GOD AT EVENTIDE

by Two Listeners

Edited by A. J. Russell

November

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

November 1 - Joy in November

These things have I spoken . . . that your Joy may be full.

The hallmark of a true follower of Mine is Joy.

Not a surface pleasure at life's happenings, a something that is reflected from without, but a welling up from within of that happiness that can only come from a heart at peace, secure in its friendship with Me.

Joy, strong and calm, attracts men to Me.

How many who claim Me Lord reflect a dull Christ, and wonder that the world turns rather to the glitter and tinsel of that world's pleasures.

Truly My followers deny Me in so doing. I am a Glorified Christ. A Christ of Triumphant Conquest.

Alas! My followers point too often to the grave-clothes of the tomb. Still learn to love and laugh.

November 2 - Your Store Of Wealth

The stored wealth of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

The giving out of that Spirit-wealth.

The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

This, My Spirit, must be absorbed, not in a moment of emergency, but in the quiet alone-times, so that from this store all help and strength can be supplied.

The mistakes My followers often make is that they rely upon this supply being ready for them to claim from Me at need, when the claim should have been made before, and My Spirit in all its fullness have already become a part of them.

My Spirit is not a Spirit of Rescue alone. It is both Builder and Strength, making of My followers that strong soldier ready for the emergency or strong to avoid it, as the need of My Kingdom may demand.

November 3 - Up In The Heights

The Sunlight on the Hills of God lures men to seek His Mountain Heights.

Get away from valley prejudices and fears on to the sunlit slopes with Me. Gently at first I will lead, so gently; then as you gain strength we will leave, together, the grassy slopes for the rugged Mountain Heights, where fresh visions are spread out before you, and where I can teach you My Secrets of those Heights.

Life holds in store more wonderful possibilities than you can sense as yet, and ever, more and more, as you go on, will further possibilities reveal themselves.

November 4 - The Life Beautiful

The Wonder of a life with Thee, dear Lord.

In the Spirit realm Truths reveal themselves in the same varied wonders of color as Nature her beauties.

Experiences, Guidance, Revelation of Truth, these are all, as it were, the flashing of glorious color-harmonies upon your inner sight, provoking such a wealth of joy, such a thrill of ecstasy as is beyond mortal tongue to describe.

That Joy is no shimmering beauty of the surface, but the strength-giving and comforting. It furnishes the very foundation-altar upon which your life yields itself in sacrifice to Me, and from which your prayers ascend.

November 5 - Wine Of Life

They have no wine.

Something is lacking at the feast of life.

I only can supply that wonderful Life element that the world lacks. The Joy, the sparkle is Mine to give.

Yours to feel the lack, the soullessness. Yours to say -- "They have no wine."

"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."

Your task to fill the water-pots with water.

November 6 - Your Garden Of Life

Think of Me tonight as the Great Gardener, tending and caring for you as a gardener does for his garden.

Pruning here, protecting from frost there, planting, transplanting. Sowing the seed of this or that truth, safeguarding it with the rich earth, sending My rain and sun to help in its growth, watching so tenderly as it responds to My care.

Lovingly anxious when its first eager green appears. Full of joy at the site of bud, and when the beauty of flower is seen. The seed and fruit of His pastures.

The Great Gardener. Let Me share with you the tending of your garden of life.

November 7 - Lost Opportunities

Think of one who has wrought great evil in the world or in your own life. Then remember there may have been the time when a simple act of obedience to Me by one who crossed his path might have corrected and shown him his wrong before evil mastered him.

Many a sin unconquered, an evil occurrence, could well be traced back to a lack of obedience, perhaps in years long past, of one who professed to serve Me.

Remember this in speaking to those who judge Me by the evil they feel I permit in the world. For yourself now, dwell not on the past, but dwell more with Me, that in future there be no sins of omission or commission.

November 8 - Your Life-Line

Think of the strong life-line of Faith and Power. This I have told you is your line of rescue.

It means constant communication between us.

You pray for Faith. I give you Faith. This enables you to test the Power I give, as your Faith goes back to me in ever-increasing strength. My Power and your Faith ever interchanging. The one calling forth the other, each dependent upon the other, until My Faith in you is justified indeed by the Power you exercise.

November 9 - The Glowing Heart

Think of the walk to Emmaus, think of the feast of Revelation that followed, of the understanding Friendship that was the result. How much I, their Lord, their Risen Lord, had explained to My two disciples during that walk. So much that was mystery to them became clear as we went along the way.

Yet not as their Master did I become known, until in the Breaking of Bread I revealed Myself. In speaking of Me afterwards they said, "Did not our hearts burn within us when He talked with us by the way?"

So do not fret if all that I can be to you is not yet revealed. Walk with Me, talk with Me, invite Me to be your guest, and leave to Me My moment of self-Revelation. I want each day to be a walk with Me.

Do you not feel, even now, your hearts burn within you, as if with the glow of anticipation?

November 10 - Rest For The Weary

This weariness must compel you to sink back, a tired child, to rest in My Love. There remain, until that Love so permeates your being that you are supported by it, and, so strengthened, arise.

Until you feel that this is so, remain inactive, conscious of My Presence. Yours is a big work, and you must refresh yourself and only approach it again after periods of repose.

The activity on the Spirit-plane is so great, so wonderful, that but for the times of enforced rest and prayer, you would be stirred to an emotional activity on the physical plane that defeats My ends.

November 11 - A Noble House

Though I was a Son yet learnt I obedience.

This was to teach My followers that allegiance to Me meant no immunity from discipline.

The house of your spirit is fashioned brick by brick -- Love, Obedience, Truth. There is a plan, and each action of yours is a brick in its building.

Think. A misguided act, a neglected duty, or a failure to carry out My wishes would mean not only a missing brick but a faulty edifice.

How many an otherwise noble character is spoilt thus. Build now for eternity.

November 12 - Heaven's Music

To glorify Me is to reflect, in praise, My character in your lives. To mount up with wings as eagles, higher and higher, to soar ever nearer to Me.

To praise Me is to sing, to let your hearts thrill. To glorify Me is to express exactly the same, but through the medium of your whole beings, your whole lives. When I say, "Rejoice, rejoice," I am training you to express this in your whole natures.

That is the Music of Heaven, the glorifying Me through sanctified lives and devoted hearts of Love.

November 13 - A Lonely Road

To Me each one of My children is an individual with varying characteristics and varying needs. To one and all the way to the highest must be a lonely road, as far as human help and understanding are concerned.

None other can feel the same needs and desires, or explain the inner self in the same way. That is why man needs Divine Companionship. The Companionship that alone can understand each heart and need.

November 14 - Joy Is Yours

The future is not your concern, that is Mine. The past you have handed back to Me, and you have no right to dwell on that.

Only the present is My gift to you, and of that only each day as it comes. But, if unto that day you crowd past sorrows and resentments and failures, as well as the possible anxieties of the years that may be left to you here -- what brain and spirit could bear that strain.

For this I never promised My Spirit and Comfort and Help.

November 15 - Sharing With Me

Not by life's difficulties and trials are you trained and taught as much as by the times of withdrawal to be alone with Me.

Difficulties and trials alone are not remedial, are not of spiritual value.

That value is only gained by contact with Me. Joy shared with Me, or sorrow and difficulty shared with Me, both can prove of great spiritual value, but that is gained by the sharing with Me. Share all with Me.

Remember in true friendship sharing is mutual, so as you share with Me, do I in ever-increasing measure share with you -- My Love, My Grace, My Joy, My Secrets, My Power. My Manifold Blessings.

November 16 - All Are Worthy

Treat all as those about whom I care.

You would visit the poor, the sick or those in prison, knowing full well I would see it as done unto Me.

I want you now to go still further along the way of my Kingdom. You contact many who are not poor, not sick, not in prison.

They may be opposed to you. They may disregard much that you consider of value, they may not seem to need your help. Can you treat these, too, as you would wish to treat Me? They may be in need greater than the others you long to aid.

To you their aims may seem unworthy, their self-seeking may antagonize you. When I said, “Judge not,” was I not including them too?

Can you limit My words to suit your own inclinations?

This is not an easy task I set you, but your way is the Way of Obedience. I did not suggest to My followers one they could take or not as they willed. My "Judge not" was imperative, and a new commandment I gave unto them that they should love.

For those who do not yet name Me Lord, Love is the only magnet that will draw them to Me.

Be true, be strong, be loving.

November 17 - Union With God

True religion is that which binds the soul to God, and supplicatory prayer binds the soul less than any other form of approach.

It is necessary, how necessary, but how often it can fail to bind truly. Meditation and Communion are of infinitely more value.

Meditation is man's line thrown out. It links the soul to God. Communion is God's line thrown out. It draws and unites the soul to Him.

November 18 - Joy And Courage

Trust in Me. Do more than trust. Joy in Me. If you really trust, you cannot fail to Joy. The wonder of My Care, Protection, and Provision is so transcendently beautiful, as your trust reveals it to you, that your whole heart must sing with the Joy of it.

It is that Joy that will, and does, renew your youth. That source of your Joy and Courage.

Truly did I not know what I was enjoining when I said, "Love and Laugh." But -- your attitude must be right, not only with Me, but with those around you.

November 19 - Check Up

Turn out all of your self that would rebel against My sway. Know no other rule.

Check your actions and motives habitually. Those that are actuated by self-esteem or self-pity -- condemn.

Discipline yourself ruthlessly rather than let self gain any ascendancy. Your aim is to oust it, and to serve and follow Me only.

November 20 - Watchful Expectancy

Wait before Me, in humble, silent anticipation. Wait in entire and childlike obedience. Wait as a servant anticipating his master's orders and wants.

Wait as a lover eager to note the first suggestions of a need, and to hasten to supply it. Wait for My orders and commands. Wait for My Guidance, My Supply.

Well indeed in such a life may you be of good cheer. Can a life be dull and dreary when always there is that watchful expectancy, always that anticipation of glad surprise, always wonder of fulfillment, Joy of supply?

November 21 - Be Glad In The Lord

Wait before Me with a song of praise in your hearts. Sing unto Me a new song. There will always be something in each day for which to thank Me.

Acknowledge every little happening as a revelation of My Love and thought for you. Praise has the power to wash away the bitterness of life. Be glad in the Lord.

Rejoice evermore. Great is the heart's "Thank You." As you learn to thank Me more and more you will more and more see Me in the little happenings, and increasingly see much about which to rejoice. Praise and thanksgiving are the preservers of youth.

November 22 - The Look Of The Lover

How few wait on Me.

Many pray to Me.

They come into My Presence feverish with wants and distress, but few wait there for that calm and strength that contact with Me would give.

Look unto Me and be ye saved. But the look was not meant to be a hurried glance. It was to be the look into My face of the lover beholding the Beloved.

November 23 - When Misunderstood

Wait upon Me.

Wait until My strength has filled your being, and you are no longer weak, petty, "misunderstood."

Rise above any fret as to how others may judge you. Leave Me to explain what I will of you and your actions.

Would you seek to follow a Christ Who had wasted His God-Power on fruitless explanations?

So with you. Leave Me to vindicate you, and to be your Advocate, or trust My silence in this as in all else.

November 24 - Eternal Calm

Remember that you live in Eternity, not time. Let there be no rush to do this or that.

It follows that for each task Eternity is yours.

How often, and how sadly, impotent haste has hindered, not hastened, the work of My Kingdom.

Live more quietly, bathed in the calm of Eternity. Feel this before you leave My Presence.

No fevered haste to work My Will. You must go forth in God's Great Calm.

There was no haste in His Creative Plan. Do you not feel the Strength of Calmness that lies behind God's work in Nature? Rest and know.

November 25 - Green Pastures

Walk in My Pastures. The eye will be rested and the spirit restored by the soft green of their verdure. The ear soothed and then enchanted by the sound of My Waters of Comfort.

No stones will impede your progress.

The soft haze over all will speak of unrevealed mysteries, while the wonder of life about you will tell of My ever-active, creative, and protective Power, and you will be filled with a content that will merge into a strange yearning for a spirit-oneness with Me.

Then -- you will know I am there.

November 26 - Complete Obedience

Walk in My Way.

My Way is that of doing, not only of accepting, the Father's Will.

Submitting to that Will, however gladly you may do so, is not enough.

Your work and influence for Me are hindered if your life is not one of complete obedience. "By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

Where would your salvation have been had I faltered and wavered in MY task?

It was by the obedience of My earth-life I saved; and so must it be with you.

November 27 - Spirit Of Adventure

The path has been tried, every step has been planned with a view to your progress. Never test your work by what others can accomplish, or by what they leave undone. Yours to master the task I have set you. Go forward in My Strength and in the Spirit of Adventure.

Undreamed of heights can be attained in this way. Never question your capability. That has been for Me to decide. No experienced Leader would set a follower a task beyond his Power. Trust Me, your Leader.

The World would have been won for Me ere this had My followers been dauntless, inspired by their faith in Me. It is not humility to hesitate to do the great task I set. It is a lack of faith in Me.

To wait to feel strong is cowardly. My strength is provided for the task, but I do not provide it for the period of hesitancy before you begin.

How much of My Work goes undone through lack of faith. Again and again might it be said -- "He did not many mighty works through this follower's unbelief."

November 28 - Active But Alert

Walk very carefully in life. It is a wonderful thing to be known as one who loves Me and seeks to follow Me, but it is also a very great responsibility.

So much that you may do, in which you are not guided by Me, may be condemned as unworthy, and a slur be cast upon My followers and My Church.

There are no moments in your life from now on which you can be free from great responsibility. Never forget this. My soldiers are ever on active service.

November 29 - Miracles I Could Not Do

What emphasis has been laid down upon the wonder of My walking upon the Sea, and upon My feeding the multitudes. In the eyes of the Heaven those were miracles of small importance.

Nature was My servant, the creation of the Father; and the Father and I are one. Over her and over the material world I had complete control. My acts were natural, spontaneous, requiring no premeditation, beyond the selection of a suitable moment for their performance.

But My real Miracle work was in the hearts of men, because there I was limited by the Father's gift of free will to man. I could not command man as I could the waves. I was subject to the limitations the Father had set. No man must be coerced into My Kingdom.

Think of all that My restraint cost Me. I could have forced the world to accept Me, but I should then have broken faith with all mankind.

November 30 - Fly The Flag

In your life and on your home you have unfurled the flag of My Kingship. Keep that flag flying.

Depression, disobedience, and want of faith, these are the half-masts of My Kingdom's flag.

Full and free, above earth's fogs and smokes, keep My flag flying high.

"The King is there, they serve the King," should be upon the lips and in the hearts of all who see it. Those who know you must, too, join those who fly My Flag.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

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