A Holy Calling

Place your hands on your head and receive the more that God has for you.

Ephesians 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed me in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For God chose me in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, God predestined me for adoption to fellowship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Holy One God loves. In Christ I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of my sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on me. With all wisdom and understanding, the Holy Spirit makes known to me the mystery of God’s will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.” AMEN

Norma Johnson, founder of Glory Barn  in 2009 in Oklahoma City

The highest treasure in this life is to discover one’s purpose in life. Be in awe as you embrace the fact that God Almighty wrote your story before you were born! Humbly, we must also eventually say yes to His plans for us.  God enlisted us in His purpose when He saved us from the pit.  The truth is that every believer is NOT only SAVED, but we are also CALLED by God. 2 Timothy 1:9 states that God SAVES and CALLS individuals with a HOLY CALLING.  Being saved inherently comes with a DIVINE PURPOSE. We are wise to desire and personally seek out His purpose for us. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom, your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9:10

❤️ Isaiah 43 “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made, were set apart to lead those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am God. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Yes Lord, I am Your servant.

❤️ Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

❤️ Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is flawless;  He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

❤️ John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

❤️ Psalm 37:3-5 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord,  and He will give you the desires of your heart. ]Commit your way to the Lord;  trust in Him and He will do this.”

❤️ Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established HIS throne in heaven, and HIS kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, all HIS works everywhere in HIS dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.”

❤️ Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all people.

❤️ Isaiah 55:11-12 “God’s word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

❤️ Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place. Who knows but that you have come to your royal position as the anointed Kings kid for such a time as this?”

❤️ Haggai 2:23 The Lord Almighty decreed, ‘I will take you, my servant and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

❤️ Habakkuk 2:3 “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

❤️ Exodus 17:11  I hold up my hands in praise for my God is winning. I built up an altar of faith in my mind for The Lord’s banner over me is love.  My hands are lifted up to the Lord, as the victory for the spiritual battle for my soul is His.”

❤️ 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God with a clear conscience. Night and day I constantly remember His goodness in my prayers. I recall that my tears are kept in a bottle.  For this reason I fan into flame the gift of God, my faith. For the Spirit God gave me does not make me timid, but Holy Spirit gives me power, love and self-discipline. I am not ashamed to admit that I am His prisoner. I am willing to suffer for the gospel, by the power of God.”

❤️ Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;  I appointed you as a prophet to speak My words. The Lord  equipped me with the Holy Spirit to say whatever He commands me.”

❤️ Philippians 1:15 “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. I speak truth in love as it is very important that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.  I rejoice to have been chosen to pray for God’s will to be done.”

❤️ James 1:4-6 I persevere in faith to allow Holy Spirit to finish His work so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When I lack wisdom, I ask Holy Spirit, who gives generously to me. When I ask, I believe and do not doubt, because God is faithful.” Mighty Wind

WITH a purpose, we smile, we laugh, we spread joy – this is not frivolous, this is with integrity as we walk in the Spirit. We were given the Holy Spirit to influence public opinion, to shift the atmosphere, to speak words of healing, to raise the dead church, and to bless as God directs us. As the glory gifters, we accept the position God assigned as His chosen, equipped, anointed ambassadors and daily influencers.  Almighty God proclaimed His truth that continues to live and do it’s intended work in us and through us. Every age has many voices. Holy Spirit direct my tongue. My time is limited. May I speak where many listen and write what many read. Help me to use my gifts to bless others, to the honor of Jesus Christ, my Lord.  As Kingdom kids, we are unstoppable for the glory of God.

Nov 15 praying for churches to unite as the Holy Spirit reveals Himself audibly to all church leaders to come together and worship God Almighty, publicly!

Barbara prayer walking at Christiana Park in Chapala before arriving at DD’S casa to pray. A fresh vision of church pastors, deacons, and congregations filling up the bleachers under God’s umbrella of trees. Psalm 37 arrived in the mail today from my sister Kim Nystrom in Arizona.

VISION: The Word of God preached outdoors in this amphitheater in Chapala

The importance of faith in God’s unique design is to understand and respect one’s calling.  Your calling is to do that which comes naturally. What makes you feel like a duck swimming most confidently and  comfortably in water? Each person has a special role within the body of Christ. He saved us all for a glorious purpose within His church. Fulfillment comes from recognizing and embracing our role by using our gifts with joy. 2 Timothy 1:9-11 God has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” This extraordinary truth, is the gospel that we were called to broadcast as His chosen ambassador on earth. The Sceptor Extended. Norma teaching Rumble!

“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child, I am content. Therefore, I put my hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” Psalm 131 A practical step towards finding one’s purpose starts with the need for a total surrender to God. Romans 12:1-2.  Presenting oneself as a living sacrifice opens the door to God’s will. A renewed mind leads to clarity about one’s role and the discovery of spiritual gifts, which are essential for fulfilling one’s calling. Any low self-esteem among Christians indicates a low understanding of one’s worth—Jesus values every soul so highly, to suffer immensely to redeem the liars, the proud, the broken, the rich young rulers, and the lonely.  Knowing truth sets each soul free to comprehend their eternal value to God. God’s Word transforms any poor self-perception. Be encouraged to seek your place within the Church and utilize your spiritual gifts. Our true fulfillment comes from being a part of a community that is serving in alignment with God’s glorious purpose. Hallelujah !

Do you recognize your inherent value to God and humanity through His divine calling? Are you fulfilling His call with glad obedience?  With joy, we choose to submit to GOD. The Holy Spirit delights to speak to us, teach us, lead us, and to prick our “What ifs” and our hesitation to believe God. He tickles our moods to elevate our joy.  He knows our motives, and He directs our steps . Holy Spirit knows our hidden, unspoken doubts.   The soul that submits a portion, or superficially, has not yet allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal the part in us that needs crucifixion.  He is our internal, ever-present Guide, Counselor, Teacher, and also Who convicts our soul to surrender all to Him. We do not want to limit God by any unbelief, pride, or rebellion.

As we yield our whole ‘self’ to our all-knowing Father, He leads with wisdom and grace. Humbled by His pure love, we gladly submit. He never forces our surrender. We choose to speak in our heavenly language to disengage our reasoning. We walk in the Spirit because we trust the character of the One we are submitted to. Joy rises when we surrender all our preferred ways to His superior purpose. He softens our heart with a gentle whisper. Wisely, we repent of any resistance that the Holy Spirit points out. Our obedience brings rest to our soul and honor to God. As we listen to the deep stir within, Holy Spirit directs our steps, and every day becomes a powerful prayer walk celebration of what He is doing. Hallelujah

Pray: Father, search my heart and gently reveal any pride or quiet resistance toward Your will. Give me the grace to submit with joy and trust, not reluctance. Help me walk in true humility, delighting in Your guidance and resting in Your goodness. Shape my inner posture to match the obedience I show outwardly. In Jesus’ name, AMEN ❤️JESUS knows us intimately. He knows us—fully, deeply, and personally. When He said to the church in Ephesus, “I know your works,” He wasn’t speaking generally. He knew their faithfulness, their fatigue, their faith, and even their failures. The same is true for His saints today. Nothing about our life escapes His loving awareness—He knows all our private acts of obedience, our unspoken pain, and our unseen struggles. The Comforter is ever with us. The Lord indwells us, and the Holy Spirit does not watch from a distance; He understands, He cares, and He calls us to trust Him for each decision. When Christ says, “I know,” it’s both a word of reassurance and a call to honesty before Him. We lay it all down before the One who knows it best. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me completely and still loving me endlessly. Help me to walk in truth and serve You with a sincere heart that ministers love to all.

Avoid deception and walk, listening to His grace. God’s mercy is the foundation for His faithfulness. 1 Corin 7:25. Humility and the fear of the Lord are crucial for receiving guidance from God. Psalm 25. The HUMBLE are taught by the Lord.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Ground your life in SCRIPTURE.  Trust the Holy Spirit and obtain His understanding.  Reliance on Him is God’s command. DO NOT IGNORE the Holy Spirit as you pray the Scriptures.  FOCUS on the words of  JESUS.  All authentic prophecy points to HIM, as it is supported by Rev 19:10.

Ed runs an orphanage in Ukraine. Becky provides a home and an education to girls at La Ola, Anabel provides safety for 16 at Love in Action. Karen takes care of abused girls at Treasure House.

God took the initiative when He called you by name. He first loved us, He chose us for such a time as this. He equipped us with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Go to the secret place and listen for His voice. Pray in your heavenly language for 5- 10 minutes. Wait for His timing. Psalm 131. Be taken up into the heavenlies and refresh your spirit by the vision He displays. Let His Word lead, and avoid any sort of self-deception. Pray His Word over yourself first, and then simply speak your heart.  Our communication  is to be kept simple.  God’s point is simple, He loves, He gives, He restores, and He disciplines those He loves with a rod. Psalm 23. Cultivate faith through humility, and total dependence on the Holy Spirit. Glorify God and speak His truth in love. We must LOVE the person to whom we speak.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 NKJ

For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. – Romans 14:17

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever – Psalm 136:3

We live in a world that often trades conviction for convenience. We are challenged to stand firm in truth, no matter the cost. Take courage in the knowledge thar you are loved, seen, and upheld by a Savior who conquered Satans plan. Your faithfulness will greet opposition from jealous people who pretend to be supportive. God’s Word warns us not to be fooled or deceived. Remember Who called you by name, Who holds your life, and Who equipped you to do Gods will. Trust the Holy Spirit and His wisdom and walk confidently in the direction He leads you in. Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to discern the enemy’s tactics correctly. Speak to me for Your servant is listening. Remind my heart that You are the First and the Last, and that my strength and my security are anchored to Truth. Keep me courageous, steadfast, and drenched in Your love. Revelation 2:8–10 The truth is that you are EMBRACED BY CHRIST. Jesus is the First and the Last, and He holds your entire story—from beginning to end.

Faithfulness is not about perfection but perseverance—holding to what is true when others drift. Like the church in Ephesus, may we be found steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in Him is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be steadfast and faithful to Your truth. Strengthen me to stand firm in conviction and never compromise what is right in Your eyes. Grant me courage to endure and grace to persevere for Your name’s sake. Revelation 2:2–3

❤️ Deuteronomy 5:7 God commands my glad obedience. I shall have no other gods before me. I will not bow down or worship any idol; for my Father, is a jealous God. He shows His great love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. I shall not misuse the name of the Lord my God.  I will observe the day of rest by keeping it holy. I work 6 days and rest on the 7th day, I will remember that I was a slave to my pleasures and that the Lord my God brought me out of the pit of pride with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. I honor the memory of my father and my mother, so that I may live long and that it may go well with me. I shall not murder the reputation of anyone with slander. I shall not commit adultery. I shall not steal or lie. I shall not envy or be jealous over the success of others.”

4 thoughts on “A Holy Calling

  1. Pingback: Perishing | Living Abroad

  2. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

    If we are motivated to speak the scriptures over others, by Gods grace we get to heaven one glorious day and see the people that are there enjoying this salvation with eternal glory because of the words we spoke.

    Many followers feel that they have failed, that there life has had little impact for the kingdom, that they are unsuccessful. What success is notis making a big name for yourself or heading up a big work of some sort. Success is accomplishing the will of God for your life. Ordinary people place too much pressure on themselves to succeed. To see their prayers answered. To witness healings. Failure to see the fruit makes them feel insecure. If our security is based on results, then we have not received revelation from Holy Spirit. If they don’t succeed, then they don’t feel secure. A secure Christian trusts in the victory and power of the blood. We walk by faith, not by our emotions. Our basis for security is truth. God is my heavenly, loving Father. I am His child. He loves me and I love Him. Whether I’m a success or a failure in the eyes of men or even in my own eyes is meaningless. If your security depends on being successful, then when you’re not successful, you’re insecure. Our flesh, our ego wants to succeed. We do have God implanted dreams, hopes, and visions. But success is accomplishing the will of God for our lives. Romans chapter 1 records Pauls plea have a prosperous journey by the will of God to Rome. His journey through the eyes of the world would be interpreted as a big failure. Paul traveled as a prisoner in chains on a ship that battled a storm that lasted for 14 days during which he never saw the sun nor the moon nor the stars. The captives gave up all hope of being saved until an angel appeared to Paul and said, it’s all right. 277 persons arrived at the island of Malta and once ashore. They gathered sticks to light a fire and Paul gets bit by a snake on his hand. The local people said he must be a murderer who’s escaped justice. So they watched waiting to see him swell up and die. By God’s grace he lived. Our walk with Christ may not appear to be a successful, or prosperous journey. But our Father makes a way where them serms to be no way to accomplish His will. The only criterion of success in your life and mine is if the will of God is being accomplished.

    Life on this planet is painful and difficult, but God! This might seem to be a pessimistic outlook, but let us face our reality with our faith in tact. The Pilgrims Progress illustrates the constant emphasis on abundant living, and the pursuit of a victorious Christian life, which is perfect health, and zero suffering. As a result of Christ’s redemption on the cross, can we expect to live a life of bliss that Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden? When Adam and Eve were banished from the garden, they were banished forever. God stationed cherubim, His celestial bouncers armed with a flaming sword to prevent Adam and Eve from returning. They could not go back, they could only go forward. Their way forward was documented as difficult and painful, accompanied by thorns, weeds, and frustrating situations.

    There are pulpits that falsely teach that salvation will eliminate all pressure, stress, and pain from life. That the new life fills us with the power to heal all ills and emotional pain. The purpose is to soften the painful reality of what it’s like to live in a broken, imperfect and evil society. Thus the church goers learn to pretend to feel the joy of the Lord as they suffer in silence. — This is an illusion, as reality is denied. Life is painful and difficult, and if we speak this truth, we are accused of being a pessimist. “It is better to be a sane pessimist than an optimist living in denial.”

    God says come to Him when we are weary, because He knows that difficult days are before us. Only when we face reality, will we overcome it by perseverance in our faith in what He is working out for our good. Oswald Chamber stated. “There will be little progress in the Christian life until we see that life is more TRAGIC than ORDERLY. Oswald did not deny that good things do happen. Nor did he suggest that God does not work through these situations to glorify His name. Oswald is simply saying that in the ledger of life, the column marked TRAGIC events has more entries than the column marked orderly events. Not to accept reality is to live with a false view of life. There are many wounded Christians hobbling around, not able to express their full personality, not able to give all that they have in the Lord’s service. Some have left the faith.

    Zechariah 13 “They said, what are these wounds in your hands? And he said, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” Most of us would have to say the wounds we received were not from our enemies. They were from our friends. The word that Jesus uses for friends, in Hebrew means, those who love Me. — His grace to forgive is His eternal character. Although He was rejected, whipped, denied, and crucified Jesus calls us His friends. He knows we really love Him, even when we disobey, or stumble. He calls us His friends, that is our victory by His mercy and grace. When you can say of the people that wounded you, I know you really love me, I forgive you for you know not what you are doing — healing results, God is glorified and people are freed.

    Most of us carry wounds, not from enemies but from friends. Humbly, I admit that I’m very insensitive at times. I get busy pursuing my own objectives and I’m not conscious of what I’m saying to others. If I have offended you, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.

    The greatest problem in the church today is personal ambition. Quoting Paul “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

    Paul had a VISION of the people who had not yet come to Christ. His hearts motive was that the lost might be brought into this salvation with eternal glory. Our heart’s motive is known by God, so we humble ourselves and pray and rely on Him.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Pingback: Mighty Wind | Living Abroad

  4. Pingback: Christmas Grace | Living Abroad

Leave a reply to His Anointed Cancel reply