and how powerful, as we strive to grow in intimate knowledge of them both; and in faith!

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Seek It Within Yourself

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to trust in the goodness of God. When we become children of God, we have that goodness put into our hearts. We are created in His image, and after His likeness; so we now can begin to grow into that image and likeness. (Genesis 1:26) “Be perfect therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect,” said Jesus. (Matt. 5:48)

“I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14) This is what God longs for us to have every day of our lives; souls that are feasted on the Word of God, and wholly satisfied by and with His goodness. The way we obtain that is to seek the goodness of God within us. As we discover them, we lose things like that sense of condemnation (by self or others). We lose things like fear; especially, of things like rejection, failure, loss of control and freedom, and even loss of time. We also begin to actually lose lack (within and in our lives); and begin to experience more and more fullness of spirit, life, peace, joy, all the awesome things God has for us.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) The first thing to do when things go wrong, is to look for that kingdom within; for that goodness of God in you. Perhaps you need patience, or courage, or comfort, or just an idea. It’s there within you. Getting quiet and just waiting for the Lord, for a minute, brings the peace we need to see those treasures; the goodness, and good things of God. I hope you’ll take time to read the message at twolisteners.org – it’s one that can revolutionize the way you see yourself.

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Make Them Empowering Ones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is negativity, fear inspiring things and words, and harshness that create distance between us and God, and us and others.

Spirit knows no distance in terms of miles, because Spirit can transcend any number of miles instantly. An example of this is those greeting cards we send and receive. Don’t you almost feel the hugs and kisses from those loved ones when you receive them? And isn’t your heart aglow with love and joy when you send them? See? You’re transcending the miles.

The way we change negative thoughts, words, attitudes, is to replace them with love inspired ones. God always seeks to empower us to overcome adversity, fear, impossibility. We need to do the same. We’re told to lift one another up and encourage each other. When we do this, we truly can overcome the world, just as Jesus did. The trick is to stop and think first. I’m so weak in this area sometimes! But, thank the Lord, He’s patient, and empowering. He always leads me to the right scriptures and gets me back on track. When it isn’t an “in the heat of the moment thing,” I’ve been making lists. I write down what I’m feeling, thinking, what my attitude is. Then I write down the opposites, or the empowering attitude, feeling, or thoughts. How do I bring love and life into this? I ask myself that question, and go from there. God always shows me the way. I’m reminded of the little boy with the few fishes and loaves. He put them in Jesus’ hands, and thousands were fed. That’s a powerful revelation about how much of an impact we can make, too.

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The Way, The Truth, And The Life

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is entitled: “My Richest Gift.” The message speaks to us about abundant life; and bids us to take it, and to use it. That abundant life spoken of here is the life flow of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

John 4:13-14 is referenced: “…but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” In my Bible study, this morning, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in John 14:6- Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

Applying this scripture to overcoming generational curses, addictions, and any other adversity, really works. You see, Jesus also said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Putting this all together, we have this revelation. The truth will lead you to the way to empower life…in any situation, in everyday living. Example: (Truth) The oven is hot when it’s on (Way) We do not touch it (Life) We don’t get burned and hurt. This teaches, or empowers, the child to steer clear of the oven; especially when it is in use. That’s a simple one. If you use those three gifts (truth, way, life) your life becomes more powerful and joyful. That spills over into other’s lives as well. *The reason truth comes first, is because Jesus is the true bread from Heaven; and truth has to do with God’s Word- (Romans 3:4)

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Go, And Sin No More

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, gives us a powerful revelation about Jesus’ words in John 8:11 – “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” The message bids us to “feel that between us and all scorn and indignity is a strong shield.”

We are also reminded that we are to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Being human, we are bound to do things imperfectly at times. We are limited in patience, and even in perseverance at times. Of course, it’s always easier to give up, isn’t it? That’s because we have a tendency to be self-condemning. Sometimes, we’re even harder on ourselves than others are.

Jesus spoke those words to a woman caught in the act of adultery. The whole scene changed from one of self-righteousness and condemnation to one of self examination, repentance, and opportunity. The men who were ready to stone the woman to death had to admit their own sinfulness, and repent of their condemnation of her. The woman was saved from them, and forgiven by Jesus, and given the opportunity to correct herself. Jesus didn’t require anything from her, but to get up and go forward; onward.

We can do that very same thing when we miss it. We can do it each and every time, if we just determine to step up and forward into the opportunity, learning from the mistake, without judging or condemning ourselves. Psalm 119:1 says it like this: “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” (NIV) Now, if you give it little thought, you’ll realize that can also be applied to being non-judgmental, non-condemning…to learning what caused the failure, and correcting it, rather than focusing on who caused it. Remember, God does not impute wickedness to us. We ought not to either, then. I, for one, do not attempt something with the intent of failing at it; do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. *Something I learned from my son when he dropped the bag of cookies at the store is that that’s the way the cookie crumbles. LOL PS – they’re just as good crumbly as they are whole.

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The Foretaste of Divinity

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s standard is the only standard we are to strive to live by, and up to.

Isaiah 53 comes to mind when I read the message. It speaks of Jesus Christ, our Lord. He is the firstborn of many. That many includes you and I…because, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12-13) (ESV)

Isaiah 53:2 is a powerful revelation about how God can take you, from the dry ground of living under a generational curse, or under sin, and cause you to be the root of a new generation. A new generation under the love and admonition, and walking in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that awesome?! You can have a better life; your children, and their children…generations after them, can have better lives. Isaiah 53:11 is a confirmation of that: “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” (ESV) That means God can take all that turmoil and pain within you, and give you His knowledge. That will give you the power to help others to stand and walk uprightly (in power and authority). That’s what it means to “bear the iniquities” of others. We help them to overcome the adversities and barriers that keep them from living successfully.

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Who Are You?

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to trust Him; to know His divine power. We are to seek safety in the secret place, where His glory dwells.

I was studying Isaiah 51 this morning. Verses 12 and 13 come to mind. “I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you fear continually all the day
because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy?” That’s such a powerful revelation; not only about God’s power, but about who you became when you became a child of God. Did you notice how he’a asking us about being afraid of man-as if there is a differentiation between man and us (the children of God)?

When that hit my spirit, it almost knocked me over. I thought about Jesus’ words: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24-ESV) There is no evil that can defeat us. Jesus has given us power over all the enemy; even death. Our God is an awesome God! By the way, that whole chapter in Isaiah is awesome too.

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Humpday Hallelujah

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I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday! I think I’ll share one favorite praise song every day with you all. I hope this one lifts you as much as it does me. Sooooooo Awesome! This is like flinging yourself into His arms! Thank you, Lord! What a beautiful way to refresh your spirit! And, thank you, Kari Jobe for sharing that beautiful voice and heart!

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