Simple acceptance of My Will is the Key to Divine Revelation. It will result in both Holiness and Happiness. The way to the Cross may be a way of sorrow, but at its foot the burdens of sin and earth-desire are rolled away.

   The yoke of My acceptance of My Father’s Will in all things is adjusted to My servants’ shoulders, and from that moment no burden irks or presses.

   But not only in the great decisions of life accept and welcome My Will. Try to see in each interruption, each task, however small, the same fulfillment of Divine intent.

   Accept it; say your thanks for it. Do so until this becomes a habit, and the resulting Joy will transfigure and transform your lives.


><//>--------------------Prayer for the Day

We pray, that we may not be over whelmed by material things. We pray that we may realize the higher value of spiritual things, and living under Your wing. Amen.


A Disciple's Reflections:  Why The “Golden” Rule

"In everything do unto others as you would have them do unto you; for this is the law and the prophets." – Matthew 7:12

Beloved, our Lord has given us such a simple way to defy confusion.  He has taken all the Laws of God regarding relationships with others and refined them down to one easy to understand simple sentence.

Life is incredibly complex. Life is remarkably simple. Both statements are true.  Yet, when we put the Lord's council above into practice everything just seems to fit perfectly.

These words of Jesus, the Golden Rule as it has come to be known, whittles all of human behavior and all that God had said to that point in the scriptures to the simple idea of treating other people as we would like to be treated. This is a simple notion – and a pretty healthy one.

The Golden Rule takes our attention off of our neighbor and places it on ourselves. We look first to ourselves and ask, "How would I like to be treated in this particular instance?" "What would feel caring to me right now?" "What would it take for me to experience justice in the midst of this situation?" Having thought these questions through, we are ready to respond to our neighbor, or even our family.

Its a simple notion – but why is it so terribly difficult to do it? It might be because we react instead of act, we speak without thinking; we pull the trigger without aiming. And that is in fact what we do. 

Beloved, we sometimes don't realize this, but in the flesh we are utterly selfish creatures.  This is not our fault we are born that way.  It is a direct result of the fall.  This is the seat of our instinctive, animalistic, reactive thinking and acting.  We MUST never be afraid or ashamed to be aware of this and continually bring this nature to the Cross in prayer – to the cross God provides for us in our lives.

Jesus assumes that we will not always, and need not always, be so reactive. The Golden Rule, for all of its simplicity, demands a higher order of thinking. It demands compassion, empathy, love and the discerning of consequences. It assumes that we will know that we are loved, so that we will be able to act lovingly toward others.

My parents are not yet delivered unto Messiah and have reached a place in life where they are utterly self concerned.  For decades now right and wrong in their lives rests solely in their feelings.  We believers know that this is the realm of the lost and the residence of the demonic.  My parents literally fear and despise their children for they disapprove of them and fear their need.  Contact with them is always hurtful and is fraught with the opportunity of emotional damage.  Yet, they honestly believe that they love.

All this being true, it is the will of God that I honor them, and it is the will of the Lord Yeshua that I even love them.  How can this be done?  I simply ask myself, how would I like them to respond to me were our spiritual and behavioral places were reversed?  I would like acceptance just as I am.  I would like plenty of room to be what I can't help but be.  I would also appreciate immediate forgiveness for transgression and to be received with patience and understanding. 

My parents may not be able to offer these virtues, but I must and shall with the help and power of God.  It is only in recent time now I have been made immune to the emotional damage that can come from such perverse relationships.  Now I pray for the qualities of the Lord that breed an attraction within such individuals as these that they may be saved.  Their past or present manner of treatment toward me has become irrelevant, but to know my parents will join me in Eternity is my soul's longing.

Beloved, so many believers ask "What would Jesus do?"  The better question would be "How would I like it done unto me in this same situation?"  Interesting, isn't it?

Yes, precious one, the Golden Rule, though taught often to children is really the stuff of spiritually mature adults filled and controlled by the spirit.  This is the evidence of being spirit-filled.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we are Your children through Messiah – no wonder we act so childishly at times. We are growing, but not grown. We are maturing, but not yet fully mature. Teach us of Your love to such an extent that we can truly love others as Your Son does. In Jesus' name. Amen.


People Vote – But God Elects

"Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."
– 1 Peter 2:17

So much said with so few words! Paraphrased this would read, "Respect ALL others. Love the body of believers. Have reverence for God. Respect your country's leaders. 

Okay, so you were fine with everything right up until that last line, huh? Romans 13:1 tell us that God appoints all the authorities that exist. It is rather profound to think that God ordains the governments of Iran, or Libya, or Palestine, or even America. Nations and leaders who have little or no respect for God. What was God thinking? Follow ALL the precepts of this verse and it matters not where we live or who governs us. It is that simple. If we love people, love God, do good, and submit to the laws of our land, we WILL be blessed.

It is pretty clear isn't it, those who rely on their own judgment, lack respect for others, ignore God and defy the law are subject to failure and disappointment, which leads to pain and suffering? Needless pain and suffering I might add. We must never lose sight of our personal responsibilities to our fellow man, fellow believers, Father God, and loyalty to our governmental systems, which God Himself has ordained.

Even evil governments are used by God for the good of those who are called according to His purpose and who love Him.  They will by judged in due time.

True, our leaders and our governments are as flawed as each of us are flawed; but only good can come from honoring all people, loving the brotherhood, fearing God, and honoring the king. Today, may we strive to make these things our personal goals for life! 

"Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." 
– Romans 13:7 (NKJV)


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Please have a blessed day, be hopeful, be encouraged, and know you are not alone.

“God Calling” compiled by A. J. Russell.
"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" Hazelton – adapted.
Kerry & Barry write Why The “Golden” Rule - adapted.
Greg Candelaria writes God Votes – And The Earth Listens - adapted.
Barry Gray writes A Disciple’s Reflections