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Dear Friends,

First, let me thank Carol for taking this site from concept to reality.  It is a part of her personal ministry. Blessings be yours Carol…many prayers of thanksgiving will be coming back to you, fulfilling the scripture, ‘Cast your bread upon the waters; for thou shall find it after many days.”  Ecclesiastes 11:1

”Forty eight years ago I was at a Camp Farthest Out, (Founded by Dr. Glenn Clark http://glennclark.wwwhubs.com/ and was browsing through the books at the bookstore.  This great man, with whom I would later go to Russia and have as a personal friend, mentioned a book in his evening meditation.  He said, 'God Calling' is one of the most profound books I have read and I often use it as a daily source of inspiration and guidance.  Then, just to the right on the table I saw a copy, picked it up, turned to the page for January 6th.  What was written was such a summary of my life, things I had experienced, as well as my need for discipline...as necessary to keeping the tools, the gifts sharp and ready, that I knew I had to have a copy.  It is quite interesting that when I was re-introduced to Dr. Clark by Dr. Sherwood Eddy in Bonn Germany in 1956 when he said of me very kind and generous things about my abilities then added, "But Glenn, he needs discipline...so teach him discipline!" 

The two women who were the vessels through which the Holy Spirit poured out the words of our Lord were indeed chosen for the purpose.  They were retired teachers and daily had the discipline of reading the bible and having prayers.  One day, one said to the other, "I wonder if God still speaks to people!"  The friend, said, 'Well, why don't we find out."  So they developed a plan.  They would read the Word daily, pray and add a period of 'listening' to their devotional time.  If they heard anything from God they would write it down. 

The story told to me by a friend of the publisher, A. J. Russell.  For Sinner's Only, a book written by Russell in 1932. (I have by my side on the table as I write a treasured First Edition of this text, given to me by the McNichols Family Christmas 2004.  I had found a copy in England for $750 and could not afford it at the time.  You can go on Amazon and seek a copy if you like.  Good luck, for I do not loan mine! :-)) had been read by one of the above-mentioned women. 

It is a book about a group at Oxford that sought daily guidance from God about what they were to do that day.  This group was first called the Oxford Group, Oxford Fellowship, then later Moral Re-Armament, founded by in 1932 by Frank Nathan Daniel Buchman. Today it is called Moral Re-Armament - Initiatives for Change .  It is headquartered then and now in Caux Switzerland. See: Caux Moral Re-Armament It is important to note: This came to be the beginnings of the Oxford Group which was at first known as "The First Century Christian Fellowship". In the Oxford Group confession and sharing tend to blend.  Confession is needed to get over sin and sharing needed to strengthen others and bring each other closer. The movement started in 1921 moving slowly but surely. In 1926 the group moved to Oxford where many joined and felt they were able to open up their lives and tell the truth.  From 1927 to 1928 the group expanded and many services and Bible studies were needed to keep up with the demand asked for. The name of the group came about when visiting South Africa to overcome the sundering effects of the acute nationalism.  This movement began with Dr. Buchman having 'house parties' where in fellowship, people would share their faith. During this time there was an increase in the number of house parties, which were cosmopolitan. It was during this time also that the Oxford Group gave the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous.  The two founders of AA Bill Wilson and Robert Smith, found the strength to overcome alcohol with the help of the Oxford Group and its principles. Later the two also formed the famous 12 steps from the principles of the Oxford Group.  This is a fact few in AA know.

 

Beliefs of the Group

The beliefs of the Oxford Group and later MRA have a fundamental basis in Christianity as Buchman had experienced in his life. The doctrine of the Oxford Group is built on two fundamental actions: Sharing and Guidance. The first one is Sharing which includes confession and being a witness. Confession is sharing one's sins with another man/woman, because the Oxford Group believes that confession to a fellow man is an indication of true repentance. Sharing can be either privately to another member of the group or semi-publicly in a group meeting or house party. Sharing witness is giving testimony of one's own experiences and so relating to the troubles of another. Guidance is the leading by the Holy Spirit in all actions. God makes his plan known to us, and we must come to surrender to God's will. There is blessing in reading the Bible, and blessing in meditating upon it. It is through the Bible and prayer that we are able to know what God's Will is. 'Quiet time' is the moment when one tries to listen to what God says applicable to present needs. Guidance includes, Loyalty which pertains to people obeying the commands of God and completely surrendering to Christ. Whatever the Will of God might be one is to believe that where God guides, he provides. There are test to make sure one understands what God is telling them.

"There are four tests so that one can discover what is the true guidance of God

    1. Does it go counter to the highest standard or belief which we already posses?
    2. Does it contradict the revelations which Christ has already made in or through the Bible?
    3. Is it absolutely honest, pure, unselfish, and loving?
    4. Does it conflict with our duties and responsibilities to others?

In case there is still uncertainty, one waits and continues in prayer and consults a trustworthy friend, who believes in the guidance of the Holy Spirit."

Now back to the "Two Listeners".  They sat for twenty-nine days and received nothing.  Then on the thirtieth day they both, sitting across the table from each other, began to write.  They wrote the very same words for 365 days.  (It is important for the reader who might know of 'automatic writing' in channeling that this is in no way connected.  The concept, experience and results are quite different) At their death, their will directed that a package be delivered, unopened to A. J. Russell, the former Literary Editor of the most virile and progressive London daily newspaper.  He was to read it and do whatever he willed.  After reading it, he then passed it to the best-known and most honored theologians of that day.  Each could find nothing that offended the bible, the Christian faith, or the theology of the church.  He then published "God Calling".

I cannot tell you how many copies I have given in my lifetime, but it is in the hundreds.  With the tithe always needed elsewhere; it was often into the next ten percent that I had to go to buy the copies.  Some years ago the Methodist Publishing House had leather covered 'God Calling Journal' with the daily message, scripture and a place to write.  I treasure mine and use it daily.

Carol, at her own expense has published the website www.twolisteners.org/   Go to your birth date and see if you get a reading like I did, that was really a message of truth about my life and spiritual needs.  I have looked at that of my children, their mother and friends.  It never fails to amaze me.  But, I guess, any page with the truth you find here will be a blessing!

I am grateful I found this book and for the truth it has brought to me.  It has been a means of making my walk closer and often bringing just the news I need for the day I am reading.  I hope it will be a blessing to you.  Pray for me, my ministry, my counseling, as well as the projects we are -working on here locally, nationally and worldwide.  You are welcome to surf www.sage-usa.net and remember we are available to pray with and for you...for I remain, always and in all ways,

Yours in The Way,
Dr. Joseph B. Kennedy, Sr.

 

From Jack ...   

I had considered myself a life-long “Christian.”  But like most of us, I was only a Sunday “Christian,” who had never in his lifetime read a complete Gospel of the New Testament from beginning to end.

Then, during a period of impending crisis in my family, I felt compelled to undertake a complete reading of the New Testament.  At the outset of this crisis, I could only see much uncertainty and pain, feeling so much hopelessness. It was during this period a friend gave me a copy of the book God Calling.  

As I began reading daily devotionals, I realized my study of my Gospel summaries had better prepared me to more fully understand the intricate nuances in the messages of each day.

With good intentions, I placed the book on my breakfast table, intending never to miss a day.  As with most good intentions, my efforts became inconsistent and then ceased.  Then one morning as I began my workday at my computer, I felt compelled to enter “God Calling” into a Web search and found the Two Listener’s website.

 I was thrilled to be able to more conveniently start each day not only reading the current devotional, but also re-reading the days before and getting a preview of the days to come.  I can only encourage others to also put forth daily efforts into changing their lives for the better, hoping the materials on this website are useful.

 As with my earlier studies of each Gospel, I found that daily efforts and study were needed for me to be able to more fully understand and appreciate the messages set forth by the two listeners.   In particular, how these messages can play such a role in understanding how the power of God changes one from within.

 As new, even more unseen chapters of ordeal and difficulty have unfolded in our lives, I’ve found myself better prepared to try to meet them in ways that I know are expected of me.

 
But throughout this painful time, we found ourselves supported by others in ways I had never hoped for nor imagined. At the conclusion of this ordeal, I was overwhelmed by a sense that a more beautiful script and ending could not have written for us.   Although our lives were forever changed, we knew that God’s blessings had been given to us through the surprising intervention of many individuals

In 1969, I found myself in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Within that program are many books on prayer and meditation.  For my own meditation, I chose the Hazeldon Twenty Four Hour book.  It was a great comfort to me and helped me in my walk back to a power greater than myself. After I had been a member for two years, my mother sent me God Calling, The Omnibus Edition, by Two Listeners.  If I had thought I had comfort before, this was bliss.  I had lost my way as a Christian and this book took me right back to where I was when I was eight years old.  This book saved my life in many sorrows and griefs...it was always by my side and became totally dog-eared.  When I began to sponsor women in Alcoholics Anonymous, I always recommended that they purchase the book...and they did.  Three years ago, I had a heart attack.  My daughter packed up all my belongings and put them in storage..that is where my copy of the book is today.  Recently, I found that I could receive a daily reading of God Calling from the Internet.  Such a powerful daily gift.  Thank you so much. Faye A. Martin - Arkansas, USA

I am delighted to find "God Calling" online. This opens up so many more opportunities to share this book with others.  God bless all of you for your efforts to share this book with others. I just found "God at Eventide" last night and see that you are also putting it online.  I pray that your project is blessed and God bless you and yours, In Christ, Eddie Marthin

I receive daily e-mail devotions from other organizations but have always liked this book the best.  My problem is that sometimes I forget to read it before I start my day.  Do you have any plans to do something similar.  I would love it if this showed up in my inbox every day.  Thanks, Stu

I was given a copy of "God Calling" by a friend for Christmas in 2002. I have read it each year since then. I can't tell you how many times that the day's reading fit so appropriately for whatever I was going through.  I lead a ministry for overeating at my church and we include a copy of this devotional with the materials we give them. We always have women asking to buy extra copies to give as gifts. I am so thankful for the "two listeners" who listened to the leading of our Lord and Savior and created this devotional. It is truly amazing and a blessing to anyone who reads it.  Joanne Boice Santee, CA

It takes only a moment to read the God Calling devotionals every morning. Starting the day off with these reminders, which are written in easy-to-remember “plain speaking,” gives me a clear focus for the day. I can think about the devotional from time to time during the day, and it is like having a Bible passage explanation that is custom-made for each and every day of the year. It’s surprising how each day’s devotional usually corresponds to the events of the day!  Annie

Thank you for putting God Calling online. I've sometimes wondered why the Oxford Group/MRA spiritual practices aren't more popular nowadays.  In the 1950s this movement was growing and growing. Perhaps it declined because of Buchman's political views. Perhaps it lost direction after the death of both Buchman and his successor. Or perhaps the "sharing" part of its process gave it a cult-like character that eventually repelled people. And in any case, a daily Quiet Time is essentially a contemplative practice, and most people simply aren't called to a contemplative way of life. Anyway, thanks for making it better-known, and also for all the other top-quality classics you've put on your site. As one of the two listeners noted, this kind of prayer is much more powerful when practiced in a small group, and perhaps your site will lead to the formation of such groups.  Derek.

Thanks so much for your wonderful site--bless you! Kathy Miller

I often wondered if growing up in church was my testimony, but had never felt anything and wondered what was missing.  I was taught to pray "not my will but yours be done."  One evening I sat alone crying and wondering why I had been in church if I didn't feel anything for 18 years.  It suddenly dawned on me I was lacking faith.  I prayed that God would help me to find him and my meaning in life.  Not long after that a lady I worked with moved.  She knew I believed in God so she gave me God Calling.  It changed my life.  I realized faith was not something I was born with it was a "gift from God daily" as the book put it.  I began to pray for more love and faith. I never understood the importance of prayer until now. This book makes us as followers realize our importance in the world.  I know that in heaven one day I will be able to thank you guys in person!  I look forward to that day!  Much love in Jesus~ Angela

My mother gave me a copy of God Calling some 20 years ago. I had kept it with me for many, many years, and referred to it so often, that the pages were literally falling out of the book. I had to move several months back, and the book got lost in the shuffle. What a delight to find the entire book on the internet. I wanted to thank you for this labor of love, for it still never ceases to amaze me how these entries apply to what is going on in my life, and the peaceful comfort that the words bring. My mother is now very ill, and is receiving hospice treatment. My father has also taken very ill. We are also in the process of buying our first home, and it has been nothing but extreme stress all around. I had been longing to read this book again, and by luck found your website. I now visit it every day, and am once again enjoying the peace these words bring. Thank you so much and God Bless - Dorothy Farias

Hello, I would first like to thank you for all that you are doing in providing this website. My wife and I have been reading "God Calling" for years and recently discovered "God at Eventide". Having them both online now allows me to reread and reflect on the days message from work at lunchtime or anytime I need to.  Steve Ulbert

For a year I typed out the daily God Calling and emailed it to a group of people who were blessed each in their own time by the daily word. And then I moved and was unable to continue typing in every day the text. Just today I found you! I have gone out on the internet before looking for this very thing but didn't find it. Thank you so much for doing this! It is a HUGE blessing to many and I cut and paste into a group of about 15 folks who will now be getting their daily God Calling once again!  Bless you!!! Anne Connors

I started reading "GOD Calling" about 7 years ago. It saved my marriage as well as giving me a whole knew look on my prayer life. I felt that this was written just for me every day when I picked it up. The things that I was dealing with or the problems in my separation always seem to have the answer to what I was supposed to do that day. I now buy "GOD Calling" 50 at a time. I give them to anyone that I think can use one. Most everyone that has given me feedback on the book feel the same way I did. There comment is "this was written just for me and for what I am dealing with". I have even had one lady to tell me she was thinking of suicide until she started reading it on a daily basis. It is a true blessing and I hope and challenge everyone to buy them by the case and give them away. This is my way of witnessing. I hope and pray that it will stay in publication and that we will always live in a free country to where we can hand them out and not fear for our lives for doing so.  God Bless, Rodney Parsons, Lexington, KY

I am a young woman from regional Australia. I have never been one for going to church. And sometimes I find it hard to read or understand the Bible. Perhaps because the words were received in more contemporary times, my Friend God seems to speak to me through God Calling with more clarity and precision, speaking right into my heart. Sometimes I think I see God in a dragonfly, in a rainbow or in a sea shell. To me God Calling is the same as these things of simple and intense beauty - direct messages of love from the Great Heart to my heart.  Thank you very much for the opportunity to receive this beauty daily.  Fiona, Western Australia.

Twenty Five years ago my Dearest Friend introduced me to God Calling book - she has since gone on to be at home with the Good Lord. More than 20 years she suffered with MS and although her disability was manifested on the outside she was used by God to let me see how I too was disabled - but it was all inside emotionally and mentally.  God Calling wrapped its love around my heart in the same way that Audrey (my friend) let God use her to wrap His Arms around me and slowly and gently cleanse my mind body and soul from the ugliness that invaded my life...I am still on the POTTERS WHEEL.  I found this site today because I wanted to send April 23 message along to someone whom I have not met but felt an urge to do so . I was very surprised and Blessed to see this book and other wonderful things on here because I really didn't expect to get it...but as I said before, I followed through with the NUDGE that I believe was from God.  A Grateful Reader Jean Durant

My loving mother gave me photo copies of this book many years ago. One day a copy of the book was placed on her desk by a co-worker who recommended that she read it. After reading it, my mother photo copied the book so that she could give me a copy. Through the years I have moved and lost many pages, but by the grace of God I looked you up and found you on the web. I can now print the missing pages.  Please know that these words speak to me daily! Through these words I have come to know my Heavenly Father in a way that has been most profound. I give thanks for these words for they are truly my most prized possessions. Thank you for this site and an opportunity to fill in the gaps. I love you; may God our Heavenly Father keep you always safe in his loving arms.  Peace and Blessings, Kat Robertson

I picked up a copy of "God Calling" on March 29, 2006.  My husband and I, along with one of my very dear friends had just left a "Christian Lecture" at a nearby church and decided to stop in our local "Joseph Beth Book Store" and browse around for a while before we headed home.  We walked into the store and three of us scattered in three different directions.  My husband headed toward the "Science & Nature" section, my friend went straight to the "Self-help" section, and I just found myself meandering amongst the books.  After around fifteen minutes of browsing, I found myself in the "Spiritual/Christianity" section.  I looked at the seemingly endless bookcases of books in this section and spotted sitting face forward on a shelf "God Calling."  It was almost as though all the other books on the shelves backed away, because this one stood out among the rest and caught my eye.  I walked over, picked it up and began reading.  Well, needless to say, I purchased "God Calling" that evening, and have been reading the devotionals each day.  I find I carry it with me wherever I go, as I have found great comfort, guidance and wisdom from the words written on the pages.  They truly feel Spirit breathed.   Perhaps the most amazing part of my testimony is that because of the messages received through the daily reading of this extraordinary book, I've been able to turn around and use what I have been given to help counsel, encourage, and comfort others in my circle of friends (and influence.)  Being able to extend words of comfort and encouragement to a friend whose husband is battling cancer, and helping another friend find some sense in the seemingly senseless death of her granddaughter, were priceless gifts. This small, but powerful book contains an important message for today's generation!  It contains God's message of LOVE, of HOPE, of PROMISE!  I didn't know that my life was about to change that chilly March evening, but it has.  My life has been blessed and changed by this remarkable publication....and I thank God for the all of the lives of those who made its publishing possible.  With gratitude and blessings - L. Schulte, Cincinnati, Ohio

God Calling has played a very important part in my life.  I came across the book several years ago in the home of an old lady who stayed alone in a remote village.  Whenever I visited she would tell me "read, read, Promises".  She was not well educated but knew every reading by heart.  I asked her where she got the book and then she told me to ask someone in the U.K. to send it to me.  I had a cousin in the U.K. and it took me two full years to get the book which I cherished and then one day my carrybag in the office got stolen.  I lost my book and then I made enquiries and found that the book was available in New Delhi.  I bought so many copies of the book from New Delhi that there was no more stock left.  I have shared this book with many people and it has brought many people to Christ. One more thing - my brother is an alcoholic and he was far from God but when he entered Alcoholics Anonymous he got a book called "24 hours" and the meditations in this book are based on "God Calling".  So you see God Calling is a very special book for me and I read it everyday. Take care and get well soon.  I am from Kolkata, India. Love - Anne 

Blessings more to you who became an instrument to bring God's promises to His people in the world especially in the Philippines. I'm Mariel from Philippines. I'm a member of a Catholic Christian community in Manila, Philippines. I started to read the printed ones while organizing the library materials because I'm a librarian. Because of the book, I gain strength and courage to continue my life. My parents both died already. So now, your emails as early as 6:00 a.m, my first thing to do as I open GC is to forward them to 50 people I have known (friends and friends and friends). They were touched and moved by the grace of the holy spirit, through those powerful words on God Calling emails.

Everyday GC is a source of strength. I started to forward the emails because after many months of reading the book, I tried to look on I-net if there's an existing website. Luckily, I found and subscribed. Almost of my friends have no time to search on the I-net so I thought of sharing the gift of joy I found on GC through forwarding the soft copy.

Bless you for this service - my wife and I have been reading GC daily for 7 years now, and discuss it together either before I leave for work or by phone at the first opportunity in the morning if I am traveling - no matter where we are in the world. Regards, Anthony, Queensland Australia.

Dear twolisteners - I came across this book seeking more of Him about 4 years ago now. I remember holding on to my bible crying when I was at my darkest moment, I knew there was a God and I wanted to hear from him I wanted comfort but I was being held prisoner in worldly bondages (drugs, wrong relationships). I would type letters to God asking for help, asking for forgiveness and this was when I was under the influence at times. I was seeking and wanting the peace that only God can bring and through my cry's I know today God led me many little angels and messages to soothe and calm my soul. After I was saved I was so hungry for more and I am not a reader but I could read God calling without stopping until I would fall asleep and then upon waking up in the morning. I have shared many of the devotionals when I felt discernment for others to word from the book and they too were able to be relieved even if it was for that moment. Thank you for having this online, wishing you many blessings of abundance. What I also truly love and it touches my heart is how this two sisters in Christ want no praise. Please know that I love you dearly and thank you dearly, funny I feel them smiling at me for some reason. Thank you kindly. Happy Joy Joy Blessings, angel

I was working the evening shift at the 211 call center when I discovered a copy of this devotional book lying on the desk. I read from January 1 to January 20. It inspired me to purchase a copy for myself and my friends. The few moments I spent reading the devotional was Food for My Soul. Gatha R. Green

Years ago I learned how to listen to God’s voice. After taking the course “Communion with God” I began to write down what He said. I wondered at the time, if what He was speaking was just for me or for others, too. Eventually I stopped. About a month ago I found the book God Calling in one of our spare bedrooms. We had hosted some ministry teams over the summer and someone had left it behind. When I began to read, God’s presence came, and I realized how starved I was for His voice. ... I am so glad that the book God Calling reopened a well for me that had been clogged. Thank you to the wonderful person who left it at my house. And now that well flows out and reaches others. Uta Milewski

Greetings,  I would like to thank you for putting this wonderful, life affirming book online. God Calling literally saved me. Christ entered my life in a moment so quick, yet so powerful, that for this ex-atheist the truth will never more be denied. My wife waited for many years for the needed change and once it happened she showed me this book. We read the next days devotional every night. What peace it brings… what love it shows. God bless you and all involved with your wonderful web site.  Dan Waller

We (my husband, my daughter and I ) are very blessed as we go to our computer daily, in our separate places, to glean whatever message the Lord has for us each morning during our devotional time. In His Service, A fellow listener...and a fellow servant, Dianna

Greetings in the matchless Name of Jesus God Calling has been a part of my life for since giving my life to Jesus over 20 years ago. Yes, sometimes it would sit on the bookshelf then other times it was in my hands to open up to the days message. The book read and prayed every night now for the last 2 1/2 years not able to put it down. Little did I know that God was going to use it for ministry to others through a ministry HE called me to 20 years ago. Thanks be to God through Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit am now in Bible College and soon will be a Chaplain. This book will be used in ministry of prayer and guidance for others who God sends for prayer. The Holy Spirit moves as God our Father by Christ Jesus directs. So listen carefully dear ones to what HE has to speak to you in the silence of your hearts. In His service, JAF

I just want to thank you for all your great work and everything you do for the Christ .Your messages are very helpful and uplifting - they always give me precisely what I needed at that moment.  Keep up the good work ...Sascha

The first thing I do each day is read the two emails sent by you….they are my ‘plumb line’! Gob bless you mightily!   Melanie

I was given "God Calling" in 1985. I read it then but did not keep it up. I, too, lack discipline. My father died in 1979. My husband had assured my father that he would take care of my mother. Four years later my husband died. I was 58. I had my mother, the business I knew nothing about, the unfinished boat he had started, and my oldest son. My son died in 1989. Mother entered a nursing home, kicking and screaming so to speak, in 1992, the same year I sold the business and the boat. Mother had resented being old and wanted me to care for her 24/7. Not possible for anyone although many of us are prone to try. Although I felt as if I were hanging onto life by my fingernails much of the time and was lax about going to church, I never gave up praying. God heard me. He always hears, I do not always hear him. I have suffered severe illness, several serious surgeries, and depression. Now, at 83, reaffirmed in church, a member of the Daughters of the King, and living happily with my daughter and son-in-law in my own little private apartment, I am once again reading that wonderful little book. I began Jan. 1, this year. I have found it profound, comforting, awakening, and increasing my faith.  Olive McMillin

thank you for your devotion to GOD and my lord and savior JESUS CHRIST... life would not be the same or as full if it was not for your willingness to carry HIS love.. the majority of the internet does not reflect the true nature of this world ... it was a pleasant surprise the day i was led to your web site.. it was after reading " for sinners only " a beautiful book on a unpopular subject sin... your courage is attractive and your willingness enlightening... it is amazing how little is required to make a difference in a wayward soul.. i sometimes feel alone in this selfish population of lost souls.. hope is the by-product of very day i read your spirit guided love.. may GOD continue to bless your willingness and courage.. sincerely james