Rule Them, Indeed

First, back to Psalm 2:9 -“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them into pieces like a potter’s vessel.” If you look at all the nations of the world, all the different cultures, beliefs, religions, standards and boundaries (moral, social, familial, etc.), you’ll see why it’s important that you be able to break them and dash them into pieces.

This verse tells us a couple of things. First, the nations and the ends of the earth are our heritage. That means they can be of benefit to us. We can learn from other cultures, beliefs, and religions. We can also be led astray by them, as the nation of Israel was through intermarriage with people of foreign cultures. (The lands they journeyed through and were supposed to dispossess) Some cultures have very different standards and boundaries, social and familial practices, and some religions are idolatrous, and may even involve witchcraft and sorcery. Some of the ancient religions involved human sacrifice, especially the sacrifice of children. We know that this is not Godly. We also know that some things considered the norm for others, are not going to work for us. Just because a bunch of folks do it, doesn’t make it right; or even beneficial. This is where the rod of iron (Word of God) and dashing things into pieces comes in. The things that are of no use to us, those that will harm us, those that go against God and Godly wisdom, etc., are the things we need to throw out. This works the same way in generational curses. Those things that are/were harmful need to be thrown out and replaced with God’s ways, according to God’s standards and boundaries.

That brings us to Psalm 3:1-7 “Oh, Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Have you ever been laughed at by peers because of your faith, or because you wouldn’t do something they thought was o.k. to do? Many will try to tell us that God’s ways are old fashioned, outdated, actually even oppressive and hateful. But God is a shield around us, and the lifter of our heads. It almost always turns out in the end, that obedience to His Word, and sticking to His ways, was the right thing to dos. I say, “almost,” only because some of those results we won’t know until we get to Heaven. Verse 7 of Psalm 3 tells us that God will silence and disarm the enemy. It never fails, when the enemy causes you to doubt or fear, God’s Word will show you the truth, and empower you to stand on the truth; dispelling the fear and the doubt.

Finally, Proverbs 3 gives us a lists of all the benefits we gain from allowing God to teach us, and keeping to His teaching, and keeping His commandments in our hearts. Whenever I read about God’s commandments, I think of Jesus’ words: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Thank you, Casting Crowns, for this inspirational song!

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In You And For You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we can be certain God is working in us, and for us. We are reminded that victory depends on work and prayer. When we pray with certainty of His promises, His will for us, and His love for us, we are empowered to work to achieve the success and victory. I chose this song by Casting Crowns to go with this message.

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Just Walk It Out With Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that building up stone by stone means taking it step by step, that requires discipline and perseverance. We are bid to never lose sight of the glorious work to which we’ve been called. Therein, we can find joy in each step. As I read this message, I think of my life since I met Jesus. I have to say it: I got the joy, joy, joy…every day!. This song says it for this little country girl. Thank you Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson; two of my favorite country singers.

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Don’t Sweat The Gray Skies

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s with us, even on the seemingly futile days. But, just because the skies are gray, doesn’t mean Heaven’s not still there. God never changes, and He’s not a liar.

We may not see Him working, but He is. I’m living proof. So many days when I thought I’ll never get this down and win this battle, He was right there working with me and in me. I didn’t realize back then, that it begins within, in your spirit. I was living life from the outside in. Isn’t it funny that here on Earth “inside-out” is wrong? In the Kingdom of Heaven, life is lived from the inside out.

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Ah, Peace, Be Still!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are sure to go through some storms in life. We’re told that the enemy attacks the fortress, the stronghold, and not in the desert waste. (quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org)

In my study on Generational Curses, I’ve come across some examples of how Satan works his wiles on us. Adam and Eve are the first example of how Satan veils his true self. First, he veils the anti-Christ. He’s envious of us because we are created in God’s image and after His likeness, and Satan hates Jesus. Secondly. he veils the author of confusion/chaos regarding God’s word. Then, the liar tells Eve she won’t die if she eats from the tree. Next, Satan causes Eve to doubt God’s love for her; His intentions toward her. Satan is the author and director of fear; not God. God is love, and perfect love casts out fear. Finally, we have the deception that the tree will make her wise…Wisdom comes from God, not from a tree. Oh, oh! Next came the storm that had both Adam and Eve hiding and trembling in fear of God.

Can you see the waves coming to buffet the ship here? Yes, it does happen this way all the time. But, when we learn to recognize the one stirring up the storm(s), we can quickly ride the waves to shore. An added plus is that we have Jesus in the boat!

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Guided Into Awesome Things

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God has already worked it all out. You have but to trust Him, and let Him guide you to, and through it all. Since I finally got this settled in my spirit, I have such freedom from anxiety, such peace in living; no matter what’s going on or what’s assailing me. This is when you know you’re letting the Holy Spirit work in and through you.

When we stick to what God says He has planned for us (plans to prosper, and not to harm us), we have a destination, or state of mind to focus on, and strive toward. No matter where you find yourself emotionally, if you look toward that point, you will regain your balance, peace, and energy. It’s like looking at the directional board at a mall…You are here…and there’s where you want to be…and here are the steps/ here’s the way to get there.

That perpetual guidance the message speaks of, brings to us the peace and power to create, and be creative. I have dreamed up, and created some of the most amazing things; and I know I never would have, had I not stopped the frenzied efforts to get somewhere on my own steam, and just let God lead me and guide me. Proverbs 16:33 tells us: “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” This principle works in every aspect and area of life, if you let it. I hope you’ll read the entire message for yourselves at twolisteners.org

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The Gifts Of The Quiet Times

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God does indeed redeem the time. Quoting directly from the message: “Your simple daily tasks done in My strength and Love will bring the consciousness of all your highest hopes.”

The message speaks of adding beautiful peace and joy to our golden years. But, when I thought about this, I thought of weariness that clings at times. I thought of disappointment and doubt in self, in my progress, even in the Lord, in those times I just could not understand that He was working all the while. There are many times it seems like not a prayer one is getting through, and not a thing one is being done about our complaints, our weariness, our frustration, etc. It’s in those times, that we need to seek that quiet time with Him, and get refreshed and strengthened.

I found a list of scriptures about being refreshed, renewed, and strengthened in spirit. I’m going to list them so you can look them up. Isaiah 40:31, my favorite: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 31:25, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 68:35, and Psalms 92:10. I’m sure there are so many more, but this is a pretty good start. These are the gifts of the quiet times. They empower us to just live our God’s will for us in His strength and love. When we do this, almost unconsciously we will rise, step by step, one step at a time, to new glories, and new triumphs.

Here’s Paul McClure with Waymaker. I hope you get stirred up in your spirit by this song-and remember, you’re not walking alone!

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Put Some Meat On Your Bones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that spiritual strength and power comes to us through doing God’s Will. We are bid to make it our daily goal. It’s one of the reasons I do this blog. I have seen major changes in the way I deal with just daily living, just by doing this blog. My knowledge of, and relationship with the Lord have grown. Some of the things I’ve come away from and come away with surprise me-pleasantly, of course.

I hear people talk about wanting to “know God’s Will for them.” The best way to do that is to pray and ask Him what it is. Then, pay attention; because the Holy Spirit always leads, guides, and prompts us. Another thing that can be helpful is to look at the things that you’re passionate about, the things that you love to do, and the things that really interest you. God puts those things in us; and He does that for a reason. Something that helped me early on was to read about God’s heart for us, and to read what Jesus had to say about His purpose for being here on Earth. He also gave us the order to preach the Gospel, and said, “it’s enough for a servant to be like his Master.” He came to destroy the works of the devil, and to help us to have life more abundantly-real life. Something to remember is that ministry is so much more than those big revivals and miracle crusades, etc. Ministry can be something as simple as taking someone a meal, giving someone a ride, speaking an encouraging word to someone. When we put it in proper perspective, ministry the way God sees it, is living a life of love and caring for one another.

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One Accord, Accordingly

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when two or more are gathered together in Jesus’ Name, nothing shall be impossible for us.

We are, however, admonished to ask wisely. Being of one accord is not just unity of our love for the Lord. Being of one accord is being united in the decision(s) regarding the wisdom of what we’re asking, united in the decision about whether or not it is according to God’s Word, and united in the desire(s), results, goals we have in regard to what we’re asking.

I can, from my own experience, recall a few times a group of people just went gung-ho for something, only to have it go completely wrong. This happens when we’re not all on the same page in regard to the things listed above. Even when we pray alone for things, we’re not really alone, because we have the Holy Spirit and the Lord both helping us. But, it’s always best to look further down the road and try to picture what results we might get then, before we pray and get going full tilt on anything.

I’ve found, over the years, that my strongest prayers and best results come when I just ask God to work His will in me and in my life. He always reveals Himself and His Will. We just need to be more attuned to His answers.

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He’s Working On It! -And On You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus does hear, and does answer! The problem is that our timing is not perfect; His is.

As I read the message, I thought of one day when I was married. My husband was late getting home. I got a little worried about whether or not he was alright. I could have gotten angry at him for keeping me waiting, for making me worry, but I didn’t. I just prayed that he was alright, and waited. Sure enough, a little while longer, and he came driving up. He’d stopped at the store to pick up some snacks and a movie he thought we’d all enjoy together. See, he was working on being a good hubby and dad.

When we don’t see things happening, it doesn’t mean they aren’t cared about, or aren’t being worked out by the Lord. It means we need to ask for more faith to trust Him, so that He can work them into the best outcome for us. Every time I read this message, I am reminded of how many times I freaked out, gave up, and gave in to the temptation to do it in my own strength – only to regret it later. I can laugh at myself now…and I can only imagine how Jesus must have laughed when it all finally did come together, and He saw my face. Thank you, Lord, for your patience!

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