Resting More Often With The Lord

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to rest more with our Lord. We are reminded of the importance of refreshing and refilling our spirit. I found a beautiful Chinese music piece that takes me there…I hope it does the same for you.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Right There, God Had Us!

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we do not need to plead with God to come to our aid. He says, “Your need is my call.” – quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org

During my studies regarding generational curses, I discovered a couple of things in the story of Adam and Eve and the devil, in Genesis 3:1-20. I used the NIV Bible. First, we’re all living under that curse. Secondly, that curse is also a blessing that saves us. Here’s how: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” What happens to those who embrace evil and wickedness? That enmity just might save your life. God ordained in us a loathing of evil and wickedness, to keep us from falling into it. God went one step further: “To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” This is exactly how our need for salvation, right then and there in that garden, was taken care of by God. Right then and there, God had us!

You see, if you look at that in the spirit, and remember that the church is the Bride of Christ, you see the woman that surrounds man. And who rules over the body of Christ? Is our desire for our husband? YES! YES! YES! Lord, Jesus, YES! Isn’t that awesome?!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Abide, Then, In Perfect Love

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to make our Lord, Jesus Christ the one abiding presence we are conscious of all the time. This means we need to abide, then, in perfect love; because that’s what Jesus is. God is love, and Jesus said when we see Him, we’ve seen the Father.

The message tells us that it is God’s eternal life flowing through us that is the miracle working power. Please read the message at twolisteners.org – it’s a powerful one. When we have that life eternal flowing through us, we have wholeness within; real life within. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3 -NIV) This spills over into every aspect of our lives, and touches the lives of others.

Fear is the greatest obstacle to remaining in this consciousness of God’s presence. Why? I believe it is because we do not know God personally. We try to be good Christians; but forget that we are Children of God. He’s our Daddy! As I’ve read, especially in the Psalms and Prophets, I’ve seen more and more clearly God’s heart for us. In Jeremiah 4:19 God says: “My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.” (BSB) That battle is the battle against fear and condemnation, against doubt, and detachment. Nothing can separate us from the love of God; but we can, and do stray-especially when we’ve done something wrong and are afraid. But Jesus said, “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1John 4:18-NIV) Being made perfect in love includes knowing our Heavenly Father’s deep, deep, steadfast, and awesome love for us! The more intimately you know Him as Father-I call Him Daddy-the less fear you will have in your life! The more, peace, joy, and power you will gain.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Give Them By Bringing Him Into Them

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give God the moments. A moment here, giving thought to His goodness, brings Him into it for us, too. A moment there, reflecting on the beauty of the afternoon spent with family and friends, reveals His Presence in the whole afternoon. When we give, even just one thought, to God’s love and the joy it brings to those moments, the moments become sublime.

This works quite well when we have our “moments,” too. You know…Monday morning, and everything that can go wrong is doing exactly that…and you are not having this today…you work too hard…OMG…oh, yes, God…JESUS…Oh, JESUS…and the “Peace; be still,” comes over you…and it all comes out okay. I have to laugh at myself when I think of poor Jesus up there watching me in some of those moments. I’m pretty sure He’s had some good laughs over them too.

We have the power to bring God into somebody else’s moments-be they good or bad. If we just stop and step into His presence in that moment, we can change that moment from a bad one to a great one. We can turn that good moment into a joyous celebration.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Preparing The Soil

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to spend more time preparing the soil. Jeremiah 4:3 tells us to break up our fallow ground and don’t sow among thorns.

There are two things that come to mind when I read this scripture. First, fallow ground is unplowed. That means the seed won’t get into the soil because the ground is unpenetrable. If the seed doesn’t get into the soil, it doesn’t get the nourishment required for it to take root and grow. It will just lie on the surface of the ground and be blown away by the wind, or scorched by the sun. It’s important to create the right environment; one that will promote growth and success. This works in every aspect of life; breaking generational curses included. Secondly, we’re told not to sow among thorns. Those thorns represent nay-sayers, or unbelievers, those that keep pulling us back into destructive ways and things, etc. This, also, is very important when we’re breaking generational curses off, and/or breaking bonds of addictions and dysfunctions.

When we spend time preparing the soil, we’re sure to reap the blessings we were ordained to reap.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Thank You, Heavenly Father; Thank You !

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to be brave and thankful. And this in the midst of COVID -19! Just in case you’re heart’s a little weary and weak at the moment, thankfully, we have Psalm 104 to stir us up. It’s a reminder of all that God is and does for us. I hope you’ll be as blessed by it as I am. I always get so excited by the time I get to the end of one like that! Hallelujah! Praise the LORD/Lord!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, The Wonder& Joy In Those

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that life is not all toil and tribulation. God, who has fashioned us -that’s in Psalm 119:73 – makes sure to put those restful places on the paths for us.

When I read this message, I think about living in Virginia. There was a trail, through the forest, that led to a riding arena. I loved to walk that trail! It was my place of refreshing, of quieting my soul. I didn’t think about it that way then, but that’s exactly what God was doing for me. He was refreshing my spirit and quieting my soul with each step I took. I can almost still smell the scent of the trees and the stables as I would near them.

Sometimes we have to seek out those places. I’ve always found that the farther away from the city’s hustle and bustle I get, the easier it is to find them. If you can’t get out into nature, try a zoo, or other nature exhibit. We do have some awesome ones right here in Las Vegas. Shark Reef and Sigfried & Roy’s Secret Garden are two that come to mind. I’ve been to both places, and absolutely loved them! Taking some walks on those quiet paths is a good habit to get into, for refreshing and quieting your soul.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Go, And Sin No More

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, gives us a powerful revelation about Jesus’ words in John 8:11 – “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” The message bids us to “feel that between us and all scorn and indignity is a strong shield.”

We are also reminded that we are to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Being human, we are bound to do things imperfectly at times. We are limited in patience, and even in perseverance at times. Of course, it’s always easier to give up, isn’t it? That’s because we have a tendency to be self-condemning. Sometimes, we’re even harder on ourselves than others are.

Jesus spoke those words to a woman caught in the act of adultery. The whole scene changed from one of self-righteousness and condemnation to one of self examination, repentance, and opportunity. The men who were ready to stone the woman to death had to admit their own sinfulness, and repent of their condemnation of her. The woman was saved from them, and forgiven by Jesus, and given the opportunity to correct herself. Jesus didn’t require anything from her, but to get up and go forward; onward.

We can do that very same thing when we miss it. We can do it each and every time, if we just determine to step up and forward into the opportunity, learning from the mistake, without judging or condemning ourselves. Psalm 119:1 says it like this: “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” (NIV) Now, if you give it little thought, you’ll realize that can also be applied to being non-judgmental, non-condemning…to learning what caused the failure, and correcting it, rather than focusing on who caused it. Remember, God does not impute wickedness to us. We ought not to either, then. I, for one, do not attempt something with the intent of failing at it; do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. *Something I learned from my son when he dropped the bag of cookies at the store is that that’s the way the cookie crumbles. LOL PS – they’re just as good crumbly as they are whole.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Loves You More

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God loves us, and longs for our love and companionship, as much as we do (or should) His.

I began to see God’s way of reaching out to me in the little birds I love so much. I’ve shared some of the funny things that have happened-and I just know He was behind them. Then, there are those quiet interludes of peace. He makes His presence known in so many ways, if we just pay attention-look, listen, and live with our hearts. I believe the best way to cultivate that intimacy with our LORD/Lord is to make time to seek Him; time to be alone with Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Forgiving Is The Easy Part

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to forgive and forget, if we want to move on. I’ve said it before; forgiveness is for us, the “wounded.” It is for our benefit, so much more than for the benefit of the one(s) who hurt us.

Forgiving is the easy part. Forgetting is what’s hard. It’s also the obstacle that gets in the way. This is especially true when we’re dealing with generational curses. It’s often not even the old wounds that cause the problem, but the old ways of dealing with them, that keep us on that vicious merry-go-round-and round, and round. They call that PTSD in the secular world. A similar situation, or one that triggers those same feelings of fear, helplessness, etc., can cause us to lose so much ground. One minute can undo six months or more of progress, if we’re not alert to the dangers.

Here’s where God comes in, though. Isaiah 40:10 tells us – “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule.” God will take all those old things, show you the truth in, and about them, and then destroy their power over you completely. I’ve been there. We develop ways of coping, adapting, surviving. Unfortunately, they’re not always the right ways. God’s way is. He not only will destroy those old strongholds, but He will teach you the right ways to think. Our attitudes toward the sin in our lives-whether the sin is ours or belongs to others-are what affect our living. God will give you some great attitudes!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu