Thursday, February 7, 2013

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Just Because

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I gain an understanding of Who He is and who I am not. I'm very thankful for this insight - I see it as a gift from the One I seek. 

This morning I read something I must share with you. The words on the page resonated within me, lifting me up to a higher plain in my understanding of God. The words come from God Calling, a book compiled by A.J. Russell. Its content is derived from the prayer journal of two woman who wish to remain anonymous. In 1932, these two friends joined hands in prayer, daily seeking God for guidance, comfort, and wisdom. They stepped out in faith to receive the promise of Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them."

God met them there with His sweet whispers of love.

"To the listening ear I speak, to the waiting heart I come. Sometimes, I may not speak. I may ask you merely to wait in My Presence, to know that I am with you.

"Think of the multitudes, who thronged Me, when I was on earth, all eager for something. Eager to be healed, or taught, or fed.

"Think as I supplied their many wants, and granted their manifold requests, what it meant to Me, to find amid the crowd, some one or two who followed Me just to be near Me, just to dwell in my Presence. How some longing of the Eternal heart was satisfied thereby.

"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me. The longing of the human heart to be loved for itself is a something caught from the Great Divine Heart.

"I bless you. Bow your heads."*

Oh. My. Goodness. The God of the Universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth wants to spend time with us. Just because.

Take this thought with you today: 

"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me."

SELAH.

*A.J. Russell, God Calling (New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1945), p. 38-39.



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13 comments :

  1. Hi Nan! Beautiful!
    I've found it hard to really dwell in the Presence for the last couple of days. Our long-awaited vacation was a bittersweet blessing. I don't remember if I told you how my inlaws who invited us attacked me viciously... only because I prayed for my son and they overheard. I was told really awful things that cannot be shared in public (I'll send you an email later).
    I need divine peace and love to heal my heart from the wounds. Today we were told it was time for us to leave, for we had overstayed our visit beyond what we've agreed (what I'd agreed with my mum-in-law was 10 days, we stayed at their house 8 nights). My husband's father said he can "put up with" (he used the Spanish word "aguantar" which is what you use when you tolerate a person who is difficult to bear) each son for a week, no more.
    The guy has a heart of stone. My mum in law is much nicer and is always trying to mediate and reconcile.
    Please pray for us. I'll send you a more detailed report when I arrive in Buenos Aires.

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    1. Sweet Carina, You have been in the refiner's fire for some time now and now your faith is being proven to be more precious than gold. Continue to take each moment at a time knowing that the Father is in that moment with you. He sees all things and knows all about it. May I pray for you?

      Father, Thank You for Your mercy and Your love. Thank You for Your grace that gives us strength in the battle. I lift up Carina to You. Thank You for her determination to lift up Your banner in a hostile environment. I ask that You honor her for her tenacity - pour out Your favor upon her life. Her heart is wounded, Lord, but I cling to Your promise to be near the brokenhearted. Hold Carina close. Hide her beneath the shadow of Your wing until the calamity passes her by. Bring her thoughts captive to You, the Healer. Thank You Lord. We love you and we give You praise.

      I love you Carina. You are a blessing to me.

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    2. That was a sweet response and a beautiful prayer. Thank you so much.
      I believe my inlaws actually need more prayers than me... Because no matter how afflicted we may be, we're still saved, and forever secure in God's hands. We are dearly beloved children of El Elyion, the Most High, of El Shaddai, who sweetly embraces us and dries our tears. But they... they're in utter darkness, they don't see where they walk and so they stumble. They have no idea of who we are. It reminds me of Jesus' family. Familiarity breeds contempt, they say. And it's true. We're not prophets in our own land (well actually, the Holy Spirit used us to bring my mum and my brother and sister to have a closer walk with the Lord, and my dad is now being witnessed to by my mum, so we've got our little victory in our Jerusalem).
      I pray that, even if we can't preach to my inlaws directly (because doing so only makes them harden their hearts even more) someone else will be sent to confirm every single Word we have said regarding spiritual matters. And I pray that not only will they hear the Word, but see and feel the POWER. Because it's not human eloquence that wins the battle. It's the Word and the witness of a family united in spirit and in prayer... loving their enemies in spite of it all.

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  3. The two ladies in the book coming together for prayer reminds me of the time I was at your house on your couch. I remember we were praying and hugging and we were both crying and I felt God so strong in that moment that it was almost overwhelming. I remember telling you that and you said you felt it also. It is amazing what the power of prayer can do. Thank you for sharing this. I love you.

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    1. You are so awesome little Rose. Isn't it simply amazing when we see the Word of God in action? "Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in the midst of them..." Amen. God is good. I remember that day well :) I love you.

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  4. The two ladies in the book coming together for prayer reminds me of the time I was at your house on your couch. I remember we were praying and hugging and we were both crying and I felt God so strong in that moment that it was almost overwhelming. I remember telling you that and you said you felt it also. It is amazing what the power of prayer can do. Thank you for sharing this. I love you.

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  6. In 1978, after the birth of my first son, a pastor's wife and dear friend gave me a copy of "God Calling" and at the same time encouraged me to I keep a journal as I read it. This was long before writing in journals was in vogue. (I am now aware that they now have a companion journal book for God Calling.) It is my understanding that it was first published in the mid 1930's...It has a very interesting history. I was newly filled with the Holy Spirit. I was 28 at the time and it by far was the most influential book in helping me learn how to "hear" from the Spirit. I was also given the book "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts. Its insights were as equally powerful in helping me build a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with the Lord through the Holy Spirit. I would highly recommend both books to new believers or those who have recently received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you would like to read more on the history of "God Calling" here is the link:
    http://www.equip.org/articles/god-calling/

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    1. Libby! I'm so glad you stopped by. Thank you. I first found "God Calling" in the seventies, also. My first copy literally fell apart - it was a paperback. A few years ago I found a hard copy in an antique store which was printed in 1945. Just the heritage of this little book encourages and strengthens my faith. I also have "Come Away My Beloved". I LOVE this book. I am so grateful that the Lord has impacted my life with people who learned to listen to His voice - so eternally thankful :) Sweet blessings to you, Libby. I hope you'll visit often.

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  7. Nan, I loved tghis post! The 2 women holding hands in prayer reminds me of you and I. We did that last weekend...and it was so special for me. Love you, sweet friend!

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    1. Yes, we did Jamie. God is so faithful. What would we do without Him? I love you :)

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