Called by God, 33

 ~ The Call of Ezekiel ~

 

Introduction ~ Posts 1 – 21 (beginning on April 16, 2022) of this series looked at aspects of the Christian calling.  Specifically, we viewed the calling of God from three aspects.  First there is the Universal Call to all mankind for salvation.  Second there is the call that all Christians receive—the Obedience Call.  Finally, there is a call which all Christians receive, but sadly few accept, the Career Call. 

 

Beginning in post 22 we started looking at Biblical examples of God calling an individual. 

 

Scripture ~ “Moreover He said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’  So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.  And He said to me, ‘Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.’  So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.

 

“Then He said to me: ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them.  For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel, not to many people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, whose words you cannot understand.  Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you.  But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted.  Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads.  Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.’  

 

“Moreover He said to me: ‘Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears.  And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, “Thus says the Lord God,” whether they hear, or whether they refuse.’  

 

“Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: ‘Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!’  I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise.  So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.  Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days” (Ezekiel 3:1-15).

 

Comment ~ The call of God is often a hard call.  It is not easy to be obedient to the call of God on your life. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Conscience, 32

 ~ Realize There Are Deceivers, 2 ~

 

Series Note ~ The conscience plays a crucial role in human behavior.  The Scripture has much to say about our conscience.  In posts 1—20 of this series, we looked at various descriptions of conscience.  In posts 21—25 we looked at the Big Four Emotional factors that have a very negative impact on our consciences.  Finally starting with post 26 we look at dangers to the conscience. 

 

Scripture ~ The Word of God and the Spirit of God are our teachers.  It is true that within the true Church God has many good and capable teacher assistants.  However, any time teaching does not align with the Word and the Spirit it is false teaching. 

 

True ~ Before leaving earth Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’  If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I” (John 14:25-28).

 

Fake ~ “But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

 

Solution ~ Know God not just know about God.  Be intimate with Him.  If you need assistance, I suggest the websites www.HeavenOrNot.org or www.three-two-one.org.  

 

Question ~ On a scale of 1-10 (10 is the best) how is our intimacy with God?

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Thanksgiving Day 2022

 ~ Are You Grateful? ~

 

Something To Carefully Ponder ~

 

“You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' 

“You make a mistake. 

“If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”

—Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The Prince of Preachers”    

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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