Apart from the Bible itself, I believe there is no better source for spiritual guidance and direction than these two books. They “unpack” the spiritual principles in the Scriptures in a way that reaches and resonates with a soul eager to absorb and walk out the Word of God in their lives, and become more like Jesus. These are powerfully anointed books, that have been formational and transformation in my life. Even used by God to minister and guide me through a special inner healing journey that He arranged for me.
I first encountered these books in the 1970’s. My earliest surviving copy was in its Fourteenth Printing in 1974! Millions were already sold, and many more since. One of my copies of God at Eventide, as the sequel book to God Calling , 1950 as its copyright date.
I have given away hundreds of these books over many years, have heard a pastor, and others, say the Lord led them to a specific entry in God Calling at a particular moment in answer to a question or need. I have experienced similar. A friend of mine recently, while reading a portion as a means of introducing the book to her weekly Bible Study, reported that a member not yet arrived, came to the door speaking the very same words she had just read to the others!
From the introductory page of my oldest copy: “God Calling is no ordinary book…” A.J. Russell, the editor, remarks. “Not one person, but two, wrote this book. They elected to remain anonymous and to be called ‘Two Listeners.’ Their claim was that their message had been given to them by the living Christ Himself. My simple task has been to prepare God Calling for publication.” Considering the content, plus how the Lord has used these two books in my life in such unlikely and unusual ways, I am unable to conclude any differently. As with all books, including the Bible itself, one needs to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit in one’s reading and understanding.
These books are NOT “Jesus Calling,” the very popular, well publicized books promoted everywhere. That book is an open attempt by its author to duplicate the process and results of God Calling. While many like and use it for a daily devotional, in my mind it does not compare well.
Both God Calling and God at Eventide have had many publishers. God at Eventide is even published now under the title, “God Calling 2, God at Eventide, Companion to God Calling 1” Barnes and Nobles carries several editions of these books, including a hardback edition with both together. Digital ebook editions are also available.
You will be blessed with these books. Study them, meditate on the truths they contain and benefit from the scriptural principles they unpack.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
03/31/2016
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Church Organization – Members fitly joined together
The Holy Spirit gave the Apostle Paul vital instructions about the Church as the Body of Christ, with Jesus as Head, and giftings within that body and membership. I want to focus on one aspect, maybe best covered in Ephesians 4:16.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working
in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love. “ KJV
A number of years ago, I was part of a church whose Pastor was moving on to another church. I had several ministry functions at that time, and he called me in to ask me to help keep the church organized and spiritually functioning during its Search process, while others covered the business aspects, or current other leadership functions, such as Choir, Sunday School Superintendent, etc. Thus began a period of 20 months without an Interim Pastor. Together, the leadership decided on a large Search Committee of about 20, including 3 graduating teens.
We also decided to NOT have an official Interim Pastor appointed by the denomination, so that we could widely sample the range of pastoral types and styles, and simply experience ourselves as a functioning body. We wanted to take plenty of time to define who we were as a church, our core mission, goals and purpose. That meant that part of my role was to work with the Regional Director to bring in supply clergy each week, help each of them feel welcomed and appreciated, even see that they were well hosted and fed between services, which responsibility I gave to the Lay Readers who would be assisting him.
My role was that of a church coordinator, overseeing the spiritual aspects and health of church life. Other leaders continued to perform in their various roles. God’s word and direction to me was “Feed my sheep”. Or see to it that they were, and were functioning as a ministering body within and to any coming in as visitors. It was a time for me of careful listening to and co-working with the Holy Spirit, and all in line with the scriptural pattern Greeters were to understand their function as genuine ministry, going beyond just handing out a bulletin and saying welcome. Name tags were launched as another ministry and means of helping people learn names and integrate more quickly.
There was already a coffee and fellowship time after the 11am service, but we added monthly fellowship meals, that also included a short service of informal Communion. All I had to do was identify members’ spiritual gifts, and set them loose to use and share them. The greater unity and love that developed was remarkable. The one certainty of the Search Committee was that we wanted to be a Christ Centered church. The “body” was so alive and functioning so well together that the Search Committee seriously considered calling a part-time pastor so that it could continue its high active functioning together.
The congregation was even growing in numbers, and without a permanent pastor! What we finally decided as a Search Committee was to make sure whoever was called was aware how happy, healthy, and thriving we were as a body, and wanted to continue that cooperative leadership style with any pastor called. Each candidate was asked how he felt about that, and what his own style and approach would be. One candidate described himself as an enabler, believing everyone should have a role and function according to his or her giftings. He was the one called.
Unfortunately, the man changed his mind, (or disclosed his true one), and decided to take full reins. I happened to be around when he announced his intention to the Head of a Retreat House that I also shared ministry in. That was not all that turned out to be wrong, but it is not my purpose to share any of that and what followed, here.
My point has been to describe how the Scriptural pattern and principles of Ephesians 4:16 and other passages, can actually work in practice and bring peace, joy, membership increase and spiritual growth to the Body of Christ, and glory to God. Even WITHOUT a permanent pastor!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
03/08/2016
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working
in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love. “ KJV
A number of years ago, I was part of a church whose Pastor was moving on to another church. I had several ministry functions at that time, and he called me in to ask me to help keep the church organized and spiritually functioning during its Search process, while others covered the business aspects, or current other leadership functions, such as Choir, Sunday School Superintendent, etc. Thus began a period of 20 months without an Interim Pastor. Together, the leadership decided on a large Search Committee of about 20, including 3 graduating teens.
We also decided to NOT have an official Interim Pastor appointed by the denomination, so that we could widely sample the range of pastoral types and styles, and simply experience ourselves as a functioning body. We wanted to take plenty of time to define who we were as a church, our core mission, goals and purpose. That meant that part of my role was to work with the Regional Director to bring in supply clergy each week, help each of them feel welcomed and appreciated, even see that they were well hosted and fed between services, which responsibility I gave to the Lay Readers who would be assisting him.
My role was that of a church coordinator, overseeing the spiritual aspects and health of church life. Other leaders continued to perform in their various roles. God’s word and direction to me was “Feed my sheep”. Or see to it that they were, and were functioning as a ministering body within and to any coming in as visitors. It was a time for me of careful listening to and co-working with the Holy Spirit, and all in line with the scriptural pattern Greeters were to understand their function as genuine ministry, going beyond just handing out a bulletin and saying welcome. Name tags were launched as another ministry and means of helping people learn names and integrate more quickly.
There was already a coffee and fellowship time after the 11am service, but we added monthly fellowship meals, that also included a short service of informal Communion. All I had to do was identify members’ spiritual gifts, and set them loose to use and share them. The greater unity and love that developed was remarkable. The one certainty of the Search Committee was that we wanted to be a Christ Centered church. The “body” was so alive and functioning so well together that the Search Committee seriously considered calling a part-time pastor so that it could continue its high active functioning together.
The congregation was even growing in numbers, and without a permanent pastor! What we finally decided as a Search Committee was to make sure whoever was called was aware how happy, healthy, and thriving we were as a body, and wanted to continue that cooperative leadership style with any pastor called. Each candidate was asked how he felt about that, and what his own style and approach would be. One candidate described himself as an enabler, believing everyone should have a role and function according to his or her giftings. He was the one called.
Unfortunately, the man changed his mind, (or disclosed his true one), and decided to take full reins. I happened to be around when he announced his intention to the Head of a Retreat House that I also shared ministry in. That was not all that turned out to be wrong, but it is not my purpose to share any of that and what followed, here.
My point has been to describe how the Scriptural pattern and principles of Ephesians 4:16 and other passages, can actually work in practice and bring peace, joy, membership increase and spiritual growth to the Body of Christ, and glory to God. Even WITHOUT a permanent pastor!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
03/08/2016
God’s Protection
A few years ago, I was sitting in the living room of my home, waiting expectantly for my son-in-law to return with my car, which he had borrowed for a few hours. I heard a car door slam closed, and thought it was probably him. But when he did not come through my door, I assumed it was a neighbor’s.
Maybe 15 minutes later, he knocked, opened my door, and asked if I had noticed a blue car in my driveway facing out. No.
Then he went on to explain that when he returned with my car it was there, so he parked out front, go out and went immediately to the driver’s side of that car and asked if he needed help. The guy said he was having trouble starting his car, then immediately tried it again. And, of course, guess what? It started! And with a beep of his horn took off down the road deeper into the neighborhood. (I lived on a frequently used thru street.)
At that same moment, another man ran out from my back yard through a side gate, taking off in the same direction as the car had gone.
My son-in-law- wondered if I had heard any noise toward the back of my small house where my master bedroom was. Again, no. But I got up immediately to go look. The glass slider was fully open, having been forced, but the would-be thief had been foiled by the “well timed” arrival of my son-in-law. My desk with my laptop on it was in front of the left half of the slider so that I could enjoy the view while working there. THAT is how close and easy it would have been for him to at least grab my computer! The Hand of God in protection was quite clear to us. But the story does not end there.
We called 911. A policeman with an observer was there in minutes, followed soon after by a female investigator with finger printing equipment. With a lot of humor and even laughter, we shared the details of all we knew. The finger print expert could not find finger prints on the slider, but DID find palm prints from where the thief had cupped his hands to shield his eyes from reflected light to peek in and check to see if anyone was visible inside. Not one single print inside my house! It was literally fun to observe all the “coincidental evidence” of God’s Protecting Hand.
The two were never caught, even though they (or possibly also others) had broken into other homes in our area. But again, the story does not end here. We, of course rejoiced, and praised and thanked the Lord for His protective care. Soon though, He also instructed me to write the following words on a 3×5 card and tape it to my slider.
THIS HOUSE IS GOD PROTECTED
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH GOD!
I did as the Lord told me, and thought how smart was God! In fact, a couple of days later, while thinking of the other break-ins in the area, including my next door neighbor, I thought what a great idea it would be to suggest to others that they post a similar warning. Surely such a sign would at least give pause to any would-be thief. He would think twice, and probably turn away. But immediately the Lord spoke thus: “THIS IS NOT A GIMMICK. YOU ARE BEING PROTECTED BY GOD!”
Wow! How direct and personal is that!! I still marvel at God’s personal care and protection of one of His children. And how amazing His instruction to tape His 3×5 card warning message to the slider, and then what He said about it! What a treasured memory!
And, consider all the times and ways God has protected each of us without our conscious awareness! Rejoice! PRAISE HIM!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
03/03/2016
Maybe 15 minutes later, he knocked, opened my door, and asked if I had noticed a blue car in my driveway facing out. No.
Then he went on to explain that when he returned with my car it was there, so he parked out front, go out and went immediately to the driver’s side of that car and asked if he needed help. The guy said he was having trouble starting his car, then immediately tried it again. And, of course, guess what? It started! And with a beep of his horn took off down the road deeper into the neighborhood. (I lived on a frequently used thru street.)
At that same moment, another man ran out from my back yard through a side gate, taking off in the same direction as the car had gone.
My son-in-law- wondered if I had heard any noise toward the back of my small house where my master bedroom was. Again, no. But I got up immediately to go look. The glass slider was fully open, having been forced, but the would-be thief had been foiled by the “well timed” arrival of my son-in-law. My desk with my laptop on it was in front of the left half of the slider so that I could enjoy the view while working there. THAT is how close and easy it would have been for him to at least grab my computer! The Hand of God in protection was quite clear to us. But the story does not end there.
We called 911. A policeman with an observer was there in minutes, followed soon after by a female investigator with finger printing equipment. With a lot of humor and even laughter, we shared the details of all we knew. The finger print expert could not find finger prints on the slider, but DID find palm prints from where the thief had cupped his hands to shield his eyes from reflected light to peek in and check to see if anyone was visible inside. Not one single print inside my house! It was literally fun to observe all the “coincidental evidence” of God’s Protecting Hand.
The two were never caught, even though they (or possibly also others) had broken into other homes in our area. But again, the story does not end here. We, of course rejoiced, and praised and thanked the Lord for His protective care. Soon though, He also instructed me to write the following words on a 3×5 card and tape it to my slider.
THIS HOUSE IS GOD PROTECTED
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH GOD!
I did as the Lord told me, and thought how smart was God! In fact, a couple of days later, while thinking of the other break-ins in the area, including my next door neighbor, I thought what a great idea it would be to suggest to others that they post a similar warning. Surely such a sign would at least give pause to any would-be thief. He would think twice, and probably turn away. But immediately the Lord spoke thus: “THIS IS NOT A GIMMICK. YOU ARE BEING PROTECTED BY GOD!”
Wow! How direct and personal is that!! I still marvel at God’s personal care and protection of one of His children. And how amazing His instruction to tape His 3×5 card warning message to the slider, and then what He said about it! What a treasured memory!
And, consider all the times and ways God has protected each of us without our conscious awareness! Rejoice! PRAISE HIM!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
03/03/2016
Double-mindedness – in Focus, Belief, Source, and Will
James 1:6-8 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man , unstable in all his ways.”
In Focus – When we are focused on our problem, we are not focused on the solution or answer, which is in the Word of God. We are being carnal or flesh minded, not spirit or spiritually minded. Romans 8:5-7 says “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds (focus) on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.”
In Belief – We are either believing the Word of God, or we are believing something other than. And we cannot do both at the same time. We cannot think two opposing thoughts in the same time frame. If you are believing one, you are doubting or in unbelief of the other. And a double-minded man receives nothing from the Lord.
In Source -In an earlier article, First Choice or Back-up Plan, I asked the question: If you are sick, Is God your first choice, or your back-up Plan? And if He is your first choice, why do you have a back-up plan? If He is your back-up plan, it means you have trusted something or someone above God. You might say a double-Source or double-trusting person receives nothing from the Lord.
In Will – The big issue here is secondary gains. Maybe you like the special attention you receive from being sick, or being poor, or whatever other issue or condition you are facing. Maybe you are feeling very tired and weary of life in this fallen earth realm, and in your circumstances, Maybe you even fought the good fight of faith, won some battles, ministered well and want to move on to be with the Lord, There are many motives, frequently unconscious, for a double- minded will.
Solution – Search your mind and heart and identify those areas of double-minded conflict, correct them, presenting them to God and seeking HIS Will, plan, and provision for your life. STAND with God on His Will and on His Word. “And having done all, to STAND.” ( Ephesians 6:13.)
God bless!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
02/20/2016
In Focus – When we are focused on our problem, we are not focused on the solution or answer, which is in the Word of God. We are being carnal or flesh minded, not spirit or spiritually minded. Romans 8:5-7 says “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds (focus) on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.”
In Belief – We are either believing the Word of God, or we are believing something other than. And we cannot do both at the same time. We cannot think two opposing thoughts in the same time frame. If you are believing one, you are doubting or in unbelief of the other. And a double-minded man receives nothing from the Lord.
In Source -In an earlier article, First Choice or Back-up Plan, I asked the question: If you are sick, Is God your first choice, or your back-up Plan? And if He is your first choice, why do you have a back-up plan? If He is your back-up plan, it means you have trusted something or someone above God. You might say a double-Source or double-trusting person receives nothing from the Lord.
In Will – The big issue here is secondary gains. Maybe you like the special attention you receive from being sick, or being poor, or whatever other issue or condition you are facing. Maybe you are feeling very tired and weary of life in this fallen earth realm, and in your circumstances, Maybe you even fought the good fight of faith, won some battles, ministered well and want to move on to be with the Lord, There are many motives, frequently unconscious, for a double- minded will.
Solution – Search your mind and heart and identify those areas of double-minded conflict, correct them, presenting them to God and seeking HIS Will, plan, and provision for your life. STAND with God on His Will and on His Word. “And having done all, to STAND.” ( Ephesians 6:13.)
God bless!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
02/20/2016
The Power of Focus – Positive and Negative Imagination
Whatever we focus on, or think continuously on, is magnified, or enlarged in our minds. Our thoughts have a great deal to do with our feelings and experiences. The Bible refers to this idea in Proverbs 23:7 where it says “as he thinks in his heart so is he.”
We could say, “as a man thinks in his heart (believes) so is it in his imagination and experience.” We are made in the image and likeness of God, and our thoughts, imaginations and words have creative power.
My dictionary defines imagine as: “to form a mental picture of something not present.” Does that phrase sound a little familiar? Like… “Faith (believing) is the substance of things hoped for (earnestly expected), the evidence of things not seen.” That’s in Hebrews 11:1. And Jesus said in Matthew 9:29 that “according to your faith be it unto you.” Wow! That is power, spiritual law or force.
Let me offer this real life example that I think most of us get unconsciously or half-consciously caught up in, at least briefly. When a TV program or commercial comes on that mentions a disease and symptoms, or warns of various potential disease consequences from taking a particular drug or medication, do you find yourself starting to focus on your own body, checking it for symptoms and evidence of that disease? Just the suggestion of the possibility shifts our focus and attention. Negative faith, based on fear, is given an opportunity to be believed and magnified. That fear message is out there every day, even possibly every hour! Focused imagination looks for, and magnifies a symptom.
And when we are confronted with a more substantial symptom in our bodies, our focus on it will also magnify it through our imagining, and give it greater creative force and power. Our alternative, of course, is to focus on God and His greater spiritual force and power. But it is still “according to our faith” and whatever we focus on the most, we give greater creative faith-power to.
This same spiritual force or law of focus operates in all areas of our lives. Finances, jobs, the economy is another prime example where a focus on negative circumstances or consequences with active imagination can lead toward self-fulfilling prophecies. Fear (negative faith) is also creative. But we can also consciously choose and maintain a focus with our spiritual vision and eyes upon God, His promise and provision of health and material blessing, and use our God-given power of imagination on the positive creative side of faith.
We do have to notice though, whether we are perceiving /viewing from a carnal/physical mindset or the spiritual mind of Christ and His graced Provision. That is the key, and ultimately our choice. The carnal mind is at enmity with God (James 4:4). Our spiritual mind of Christ will be in agreement and co-create with Him. That is exciting and miraculous!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
02/12/2016
We could say, “as a man thinks in his heart (believes) so is it in his imagination and experience.” We are made in the image and likeness of God, and our thoughts, imaginations and words have creative power.
My dictionary defines imagine as: “to form a mental picture of something not present.” Does that phrase sound a little familiar? Like… “Faith (believing) is the substance of things hoped for (earnestly expected), the evidence of things not seen.” That’s in Hebrews 11:1. And Jesus said in Matthew 9:29 that “according to your faith be it unto you.” Wow! That is power, spiritual law or force.
Let me offer this real life example that I think most of us get unconsciously or half-consciously caught up in, at least briefly. When a TV program or commercial comes on that mentions a disease and symptoms, or warns of various potential disease consequences from taking a particular drug or medication, do you find yourself starting to focus on your own body, checking it for symptoms and evidence of that disease? Just the suggestion of the possibility shifts our focus and attention. Negative faith, based on fear, is given an opportunity to be believed and magnified. That fear message is out there every day, even possibly every hour! Focused imagination looks for, and magnifies a symptom.
And when we are confronted with a more substantial symptom in our bodies, our focus on it will also magnify it through our imagining, and give it greater creative force and power. Our alternative, of course, is to focus on God and His greater spiritual force and power. But it is still “according to our faith” and whatever we focus on the most, we give greater creative faith-power to.
This same spiritual force or law of focus operates in all areas of our lives. Finances, jobs, the economy is another prime example where a focus on negative circumstances or consequences with active imagination can lead toward self-fulfilling prophecies. Fear (negative faith) is also creative. But we can also consciously choose and maintain a focus with our spiritual vision and eyes upon God, His promise and provision of health and material blessing, and use our God-given power of imagination on the positive creative side of faith.
We do have to notice though, whether we are perceiving /viewing from a carnal/physical mindset or the spiritual mind of Christ and His graced Provision. That is the key, and ultimately our choice. The carnal mind is at enmity with God (James 4:4). Our spiritual mind of Christ will be in agreement and co-create with Him. That is exciting and miraculous!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
02/12/2016
The Power of Personal Testimony
Personal testimonies can be instructive regarding the principles and the ways of God, as well as very encouraging to people in their own walks and journeys with the Lord. The testimonies of others have often fulfilled these two purposes in my own life. I want to offer one of my own now in demonstration of what God is able to do in the life of any listening believer, willing to trust and be led by His Spirit.
About 4 years ago, I sensed that God was wanting to move me out of the church He had previously sent me to, and return me to more active ministry. There was no ministry opportunity for me at that church that fit the giftings and mission assignments I had previously enjoyed with Him. And there had been a prophecy given to me; that God had much more for me to do.
I was also sensing that I needed to move from my present location to another part of town, My daughter had been urging me for a long time toward some sort of closer housing arrangement together, especially after my husband had passed on to be with the Lord. I had not been ready to do that. But eventually I sensed that it was time to explore that possibility.
I do nothing without consulting the Lord, so I asked Him if it was time, and to confirm that it was His Will and plan for me. His immediate reply was “Yes. But let Me move you.” Wow! Who would argue with that?! So that began another adventure with the Lord.
I called my real estate agent, and my house was quickly on the market.
The very first week, the second visitor made a full price offer with no repair contingencies, not even the minor repairs, house washing, etc!
Clearly the Lord’s Hand, right?! But the buyer wanted to close as soon as possible! We had not even gone out to locate my/our new property and place to live, yet. But OK, the Lord was in charge of this move. Just watch, observe and enjoy how he manages all of this. There was still due diligence and a process to follow at both ends, selling and my purchase.
We immediately began our search for God’s intended property and housing arrangement… together, but a definite separation of quarters for me for full privacy. The time and season was April and spring. The half-acre property we were led to was a blaze of color with azaleas over our heads, 5 white dogwoods, many other plantings and a pattern of pathways to walk and enjoy. Even some art-work here and there. Such peace and confirmation that this was our new home, even before seeing inside!
The space for me was perfect: A separate outside entrance for me, another door to outside off a very large bedroom, with my own private deck reaching toward the garden area. Excellent living/dining/kitchen area. Even my own separate laundry room with storage. Main house was a more ordinary expected small 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch.
Ah, but issues and problems too! 2 ancient HVACs, a rotted out shower base in the master bath. Other serious issues.
But the Lord had put together what I called my “God team,” with my agent at the center. Both my financial advisor and my home inspector happened to also be leaders in their churches, and walked out this faith adventure with me. My agent, with much professional wisdom, had lined up both of them.
The problems and challenges were many, even the appraisal came in too low for the seller, and the contract and price re-negotiated. Meanwhile, my buyer was wanting to close and move in as quickly as possible! If that happened I would be out on the street, so to speak.
So how did God handle all of that? Delay after delay of closing dates by their bank! They just could not quite get their end together. But when the date did become firm, I “knew” that all the issues at the other end of this pipeline would clear up quickly. And that’s exactly what happened!
Plus my buyer, feeling apologetic for all of the delays at their end, allowed me to stay in my house an extra 2 days. One of many things to chuckle over as I watched the Lord handle every issue and problem. And my “God team” watched in wonder and amazement as I laughed at all the usual concerns they had for potential contract failures. Their faith levels were rising the whole time.
Closing was on a Friday. That is everyone’s preferred day so they can move over the weekend. But all deeds have to be wire recorded by 5 pm, or wait until Monday! My closing, set for 2:30 pm did not begin until closer to 3 pm. I had actually not even met my lawyer until then, but immediately “knew” he was part of my God Team. With all but my home inspector present, we closed with much joviality, and then final hugs with me, initiated by my financial advisor, who was still appreciating this unusual clear Hand of God.
But that is not the end of this testimony to the Lord! When I got to the house, my family was unloading stuff prematurely. A big “no, no” legally! On the phone with my agent, who was clearly not happy, he and I waited while his wife was on another line with the lawyer, waiting for word that it had properly recorded on time. Guess when it did! 4:59pm!!! God, right?!!
A week later, I learned from my agent’s wife that after we had left his office, my lawyer, whom I had not even met previously, said “We have to get this lady into her house.” So he called the Register of Deeds office and called in a favor of a friend there. BUT, he did not stop there! He jumped in his car and went there to in person make sure it recorded in time! Tell me that that was not the prompting of God in my lawyer’s heart and mind! And 4:59pm!
So, does that encourage you to know and see the possibilities with God? And what other principles are involved for something like that to happen in your life? Clearly it is available for all of us, as we develop a close, on-going, relationship of communions with the Lord, and learning to hear His Voice. Also, we need to keep our full and complete trust that He is well able to do everything He says He will, down to the tiniest detail and through every issue and problem. Also we need to offer lots of praise, acknowledging, and thanksgiving, as He unfolds His wonderful little miracles, purposes, plans, and provisions for you. What a joy to partner with the Lord!
I hope you are blessed and encouraged by this personal testimony.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/31/2016
About 4 years ago, I sensed that God was wanting to move me out of the church He had previously sent me to, and return me to more active ministry. There was no ministry opportunity for me at that church that fit the giftings and mission assignments I had previously enjoyed with Him. And there had been a prophecy given to me; that God had much more for me to do.
I was also sensing that I needed to move from my present location to another part of town, My daughter had been urging me for a long time toward some sort of closer housing arrangement together, especially after my husband had passed on to be with the Lord. I had not been ready to do that. But eventually I sensed that it was time to explore that possibility.
I do nothing without consulting the Lord, so I asked Him if it was time, and to confirm that it was His Will and plan for me. His immediate reply was “Yes. But let Me move you.” Wow! Who would argue with that?! So that began another adventure with the Lord.
I called my real estate agent, and my house was quickly on the market.
The very first week, the second visitor made a full price offer with no repair contingencies, not even the minor repairs, house washing, etc!
Clearly the Lord’s Hand, right?! But the buyer wanted to close as soon as possible! We had not even gone out to locate my/our new property and place to live, yet. But OK, the Lord was in charge of this move. Just watch, observe and enjoy how he manages all of this. There was still due diligence and a process to follow at both ends, selling and my purchase.
We immediately began our search for God’s intended property and housing arrangement… together, but a definite separation of quarters for me for full privacy. The time and season was April and spring. The half-acre property we were led to was a blaze of color with azaleas over our heads, 5 white dogwoods, many other plantings and a pattern of pathways to walk and enjoy. Even some art-work here and there. Such peace and confirmation that this was our new home, even before seeing inside!
The space for me was perfect: A separate outside entrance for me, another door to outside off a very large bedroom, with my own private deck reaching toward the garden area. Excellent living/dining/kitchen area. Even my own separate laundry room with storage. Main house was a more ordinary expected small 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch.
Ah, but issues and problems too! 2 ancient HVACs, a rotted out shower base in the master bath. Other serious issues.
But the Lord had put together what I called my “God team,” with my agent at the center. Both my financial advisor and my home inspector happened to also be leaders in their churches, and walked out this faith adventure with me. My agent, with much professional wisdom, had lined up both of them.
The problems and challenges were many, even the appraisal came in too low for the seller, and the contract and price re-negotiated. Meanwhile, my buyer was wanting to close and move in as quickly as possible! If that happened I would be out on the street, so to speak.
So how did God handle all of that? Delay after delay of closing dates by their bank! They just could not quite get their end together. But when the date did become firm, I “knew” that all the issues at the other end of this pipeline would clear up quickly. And that’s exactly what happened!
Plus my buyer, feeling apologetic for all of the delays at their end, allowed me to stay in my house an extra 2 days. One of many things to chuckle over as I watched the Lord handle every issue and problem. And my “God team” watched in wonder and amazement as I laughed at all the usual concerns they had for potential contract failures. Their faith levels were rising the whole time.
Closing was on a Friday. That is everyone’s preferred day so they can move over the weekend. But all deeds have to be wire recorded by 5 pm, or wait until Monday! My closing, set for 2:30 pm did not begin until closer to 3 pm. I had actually not even met my lawyer until then, but immediately “knew” he was part of my God Team. With all but my home inspector present, we closed with much joviality, and then final hugs with me, initiated by my financial advisor, who was still appreciating this unusual clear Hand of God.
But that is not the end of this testimony to the Lord! When I got to the house, my family was unloading stuff prematurely. A big “no, no” legally! On the phone with my agent, who was clearly not happy, he and I waited while his wife was on another line with the lawyer, waiting for word that it had properly recorded on time. Guess when it did! 4:59pm!!! God, right?!!
A week later, I learned from my agent’s wife that after we had left his office, my lawyer, whom I had not even met previously, said “We have to get this lady into her house.” So he called the Register of Deeds office and called in a favor of a friend there. BUT, he did not stop there! He jumped in his car and went there to in person make sure it recorded in time! Tell me that that was not the prompting of God in my lawyer’s heart and mind! And 4:59pm!
So, does that encourage you to know and see the possibilities with God? And what other principles are involved for something like that to happen in your life? Clearly it is available for all of us, as we develop a close, on-going, relationship of communions with the Lord, and learning to hear His Voice. Also, we need to keep our full and complete trust that He is well able to do everything He says He will, down to the tiniest detail and through every issue and problem. Also we need to offer lots of praise, acknowledging, and thanksgiving, as He unfolds His wonderful little miracles, purposes, plans, and provisions for you. What a joy to partner with the Lord!
I hope you are blessed and encouraged by this personal testimony.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/31/2016
Do You Believe You Have the Same Authority as Jesus Christ?
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus proclaims and commands “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, …teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
And Mark 16: 17-18 records: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Clearly Christ’s authority has been given to us as believers in Him; but are you walking in that authority, or are you believing it in your head as doctrine, but not in your heart as living functioning truth and practice? Is it a truth fully absorbed and integrated in your heart, mind and spirit, into your very being? Are you regularly exercising your given authority, or maybe feeling too small, weak, inadequate, and therefore lacking in effective authority?
The Lord has been revealing and teaching me many crucial and practical things through Philemon 6, KJV, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” His first lesson about this with me was the revelation that I was effectively denying one of the Fruits of the Spirit that He had actually deposited in me by my claiming a loss of patience. I HAD His Patience within me, but was not USING it. Since then He has shown me how that principle applies to ALL the fruit of His Spirit. We become deceived, believe and claim the opposite, or at least some lack. But the fruit is not ours, but HIS Nature deposited in us. And we are commanded to use and walk in them.
Jesus’ power and authority is also given to us, and we are commissioned and commanded to walk in that too, as genuine believers in Him and His Word. We are not to slip into denial of His Word, authority and power in us through doubts and unbelief, and believing we lack it, or don’t have enough of it. That authority and power resides in us, belongs to us, is part of who we are. It is by acknowledging it being within us, that it becomes effective, integrated in our thinking and being.
I had understood that authority and operated in it successfully in the health area for a number of years, taking authority over my own body.
Using that authority in the lives of others is a little more complicated because the faith of the other person to receive is involved, and even Jesus was did not do many mighty works of healing in His hometown where there was so much unbelief.
When my husband became sick, he believed in healing as a doctrine, but was unable to believe God would heal him. Because of his choice to seek healing through medical science and doctors, and because one of his issues was short term memory loss, in honoring his choice I had to be present at all appointments and take charge of his care and treatment. I quickly discovered it was not possible to operate and function on two separate levels, natural/carnal and spiritual at the same time. My husband’s care was lengthy and required much attention and oversight. I will spare you the details of what turned into very poor medical treatment from many nice doctors, when the actual solution was actually very simple, but “missed.” He has passed on now, and is relieved of all pain. My point here is that so much of my time and attention was focused on a medical path, that my ability to shift back to my spiritual path for my own needs, and time to do so, left me vulnerable.
It is harder to deal with any situation or symptom once it has had time to establish without sufficient opposition. Some of my sense of authority was undermined by that, the full integration of that authority in my sense of being and identity. Like a lost connection or something. Locating that glitch has been a challenge to a returned and fully effective spiritual path.
God has been showing me through Philemon 6, KJV that the answer is in deep, focused “acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus!” No more claiming or believing loss or lack! But believing His Presence and power within. We are “one.” And Jesus said He would be with us until the end of the age, and that He would never leave nor forsake us!
The problem is never Him, but we must be diligent to not fall into denial through doubt, unbelief, neglect, false humility, sense of personal weakness, or any other deception of the enemy. We are, have been, UNITED with Christ. He has given us His own authority, power, and victory. AMEN? Philemon 6 KJV is a wonderful principle that applies in so very many areas of our lives! USE it, apply it, and enjoy the profit!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/22/2016
And Mark 16: 17-18 records: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Clearly Christ’s authority has been given to us as believers in Him; but are you walking in that authority, or are you believing it in your head as doctrine, but not in your heart as living functioning truth and practice? Is it a truth fully absorbed and integrated in your heart, mind and spirit, into your very being? Are you regularly exercising your given authority, or maybe feeling too small, weak, inadequate, and therefore lacking in effective authority?
The Lord has been revealing and teaching me many crucial and practical things through Philemon 6, KJV, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” His first lesson about this with me was the revelation that I was effectively denying one of the Fruits of the Spirit that He had actually deposited in me by my claiming a loss of patience. I HAD His Patience within me, but was not USING it. Since then He has shown me how that principle applies to ALL the fruit of His Spirit. We become deceived, believe and claim the opposite, or at least some lack. But the fruit is not ours, but HIS Nature deposited in us. And we are commanded to use and walk in them.
Jesus’ power and authority is also given to us, and we are commissioned and commanded to walk in that too, as genuine believers in Him and His Word. We are not to slip into denial of His Word, authority and power in us through doubts and unbelief, and believing we lack it, or don’t have enough of it. That authority and power resides in us, belongs to us, is part of who we are. It is by acknowledging it being within us, that it becomes effective, integrated in our thinking and being.
I had understood that authority and operated in it successfully in the health area for a number of years, taking authority over my own body.
Using that authority in the lives of others is a little more complicated because the faith of the other person to receive is involved, and even Jesus was did not do many mighty works of healing in His hometown where there was so much unbelief.
When my husband became sick, he believed in healing as a doctrine, but was unable to believe God would heal him. Because of his choice to seek healing through medical science and doctors, and because one of his issues was short term memory loss, in honoring his choice I had to be present at all appointments and take charge of his care and treatment. I quickly discovered it was not possible to operate and function on two separate levels, natural/carnal and spiritual at the same time. My husband’s care was lengthy and required much attention and oversight. I will spare you the details of what turned into very poor medical treatment from many nice doctors, when the actual solution was actually very simple, but “missed.” He has passed on now, and is relieved of all pain. My point here is that so much of my time and attention was focused on a medical path, that my ability to shift back to my spiritual path for my own needs, and time to do so, left me vulnerable.
It is harder to deal with any situation or symptom once it has had time to establish without sufficient opposition. Some of my sense of authority was undermined by that, the full integration of that authority in my sense of being and identity. Like a lost connection or something. Locating that glitch has been a challenge to a returned and fully effective spiritual path.
God has been showing me through Philemon 6, KJV that the answer is in deep, focused “acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus!” No more claiming or believing loss or lack! But believing His Presence and power within. We are “one.” And Jesus said He would be with us until the end of the age, and that He would never leave nor forsake us!
The problem is never Him, but we must be diligent to not fall into denial through doubt, unbelief, neglect, false humility, sense of personal weakness, or any other deception of the enemy. We are, have been, UNITED with Christ. He has given us His own authority, power, and victory. AMEN? Philemon 6 KJV is a wonderful principle that applies in so very many areas of our lives! USE it, apply it, and enjoy the profit!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/22/2016
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