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
First Choice or Back-up Plan?
When first confronted with physical symptoms, what is your first thought and where do you think to turn for help and healing? Who does your mind turn to first? God? A doctor? And if God first, do you have a back-up plan in mind, to go to a doctor if God seems not to be responding? And if the doctor first, is God your back-up plan if medical science is failing and has no answer or cure for you? A major question there. Who/where are you placing your trust?
Does God need help from man? Or the help of modern medical science? Did Jesus? Did He send anybody to a doctor first, and only when that failed, would heal someone? The Word of God not only promises healing to believers who would avoid fear and believe only, but commands His believing disciples to heal the sick under the delegated Authority He gave them in His Name, empowered by the Indwelling Presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It is easier to believe that doctors need the help and guiding wisdom or Hand of God in their medical practices. Some Christians even believe that God gave man modern medical science and medicines as or for the means of healing. Really? Why then did not Jesus simply give man all this great wisdom of God so that man could heal the sick on his own without Him? And what about all this wonderful healing medicine we see advertised on television every hour, followed by required presentations of all the potential or likely risks and consequences that could accompany or follow, including even possible death! Wow. That is all from God? His plan and provision for man, whom He Loves? I don’t think so! God really does, “Do no harm!”
God’s Word tells us how to receive healing through single-minded, pure or purified faith in Him. The example of Jesus leading a blind man out of his city, with its atmosphere of unbelieving, doubting “world system” thinking, so that his mind could be turned to greater and purer faith, and receive his sight, is very instructive. All of us were born into a fallen, secular, “world-system “ way of thinking and believing. We all struggle with it as part of our Romans 12: 2 effort to “be not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Especially in this media focused world we live in, this is even more difficult. And it is one thing to take the man out of the city, as Jesus did, but something else to get the “city” out of the man. It demands strong determination, watchful aware vigilance, and the help of the Holy Spirit. James 4:7 instructs us to “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We do not attain the latter without first the former. We need to submit to God and His ways, come into agreement with Him and His Word. Then we CAN effectively resist the devil and his deceiving lies, demand and watch him leave. God plus you, together, bring victory. His Power mixed with your believing faith. Let’s change our inner “cities”, and support each other in doing so!
“According to your faith be it unto you.” Where are you placing yours?
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/16/2016
Does God need help from man? Or the help of modern medical science? Did Jesus? Did He send anybody to a doctor first, and only when that failed, would heal someone? The Word of God not only promises healing to believers who would avoid fear and believe only, but commands His believing disciples to heal the sick under the delegated Authority He gave them in His Name, empowered by the Indwelling Presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It is easier to believe that doctors need the help and guiding wisdom or Hand of God in their medical practices. Some Christians even believe that God gave man modern medical science and medicines as or for the means of healing. Really? Why then did not Jesus simply give man all this great wisdom of God so that man could heal the sick on his own without Him? And what about all this wonderful healing medicine we see advertised on television every hour, followed by required presentations of all the potential or likely risks and consequences that could accompany or follow, including even possible death! Wow. That is all from God? His plan and provision for man, whom He Loves? I don’t think so! God really does, “Do no harm!”
God’s Word tells us how to receive healing through single-minded, pure or purified faith in Him. The example of Jesus leading a blind man out of his city, with its atmosphere of unbelieving, doubting “world system” thinking, so that his mind could be turned to greater and purer faith, and receive his sight, is very instructive. All of us were born into a fallen, secular, “world-system “ way of thinking and believing. We all struggle with it as part of our Romans 12: 2 effort to “be not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Especially in this media focused world we live in, this is even more difficult. And it is one thing to take the man out of the city, as Jesus did, but something else to get the “city” out of the man. It demands strong determination, watchful aware vigilance, and the help of the Holy Spirit. James 4:7 instructs us to “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We do not attain the latter without first the former. We need to submit to God and His ways, come into agreement with Him and His Word. Then we CAN effectively resist the devil and his deceiving lies, demand and watch him leave. God plus you, together, bring victory. His Power mixed with your believing faith. Let’s change our inner “cities”, and support each other in doing so!
“According to your faith be it unto you.” Where are you placing yours?
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/16/2016
Effective Faith is Pure/Purified Faith!
Let’s look at Abraham, often referred to as the father of our faith, and is listed as one of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
Romans 4:3 says “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” Righteousness means right standing or right relationship with God. When we are believing God we are in right relationship with Him, and His Grace and spiritual forces can flow And Abraham was indeed called the friend of God.
Yet, look at some of the things Abraham did that were contrary to that believing and faith in God! Including and especially agreeing with Sarah to have a child by Hagar!
So how do we understand and account for this discrepancy and contradiction in Abraham? Alongside that belief and faith in God, was years of natural human beliefs, fears and understandings from growing up in a fallen world. Alongside his belief and faith were many doubts and also unbelief. James, in Chapter 1 of his Epistle, states that “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.” Another words, Abraham’s faith was not effective because impure or not purified of his doubts and unbelief. He could not receive the promise of God until these were confronted, dealt with, eliminated. That process took many years and the Help and Patience of God to resolve.
We see similar kinds of delays in Moses, others, and in our own lives. We tend to look for God to act through our natural, human expectations and understandings. But His ways and thoughts are far above our ways and thoughts. Jesus repeatedly said, “according to your faith (your believing) be it unto you.” Faith is the substance of things hoped for (earnestly expected), the evidence of things not seen. That is a spiritual law that operates both in the positive and in the negative.
We can know, by our results or our delays, that we are struggling with doubts and unbelief. Like Abraham, our faith may be strong and ultimately sufficient, but ineffective because not pure or purified. Awareness of that can help us focus on where the problems actually are, and work with the Holy Spirit to confront and eliminate them. The Truth of God is superior to any lie, or doubt or unbelief, but that Truth must be substituted to eliminate them. And that takes right focus and spiritual effort under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us into all Truth, if we will listen, apply, and work with Him.
Let’s get rid of our double-mindedness, Satan’s lies, fears, and all the doubts and unbelief he wants to keep in place in our lives to defeat us.
God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, if we will apply His Truth and appropriate it.
Btw. Some of the principles in the previous posts may help that effort.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/09/2016
Romans 4:3 says “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” Righteousness means right standing or right relationship with God. When we are believing God we are in right relationship with Him, and His Grace and spiritual forces can flow And Abraham was indeed called the friend of God.
Yet, look at some of the things Abraham did that were contrary to that believing and faith in God! Including and especially agreeing with Sarah to have a child by Hagar!
So how do we understand and account for this discrepancy and contradiction in Abraham? Alongside that belief and faith in God, was years of natural human beliefs, fears and understandings from growing up in a fallen world. Alongside his belief and faith were many doubts and also unbelief. James, in Chapter 1 of his Epistle, states that “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.” Another words, Abraham’s faith was not effective because impure or not purified of his doubts and unbelief. He could not receive the promise of God until these were confronted, dealt with, eliminated. That process took many years and the Help and Patience of God to resolve.
We see similar kinds of delays in Moses, others, and in our own lives. We tend to look for God to act through our natural, human expectations and understandings. But His ways and thoughts are far above our ways and thoughts. Jesus repeatedly said, “according to your faith (your believing) be it unto you.” Faith is the substance of things hoped for (earnestly expected), the evidence of things not seen. That is a spiritual law that operates both in the positive and in the negative.
We can know, by our results or our delays, that we are struggling with doubts and unbelief. Like Abraham, our faith may be strong and ultimately sufficient, but ineffective because not pure or purified. Awareness of that can help us focus on where the problems actually are, and work with the Holy Spirit to confront and eliminate them. The Truth of God is superior to any lie, or doubt or unbelief, but that Truth must be substituted to eliminate them. And that takes right focus and spiritual effort under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us into all Truth, if we will listen, apply, and work with Him.
Let’s get rid of our double-mindedness, Satan’s lies, fears, and all the doubts and unbelief he wants to keep in place in our lives to defeat us.
God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, if we will apply His Truth and appropriate it.
Btw. Some of the principles in the previous posts may help that effort.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/09/2016
Kingdom Shifting – Walking in the Spirit
When you invited God and Jesus into your heart, you became a new creature in Christ, with a new re-created spirit. All the fruit of the Spirit was deposited in you as part of that. Galatians 5:22 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, long-suffering or patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are now our truth!
Yet we still live “in this world,” even though no longer “of it.” Our enemy, Satan, will use circumstances to get us to deny the truth within us and draw us back into believing the opposite. Impatient, or lacking patience. Unloving, or lacking in love, etc. Since we experience these as attitudes, moods, and feelings, and very real, we may regret some of what we are experiencing but not recognize the lie and deception involved. We likely do not understand that we have a choice, and are being drawn away from our spiritual truth and experiencing of living in the Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God, and drawn back into “this world” thinking, believing, and experiencing.
Let me share a wonderful example and lesson God showed me about this. A number of years ago, I was painting my living room. Now normally that is an easy task for me. I am good at that sort of thing. But the process was not going well for some reason, and I was feeling more and more frustrated and impatient with it. Feeling helpless to change anything, I finally called my husband at work and asked him to pray for me. Returning to my task after that short break, the Holy Spirit spoke to me with this word: “You are not lacking in patience. You are just not USING it! “ What a revelation that was! I had been in denial of what God had deposited in me! A simple “shift” back into His Kingdom and Truth, and all went well after that.
What I learned from that experience and “word” included that whenever I was not feeling any love, my attitude was not loving, or it felt absent within me, I could turn and shift to GOD’s love available in me and “use” HIS! ALL of the fruit of the Spirit are spiritual forces provided by God, given for our USE and benefit, and for His Kingdom and Glory! When one of those fruit seems absent, and you notice you are experiencing something contrary, that is the time to be wise to the evil lies and deceits of our enemy, and “shift” back over into Truth and God’s Kingdom. Walk not according to external circumstances interpreted and distorted by the flesh, “world” and enemy, but by God’s Truth and deposited Fruit.
One of my favorite Scripture verses is Philemon 1:6 in KJV.(italics, mine)
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
What an important principle that is! I pray you profit from awareness of it!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/06/2016
Yet we still live “in this world,” even though no longer “of it.” Our enemy, Satan, will use circumstances to get us to deny the truth within us and draw us back into believing the opposite. Impatient, or lacking patience. Unloving, or lacking in love, etc. Since we experience these as attitudes, moods, and feelings, and very real, we may regret some of what we are experiencing but not recognize the lie and deception involved. We likely do not understand that we have a choice, and are being drawn away from our spiritual truth and experiencing of living in the Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God, and drawn back into “this world” thinking, believing, and experiencing.
Let me share a wonderful example and lesson God showed me about this. A number of years ago, I was painting my living room. Now normally that is an easy task for me. I am good at that sort of thing. But the process was not going well for some reason, and I was feeling more and more frustrated and impatient with it. Feeling helpless to change anything, I finally called my husband at work and asked him to pray for me. Returning to my task after that short break, the Holy Spirit spoke to me with this word: “You are not lacking in patience. You are just not USING it! “ What a revelation that was! I had been in denial of what God had deposited in me! A simple “shift” back into His Kingdom and Truth, and all went well after that.
What I learned from that experience and “word” included that whenever I was not feeling any love, my attitude was not loving, or it felt absent within me, I could turn and shift to GOD’s love available in me and “use” HIS! ALL of the fruit of the Spirit are spiritual forces provided by God, given for our USE and benefit, and for His Kingdom and Glory! When one of those fruit seems absent, and you notice you are experiencing something contrary, that is the time to be wise to the evil lies and deceits of our enemy, and “shift” back over into Truth and God’s Kingdom. Walk not according to external circumstances interpreted and distorted by the flesh, “world” and enemy, but by God’s Truth and deposited Fruit.
One of my favorite Scripture verses is Philemon 1:6 in KJV.(italics, mine)
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
What an important principle that is! I pray you profit from awareness of it!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/06/2016
Led by the Spirit – Spiritual Sensitivity
It is pretty clear that it would be very difficult to be led by the Spirit of God without being spiritually sensitive to Him, hearing the Voice of our Shepherd, being sensitive to the guiding Hand and Touch, knowing Him and them. So then, How does one go about gaining and developing this spiritual sensitivity?
Practicing the Presence of God
Practicing the Presence of God is living each day and moment consciously and aware that He is Present in all His Love and Power, with you and in you. It is keeping an open heart and ear to thoughts or ideas He may be speaking into your mind and spirit. Things you will likely realize you would not have thought on your own, but would line up with God’s Word or Kingdom purposes. Maybe it is something He would like you to do, or a word to plant as seed into another’s heart, or go pray with somebody. It may come as an intuition, a quick and ready insight or understanding in your spirit-man. Practicing His Presence is also keeping a watchful eye, both within and without, to notice how He is moving in you and through you.
Sensitivity to the Lord is staying totally given and obedient to His Will, plan and purposes in and through you, as He reveals and unfolds them to you throughout the day. A “prompt” here, a “check” to avoid something there. Stay in fellowship, checking in with Him as you move and process through the day He has ordered, planned, and walks with you. What a joy to co-work, to co-labor with the Lord!
Learn to monitor your interior spiritual life and relationship with the Lord. What disturbs your peace, your calm rest in Him? Learn to let the Lord or Holy Spirit correct, teach, and lead you through and beyond, to your inner home of sustaining peace and joy in Him. Give Him your cares, mistakes and failures. Let Him take care of what you cannot. His Love is all sufficient,
Practice the Presence of God, and observe how your spiritual sensitivity and oneness with Him grows. Rejoice!
Be blessed.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/02/2016
Practicing the Presence of God
Practicing the Presence of God is living each day and moment consciously and aware that He is Present in all His Love and Power, with you and in you. It is keeping an open heart and ear to thoughts or ideas He may be speaking into your mind and spirit. Things you will likely realize you would not have thought on your own, but would line up with God’s Word or Kingdom purposes. Maybe it is something He would like you to do, or a word to plant as seed into another’s heart, or go pray with somebody. It may come as an intuition, a quick and ready insight or understanding in your spirit-man. Practicing His Presence is also keeping a watchful eye, both within and without, to notice how He is moving in you and through you.
Sensitivity to the Lord is staying totally given and obedient to His Will, plan and purposes in and through you, as He reveals and unfolds them to you throughout the day. A “prompt” here, a “check” to avoid something there. Stay in fellowship, checking in with Him as you move and process through the day He has ordered, planned, and walks with you. What a joy to co-work, to co-labor with the Lord!
Learn to monitor your interior spiritual life and relationship with the Lord. What disturbs your peace, your calm rest in Him? Learn to let the Lord or Holy Spirit correct, teach, and lead you through and beyond, to your inner home of sustaining peace and joy in Him. Give Him your cares, mistakes and failures. Let Him take care of what you cannot. His Love is all sufficient,
Practice the Presence of God, and observe how your spiritual sensitivity and oneness with Him grows. Rejoice!
Be blessed.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/02/2016
Spiritual Transformation - Infilling Prayer
Most Christians are familiar with Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is understood to mean that we change and replace our old worldly thinking, or our Old Testament law thinking with New Testament Grace thinking in the Word of God. And all of that is so, and very necessary. Jesus said, “The words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” That is profound! Yet, Jesus left us with other additional means of spiritual transformation as well. The one I want to focus on here is Holy Communion, which we are commanded to do “in remembrance of Him.”
Jesus said, “This is my Body, and this is My Blood,” indicating at least a spiritual presence to us when we celebrate Holy Communion. And the very word comm-union itself means with union. This form of remembrance is/can be a time, a way of deep encounter and union with Him. Something that includes Calvary, but goes beyond recalling His sacrifice for each and all of us, but invites spiritual union with Him. It looks forward in that sense. Calvary is a turning point as well as a “finished work.”
Jesus promised to never leave us, nor forsake us. He returned to the Father, and sent the Holy Spirit, Who is also called the Spirit of Christ, as well as the Spirit of God. Jesus is present to us and in us spiritually. Holy Communion is a time and way we can focus on and encounter Him more deeply and absorb His Spirit, The Spirit of Christ, and all that He IS.
Liturgical churches generally celebrate Holy Communion more frequently than evangelical denominations, typically every Sunday, and seem to have better grasped its formational value of deep encounter and spiritual communion with the Lord. The Orthodox churches are unique I think, in administering Holy Communion to infants and children. I once heard an Orthodox priest, speaking to a non-Orthodox church group, that even infants seem to sense something special and real when they receive the elements. A good analogy would be infants and children know instinctively that food is good for them, nourishing, even though they might not be able to say or understand why.
About 4 years ago, He asked me to call it an Infilling Prayer. It is a blessing with or without actual Holy Communion elements. In ALL cases, it is a prayer that needs to be slowly meditated, recognizing and absorbing the truth of each part or aspect. It can be meditated even while driving one’s car. It can even be further simplified to focus words. It is not the form, but the essence and spirit that matters and one absorbs to bring into union and oneness and identity in Christ. I share it with you next in its thanksgiving form.
That You feed my heart with Your Love
My mind with Your Will and Word, Your Wisdom and Ways
My body with Your Strength and Health
My soul with Your Peace and Joy.
Help me to be mindful of Your Eternal Life in me all this day,
To freely share all Your blessings with others,
To love with Your Love,
To heal with Your compassion,
To forgive with Your humility.
Remind me to present all my daily cares to You in trusting faith,
To listen for Your Guidance,
And to joy in Your Divine Will.
Amen.
In ALL things be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be open and flexible to His suggestions. The goal is union and oneness with the Lord, absorbing and growing more and more into His Image and likeness.
Be Blessed.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/24/2015
Jesus said, “This is my Body, and this is My Blood,” indicating at least a spiritual presence to us when we celebrate Holy Communion. And the very word comm-union itself means with union. This form of remembrance is/can be a time, a way of deep encounter and union with Him. Something that includes Calvary, but goes beyond recalling His sacrifice for each and all of us, but invites spiritual union with Him. It looks forward in that sense. Calvary is a turning point as well as a “finished work.”
Jesus promised to never leave us, nor forsake us. He returned to the Father, and sent the Holy Spirit, Who is also called the Spirit of Christ, as well as the Spirit of God. Jesus is present to us and in us spiritually. Holy Communion is a time and way we can focus on and encounter Him more deeply and absorb His Spirit, The Spirit of Christ, and all that He IS.
Liturgical churches generally celebrate Holy Communion more frequently than evangelical denominations, typically every Sunday, and seem to have better grasped its formational value of deep encounter and spiritual communion with the Lord. The Orthodox churches are unique I think, in administering Holy Communion to infants and children. I once heard an Orthodox priest, speaking to a non-Orthodox church group, that even infants seem to sense something special and real when they receive the elements. A good analogy would be infants and children know instinctively that food is good for them, nourishing, even though they might not be able to say or understand why.
A Holy Communion or Infilling Prayer
At some point while raising my young family, I felt a strong desire for daily personal and family Holy Communion in the morning, to start everyone’s day before each went their separate ways. But it needed to be different than we received each Sunday from a priest or pastor. I asked the Holy Spirit for a Communion prayer. He very quickly inspired one, and I wrote it out. Over the years I began to notice how spiritually transformative it was in my life. As I grew spiritually, the Holy Spirit suggested modifications, so that instead of asking for the Lord to be present in the Bread and Wine, it became thanking Him for His Presence, with or without the elements of bread and wine. And further, that His Presence was within me.About 4 years ago, He asked me to call it an Infilling Prayer. It is a blessing with or without actual Holy Communion elements. In ALL cases, it is a prayer that needs to be slowly meditated, recognizing and absorbing the truth of each part or aspect. It can be meditated even while driving one’s car. It can even be further simplified to focus words. It is not the form, but the essence and spirit that matters and one absorbs to bring into union and oneness and identity in Christ. I share it with you next in its thanksgiving form.
The Infilling Prayer
For Personal Communion with the Lord
(with or without elements of bread and wine
(To be very slowly meditated)
Lord, I thank You for Your Presence in me and with me.(with or without elements of bread and wine
(To be very slowly meditated)
That You feed my heart with Your Love
My mind with Your Will and Word, Your Wisdom and Ways
My body with Your Strength and Health
My soul with Your Peace and Joy.
Help me to be mindful of Your Eternal Life in me all this day,
To freely share all Your blessings with others,
To love with Your Love,
To heal with Your compassion,
To forgive with Your humility.
Remind me to present all my daily cares to You in trusting faith,
To listen for Your Guidance,
And to joy in Your Divine Will.
Amen.
In ALL things be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be open and flexible to His suggestions. The goal is union and oneness with the Lord, absorbing and growing more and more into His Image and likeness.
Be Blessed.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/24/2015
True Christianity is Not a Religion but a Relationship
True Christianity is not about religion. It’s all about relationship. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” How can one be led if there is no ongoing personal relationship, or a neglected or ignored relationship! Or a doubting, unbelieving, untrusting one!
In whatever way, manner, or form you first opened your heart and life to God, that was your free will invitation and God’s permission to come in and dwell with you in your spirit-man. Maintaining and developing that personal relationship is a two-way, or two person responsibility. Jesus said He would never leave nor forsake us. But we have been given free will, and we can certainly ignore the Presence of God’s Spirit or the Spirit of Christ within, turn a deaf ear and allow the distractions of this world to take over our lives, and try to live, purpose and solve all our issues and difficulties independently on our own, maybe asking God to step in and rescue us when we get into trouble.
So, how do we get wisely led? Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” John 16:13 states, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come.” The Lord speaks to us through the Holy Spirit residing in us. Jesus also said “My sheep hear My Voice,” meaning we can, are able to. Are we interested, being sensitive, and listening? Are we fellowshipping with Him? Spending quiet time in communion, seeking oneness with Him, allowing Him to actually plan, guide and order our daily lives, according to HIS Wisdom, Will, purposes and ways? Are we eager to grow spiritually and co-labor with Him? Are we listening and actually allowing Him to lead us? Are we seeking and hearing? Obedience means to hear and follow what was heard. My Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines obey 1: “follow the commands or guidance of 2: behave in accordance with.” It is not possible to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, if we are not turning our hearts and ears to hear His Voice, receive His inner prompts in our daily walk and journey.
If we live from our spirit-man, in oneness and unity with the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance , direction, grace and power, we also live and enjoy the Fruit of His Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In fact, any sensed absence or opposite of any of these is a warning or red flag that we are not thinking and operating, or living in the fullness of the Kingdom of God at that moment in time, but have dropped back into our former “this world” thinking. Spiritual growth and transformation is a process. All the fruit of the Spirit was given along with the Spirit, and deposited into our re-created new spirits. We can call upon them, acknowledge and affirm them, “Use” them as the spiritual forces they each are.
Actual Kingdom living, and co-laboring with God according to His specific on–going purposes, plans, deposited gifts, anointings, and will for your life, i.e. being led daily, and moment to moment, by the Spirit of God, is a glorious faith adventure with Him. There is nothing more joyful, exciting, or fulfilling than being in the center of God’s will and purposes for your life. It is God, in union or oneness with you, living in and through you. Nothing is more wonderful or miraculous.
It is up to each of us. Our own will, plans, purposes and strength, and whatever that brings us, or His. Sow to the flesh, self-sufficiency and independence, or sow to the Spirit, dependence on Him and His abundant Grace and Wisdom, a God guided, God led life as His son or daughter. It’s all about our relationship with Him.
Your choice…
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/15/2015
In whatever way, manner, or form you first opened your heart and life to God, that was your free will invitation and God’s permission to come in and dwell with you in your spirit-man. Maintaining and developing that personal relationship is a two-way, or two person responsibility. Jesus said He would never leave nor forsake us. But we have been given free will, and we can certainly ignore the Presence of God’s Spirit or the Spirit of Christ within, turn a deaf ear and allow the distractions of this world to take over our lives, and try to live, purpose and solve all our issues and difficulties independently on our own, maybe asking God to step in and rescue us when we get into trouble.
So, how do we get wisely led? Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” John 16:13 states, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come.” The Lord speaks to us through the Holy Spirit residing in us. Jesus also said “My sheep hear My Voice,” meaning we can, are able to. Are we interested, being sensitive, and listening? Are we fellowshipping with Him? Spending quiet time in communion, seeking oneness with Him, allowing Him to actually plan, guide and order our daily lives, according to HIS Wisdom, Will, purposes and ways? Are we eager to grow spiritually and co-labor with Him? Are we listening and actually allowing Him to lead us? Are we seeking and hearing? Obedience means to hear and follow what was heard. My Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines obey 1: “follow the commands or guidance of 2: behave in accordance with.” It is not possible to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, if we are not turning our hearts and ears to hear His Voice, receive His inner prompts in our daily walk and journey.
If we live from our spirit-man, in oneness and unity with the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance , direction, grace and power, we also live and enjoy the Fruit of His Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In fact, any sensed absence or opposite of any of these is a warning or red flag that we are not thinking and operating, or living in the fullness of the Kingdom of God at that moment in time, but have dropped back into our former “this world” thinking. Spiritual growth and transformation is a process. All the fruit of the Spirit was given along with the Spirit, and deposited into our re-created new spirits. We can call upon them, acknowledge and affirm them, “Use” them as the spiritual forces they each are.
Actual Kingdom living, and co-laboring with God according to His specific on–going purposes, plans, deposited gifts, anointings, and will for your life, i.e. being led daily, and moment to moment, by the Spirit of God, is a glorious faith adventure with Him. There is nothing more joyful, exciting, or fulfilling than being in the center of God’s will and purposes for your life. It is God, in union or oneness with you, living in and through you. Nothing is more wonderful or miraculous.
It is up to each of us. Our own will, plans, purposes and strength, and whatever that brings us, or His. Sow to the flesh, self-sufficiency and independence, or sow to the Spirit, dependence on Him and His abundant Grace and Wisdom, a God guided, God led life as His son or daughter. It’s all about our relationship with Him.
Your choice…
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/15/2015
An Example of Principles Overlapping – Prayer
Prayer is an example where the Holy Spirit revealed how the two principles, Form vs. Essence and Balance and Integration, can overlap, creating confusion and deception.
Let’s say an individual or a church body believes God still heals people through the agency of the faith-filled prayers of His followers. Seminars and teaching sessions are conducted to help people learn how to be part of the church’s prayer ministry team. Maybe they are taught about the authority they were given, and even something about the operation of faith as a spiritual force. Leaders likely also offer “examples “ of how to pray, and demonstrate that with sample words and prayers. These are then taken in as the words to use to express one’s faith and pray for people in need of healing, maybe even of one-self. And so begins the process of using these forms or formulated words to pray for healing. This or these words are what faith “sounds like,” so one believes he now has effective faith to bring healing into manifestation. He imitates the words and practices taught to him.
But, oops, nothing manifests. Something is either missing in his understanding, and/or did not get internally integrated. And the form, or formatted words, did not create the essence, the spiritual power hoped for. Often there is unrecognized doubt or unbelief along-side of faith. That missing part of balanced Scriptural understanding was missing and/or not functionally integrated in the person’s spirit-man. Or maybe the Authority of the Believer was nice “head “knowledge, but had not been absorbed and internally integrated as part of his spiritual I.D.
And, of course, other components or needed elements could also be missing, as the cake recipe metaphor from the previous article offered as an example of the principle, and consequence of Over-Simplification. Balance and integrated wholeness or completeness of Scripture, absorbed and internalized within as part of one’s spiritual self and identity had not been accomplished, but the understanding about that was also missing, leaving confusion, increased doubt, unbelief and discouragement.
Most Christians in that situation continue on, trying harder to make the words and spoken prayers work, not recognizing that forms do not create the essence or power, but essence expresses through form, words, or flesh. Hebrews 1:3 speaks of the Word of His Power. The Power is in GOD, and comes forth through His Faith-filled Words. It is the same for us. Inside from our spirit, to the outside. When we are not getting the desired result, it is time to check out what is going on or missing on the inside, in our spirit-man. Why are our words or works dead? Where are we not lined up with God and His spiritual laws or principles, as revealed in Scripture? What missing piece or understanding are we lacking?
Can you see where having the two guiding principles of Form vs. Essence, and Balance and Integration with its corollary consequence of Over-Simplification would offer clues as to what to check for and where to look for correction? A principle is applicable wherever it fits. These two God given ones have served me well over many years, and pointed to areas of needed change or growth. Focusing thus with the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into all Truth, makes for progress. I am asked to share them. Hopefully they will help your progress as well.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/15/2015
Let’s say an individual or a church body believes God still heals people through the agency of the faith-filled prayers of His followers. Seminars and teaching sessions are conducted to help people learn how to be part of the church’s prayer ministry team. Maybe they are taught about the authority they were given, and even something about the operation of faith as a spiritual force. Leaders likely also offer “examples “ of how to pray, and demonstrate that with sample words and prayers. These are then taken in as the words to use to express one’s faith and pray for people in need of healing, maybe even of one-self. And so begins the process of using these forms or formulated words to pray for healing. This or these words are what faith “sounds like,” so one believes he now has effective faith to bring healing into manifestation. He imitates the words and practices taught to him.
But, oops, nothing manifests. Something is either missing in his understanding, and/or did not get internally integrated. And the form, or formatted words, did not create the essence, the spiritual power hoped for. Often there is unrecognized doubt or unbelief along-side of faith. That missing part of balanced Scriptural understanding was missing and/or not functionally integrated in the person’s spirit-man. Or maybe the Authority of the Believer was nice “head “knowledge, but had not been absorbed and internally integrated as part of his spiritual I.D.
And, of course, other components or needed elements could also be missing, as the cake recipe metaphor from the previous article offered as an example of the principle, and consequence of Over-Simplification. Balance and integrated wholeness or completeness of Scripture, absorbed and internalized within as part of one’s spiritual self and identity had not been accomplished, but the understanding about that was also missing, leaving confusion, increased doubt, unbelief and discouragement.
Most Christians in that situation continue on, trying harder to make the words and spoken prayers work, not recognizing that forms do not create the essence or power, but essence expresses through form, words, or flesh. Hebrews 1:3 speaks of the Word of His Power. The Power is in GOD, and comes forth through His Faith-filled Words. It is the same for us. Inside from our spirit, to the outside. When we are not getting the desired result, it is time to check out what is going on or missing on the inside, in our spirit-man. Why are our words or works dead? Where are we not lined up with God and His spiritual laws or principles, as revealed in Scripture? What missing piece or understanding are we lacking?
Can you see where having the two guiding principles of Form vs. Essence, and Balance and Integration with its corollary consequence of Over-Simplification would offer clues as to what to check for and where to look for correction? A principle is applicable wherever it fits. These two God given ones have served me well over many years, and pointed to areas of needed change or growth. Focusing thus with the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into all Truth, makes for progress. I am asked to share them. Hopefully they will help your progress as well.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/15/2015
Balance and Integration of Scripture
This is the second of two separate words or principles of guidance the Lord gave me early in my Christian walk, the other one presented in my first article, Form vs. Essence. The two principles frequently complement each other in application and understanding.
Every subject or issue in Scripture needs to be studied and/or taught in its entirety and wholeness. Otherwise there is imbalance and error or faulty results from over-simplification.
Over-Simplification
Let me introduce this corollary principle with the following metaphor: You want to bake a cake, and need a recipe. A cake recipe will list all the ingredients, give the amounts of each, in what order, mixing instructions, pan size, even how ro treat the pan itself before pouring in the mix. Baking directions will include oven temperature, pre-heat and baking times. Even handling and cooling instructions.
Ah, but what happens if you leave out an ingredient or two, or don’t follow the other directions and in the right order? The recipe will not work if anything is left out! You reap a cake failure, no matter how much heart, time and energy you put into the effort.
Can you see from this simple metaphor how crucially important it is to obtain and follow the whole of God’s Word and Counsel on any subject. And that If we lift a Word or two out of context, and think we have all we need, try to apply them, and then do not understand why God’s Word does not work for us, we may easily believe we have no or insufficient faith, are not worthy or some other disheartening reason. Yet it is simply ignorance of the integrated wholeness of God’s Word. We must learn and know ALL the relevant Word of God on a subject of our concern or need, but it must be functionally integrated (mixed and absorbed ) within us, so that we can operate and live its Truth and reality.
Whether how to live out God’s principles of finances and God’s abundant material supply, or fully understand and effectively operate in the spiritual law and force of faith for healing. All the relevant ingredients, the whole balanced Counsel and Word of God in an area, needs to be received and integrated in our spirit-man.
Getting a hold on the two universally applicable guiding principles God gave me, Form vs. Essence, and Balance and Integration, with its warning corollary of Over-simplification, has enabled the Holy Spirit to more easily guide me into His Truth, and grow spiritually. I pray they will help you too.
Future articles will focus on some of the examples and applications of each or both principles. Also how they frequently work together, and inform or enlarge our spiritual understanding and walk with the Lord.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/12/2015
Every subject or issue in Scripture needs to be studied and/or taught in its entirety and wholeness. Otherwise there is imbalance and error or faulty results from over-simplification.
Over-Simplification
Let me introduce this corollary principle with the following metaphor: You want to bake a cake, and need a recipe. A cake recipe will list all the ingredients, give the amounts of each, in what order, mixing instructions, pan size, even how ro treat the pan itself before pouring in the mix. Baking directions will include oven temperature, pre-heat and baking times. Even handling and cooling instructions.
Ah, but what happens if you leave out an ingredient or two, or don’t follow the other directions and in the right order? The recipe will not work if anything is left out! You reap a cake failure, no matter how much heart, time and energy you put into the effort.
Can you see from this simple metaphor how crucially important it is to obtain and follow the whole of God’s Word and Counsel on any subject. And that If we lift a Word or two out of context, and think we have all we need, try to apply them, and then do not understand why God’s Word does not work for us, we may easily believe we have no or insufficient faith, are not worthy or some other disheartening reason. Yet it is simply ignorance of the integrated wholeness of God’s Word. We must learn and know ALL the relevant Word of God on a subject of our concern or need, but it must be functionally integrated (mixed and absorbed ) within us, so that we can operate and live its Truth and reality.
Whether how to live out God’s principles of finances and God’s abundant material supply, or fully understand and effectively operate in the spiritual law and force of faith for healing. All the relevant ingredients, the whole balanced Counsel and Word of God in an area, needs to be received and integrated in our spirit-man.
Getting a hold on the two universally applicable guiding principles God gave me, Form vs. Essence, and Balance and Integration, with its warning corollary of Over-simplification, has enabled the Holy Spirit to more easily guide me into His Truth, and grow spiritually. I pray they will help you too.
Future articles will focus on some of the examples and applications of each or both principles. Also how they frequently work together, and inform or enlarge our spiritual understanding and walk with the Lord.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/12/2015
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Form vs. Essence
Early in my Christian walk, the Lord gave me two separate words or principles of guidance. One was Form vs Essence, the distinction between what something looks, sounds, or feels like, and the spirit or essence that originally created or expressed in that particular way or form. Essence or spirit creates or expresses in form, but duplicating the form does not of itself recreate the essence or spirit. Forms can be hollow or empty. A simple but good Old Testament example of that is circumcision, where circumcision that included of the heart was not the same as mere physical circumcision. Yet the latter looked exactly the same.
Satan has used the appearance of things spiritual in origin to confuse and deceive man. He suggests that all we need to do to regain the essence or spiritual reality of something is to duplicate the action, repeat some words, or recapture a feeling, and we have re-created the spirit or essence. The form then becomes the definition of the essence or spirit, and the focus of one’s effort or activity.
The Church and Christians have fallen for Satan’s lying deceptions in some very important and critical ways. The spirit and inner heart belong to the unseen realm, and the natural carnal mind cannot see the things of the spirit. It can easily confuse the two. A Christian may have a beautiful encounter and experience with the Lord. He may want to experience it over again, or share and pass it along to others, and believe that all he or the other person needs to do is repeat whatever he did, say the same words,, or stir up the same feelings. Becoming “born again” is one important area where the church has fallen into what can be understood or recognized as formalizing the “born again” experience. There is an explanation, an invitation, and repeat after me prayer format. The person or soul invited may or may not be spiritually ready, fully understand, agree, feel pressured, want group or social acceptance. He is told that as soon as he prays this prayer, says these prepared words, he will be “born again,” and when he does, he is pronounced “born again.”
A heart that turns to and opens to the Lord, will always be accepted by Him, regardless of what words or even any, may be uttered. God looks upon the heart. Only He knows when and if that spirit or soul has been reborn. But the man that went through a formal process may believe he is, simply because pronounced so, regardless of any witness of the Holy Spirit within him. And of course a corollary is that anyone who does not go the formal route is not believed to be “saved,” etc.
The solution to this problem within an evangelizing church is not simple, but it starts with a clear recognition of the problem.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/11/2015
Satan has used the appearance of things spiritual in origin to confuse and deceive man. He suggests that all we need to do to regain the essence or spiritual reality of something is to duplicate the action, repeat some words, or recapture a feeling, and we have re-created the spirit or essence. The form then becomes the definition of the essence or spirit, and the focus of one’s effort or activity.
The Church and Christians have fallen for Satan’s lying deceptions in some very important and critical ways. The spirit and inner heart belong to the unseen realm, and the natural carnal mind cannot see the things of the spirit. It can easily confuse the two. A Christian may have a beautiful encounter and experience with the Lord. He may want to experience it over again, or share and pass it along to others, and believe that all he or the other person needs to do is repeat whatever he did, say the same words,, or stir up the same feelings. Becoming “born again” is one important area where the church has fallen into what can be understood or recognized as formalizing the “born again” experience. There is an explanation, an invitation, and repeat after me prayer format. The person or soul invited may or may not be spiritually ready, fully understand, agree, feel pressured, want group or social acceptance. He is told that as soon as he prays this prayer, says these prepared words, he will be “born again,” and when he does, he is pronounced “born again.”
A heart that turns to and opens to the Lord, will always be accepted by Him, regardless of what words or even any, may be uttered. God looks upon the heart. Only He knows when and if that spirit or soul has been reborn. But the man that went through a formal process may believe he is, simply because pronounced so, regardless of any witness of the Holy Spirit within him. And of course a corollary is that anyone who does not go the formal route is not believed to be “saved,” etc.
The solution to this problem within an evangelizing church is not simple, but it starts with a clear recognition of the problem.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
12/11/2015
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