Believe It, Receive It, Give To It

(Mark12:41-44) (ESV) “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

This lesson goes with the one on sowing to what you want to reap. Whatever it may be, education, work/job, peace, beauty, etc., you must sow to what you want to reap. If you lack it, you are poor in that thing; in need of it. If you’ll notice, the widow put in all she had. How much are you willing to put into whatever you need? –In time, in effort, seriously or half-heartedly? The outcome depends on you.

There’s more to this, though. You have to see the goal, the end result, and fix it firmly in your mind that you will be there one day. In effect, you have to see yourself already there. Spiritually, you are. Remember in Genesis, “God said, and it was.” Physically, however, you must take the steps, make the effort(s), and do the things required to get you there. In the Spirit, there is no distance, but here on Earth and in the flesh, we must labor for all things.(Genesis 3:17), (Mark 4:3-9) Have you ever heard that expression, “if you need something, give it away?” What do you think the woman needed in this instance? Anointing? Love? I say yes to both. She had a lack of both in her life apparently, so out of her poverty of these two, she gave them to Jesus. If you want a beautiful home, you have to put beautiful things into it. If you want peace, or a peaceful environment, you have to create peace in that environment (cleanliness, organization, etc.). (2Cor. 8:11-12)

(2cor. 9:7) There’s a powerful revelation here about what you’re putting your time, effort, material wealth into. If you find yourself giving it grudgingly, you may be sowing into the wrong thing. Sowing and reaping are natural laws, there shouldn’t be any fear or anxiety, any bitterness, etc., involved. It’s a done deal when you ask it (Matt.21:20-22), (Luke 7:6), (Mark :24) Believe you’ve received it, and then take the necessary steps to get it in the flesh.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

And The Heart Rules All Three

(Mark 10:2-8) (ESV) Verse 5: And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.”(Deut. 30:6) (Jeremiah 32:39)

Before I came to the LORD/Lord, and really gave my heart to Him, and got serious about His Word/word and ways, well…a tricycle with a back wheel missing is what comes to mind. I’d get going pretty good, and then tip over and fall off. I figured out after I was finally living it for real, how important your heart being in it all the way is. (Jeremiah 24:7) –I will give them a heart to know that I am God.

I included that scripture about divorce, because marriage creates a family. In the household of God, we are all family. There’s no room for hardness of heart in a family. We have to humble ourselves to make room for the other(s), not everyone is at the same level, so we have to be mindful of that, and we don’t always see things the same way. If we were all exactly alike, we’d be cookies, not people. That part about not letting man separate us is a powerful revelation about unity between the children of God, and also, about our responsibility to help preserve each one’s unity with our Heavenly Father and our Lord. We build one another up in love. (Matt. 9:1-8) (Matt.12:34) (Matt. 9:13) (Matt.12:1-14)

(Matt. 11:29-30) Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -It is really important to keep it simple; whether we’re dealing with ourselves, or someone else. We over-complicate things so often. If we look at Jesus’ example, He was straight forward, and simple with His disciples; easy to understand.

(Matt. 5:8) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” –Jesus then proceeds to give us instructions that purify and solidify our hearts to hear and obey God’s Word. The rest of the 5th chapter, and chapters 6 & 7 are filled with those instructions. It’s an awesome “roadmap” for us. (Matt.13:1-23)

When we fix/set our hearts onto knowing the LORD/Lord, learning His Word/word, and ways, we can find much more strength in regard to our eyes, hands, and feet. Simply, look for the love/loving thing, do the loving thing, go where there is love, and be and leave love wherever you go. It is the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 13)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Hoof & Mouth Connected To Eye

(Mark 9:42-50 (ESV) “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Since we live from the inside out, and Jesus went around healing the lame, the crippled hands, and the blind eyes, we can safely assume that we are not supposed to literally hack our hands and feet off, and put our eyes out. When we look at it from the inside out, we can see three things.

First, remembering Jesus said that our eye is the lamp of our body. What you look at, and the way you see it, determines what you’ll do with it. If you believe you can eat a whole cheesecake every day and not gain about 100 pounds in a month’s time, you’re going to go right ahead and eat that cheesecake. I know I’m going to gain that weight, so I’m not even going to look at that cheesecake!

Let’s look at your feet. Pretend that cheesecake keeps calling you from the bakery. Oh, my! I know if I go to that bakery, I’m going to look at that cheesecake, and then I’ll be eating it…Nope, I’m not going to that bakery! C’mon now, your feet can’t go there on their own volition. You have to make the choice.

Your hands do the doing. Now you’re at the bakery. Oh, that cheesecake looks so good! Are you reaching for it? Not me. I know that cheesecake is bad for me; I can’t eat just one piece, and I’m not going to touch it! I’ll have the little cheesecake filled croissant instead.

It’s a lesson in knowing, going, and doing. It’s a lesson in knowing, not going when we know not to, and not doing when we know not to. Life is better when we live it right. When we get it right, our recovery becomes stronger, too.

The thing about causing someone else to sin, and to stumble in their walk, and the salt losing its saltiness, is important for every couple, family, group. It’s a powerful revelation about how easy it is to become arrogant and petty, jealous, selfishly ambitious. We’re told that where there’s envy, there’s all manner of evil. (1Cor. 3:3) (James 3:16)

This is why it’s so important to get the foot, hand, and eye thing down. The better we get at that, the stronger aide we become to others in the family of God.

Saturday Swap-Sept. 10, 2022

Ah, September holidays and observances had me coming up with some ideas. It’s better breakfast month, apple month, self-care awareness month -that’s important. Today is Swap Ideas day, so I thought I’d share one that covers all the others I mentioned.

You’ll need some toaster waffles, some diced apples or apple pie filling, some brown and serve sausages, sliced, a little cinnamon and sugar, and maple syrup, or caramel syrup. You can use little smokies sliced, if you like instead of regular sausage.

Toast the waffles. On each waffle, sprinkle some diced apple, or spread a little apple pie filling, add some of the sausage slices, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar, and drizzle with a little maple or caramel syrup. It’s a yummy weekend breakfast treat. Mmm, of course, don’t forget that cup of Espresso or Latte.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Here’s Your Sign – The Cross

(Mark 8:11-13) (ESV) The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Have you ever said, “Show me, Lord, that you heard me.” “Let me know, please, Jesus, that it’s on the way.” “If you just _______, I’ll give my life back to you, I won’t ever do _____ again, I’ll go back to him/her, etc.”? That’s called testing God (Deut. 6:16) and trying to make deals with Him. It is also, in some cases, called manipulation. God, like most good parents, will not allow you to manipulate Him. That’s because faith requires complete trust in God. (John 20:29) As I was studying this thing out, I couldn’t help but think of Job. Every time I read that, I have to laugh-because I’ve been there so many times myself. Now, Job was just complaining, but God didn’t let him slide either. (Job 38:2-41) And, when God called me out, just like Job, I said, “I’ll just shut-up now, Daddy.” (Job 40:2-5)

Jesus discusses the leaven of the Pharisees with us in (Mark 8:14-21). You see, when you start to question God, you are exalting yourself against Him. There’s no room for that in Heaven. Satan found that out the hard way. The attitudes of the Pharisees destroy faith. (2Cor. 10:5) (2 Thess. 2:4) The way we overcome fear and distrust, and build our faith, is by doing what Jesus tells us to do in (Mark 8:34-38), “But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Taking up your cross isn’t just a sign that we’ve accepted Christ as our Savior. You see, all the things that are nailed on that cross are dead. Your sin, your fear, your weaknesses, etc. But, there is also power in that cross. Jesus overcame the world in the flesh by the Spirit. That’s your victory over that fear, that weakness, whatever it may be. Your fear died and your faith came to life. That’s the cross we want the world to see! It’s the cross of victory over the worldly life, and the flesh. As we do that, we get stronger and stronger in the Spirit, our faith grows and gets stronger and stronger, and you have testimony(s) for others. That’s the point of the story of the feeding of the thousands, and the baskets left over. There’s an awesome prayer to help you when you’re tempted to doubt. (Mark 9:24)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Be Careful Little Ears…

(Mark 4:24-25) (ESV) And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, when I think of the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness, I have to laugh. But, it’s really no laughing matter. The devil was trying to get Jesus to doubt who and whose He is. (Matt. 4:1-10) In Genesis, He got Eve to doubt God’s intentions toward her. (Gen. 3:1-5)

We can see in those two references, that it is important to know without a shadow of a doubt that we are saved and sanctified, God’s children, and fellow heirs with Christ Jesus. We are being conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. One of the things we have is the mind of Christ Jesus. (1Corinthians 2:16) See why that whole temptation thing makes me laugh?

What does all this have to do with paying attention to what we hear? Well, Jesus told us in (John 3:31). “He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.” So, if you picture the measure (rod), earthly will be on one end, and heavenly, on the other.

Not too long ago, I posted the story of the temptation that came at me about two years after I’d quit smoking. That’s the perfect example of paying attention to what we hear; which then helps us to respond in that heavenly way, or in true power of the Spirit. I knew I was hearing the devil’s voice when I had that thought. “I should just start smoking again; that’ll show them!” And, in my spirit, I could hear it loud and clear: “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” We call that the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I believe. He’s the counselor who guides us into all truth.

That measure helps us to see truth, not only in others’ intentions and/or needs, but it also helps to see those in ourselves. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, we can see Him dealing with the truth of it all. (Matt. 26:36-39) Jesus’ faith did not fail. (Matt.26:40-46) And, He lives today, and will forever. He accomplished what the Father sent Him to accomplish, which was to restore us to righteousness, and to Heaven; to our heavenly Father.

When we use that measure to discern what we’re really hearing, we can address the situation much more effectively. Of course, the more we practice this, the better we get at recognizing problems, and heading the devil off at the pass. (James 3:13-18)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Shield, Helmet, Sword

(Ephesians 6:16-18) (ESV) In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

And, we’re almost dressed. The shield of faith is simply this: “You believe in God, believe in me also.” (John 14:1) If you look back over your life, since you became a child of God, you will see that He never has failed you. God answers prayer; maybe not always the way we want Him too, but I’ve found that His answer was always the right on. It was always the best one for all concerned. Believe every word in your Bible, because every word is true. Believe.

The helmet of salvation is actually what my mom and dad would call stubbornness. It is that we know that we know that we are saved and sanctified by the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a child of God, I have what Jesus has, which is authority and power in His Name, especially over you, devil! Remember Jesus in the wilderness with the devil. I have to laugh when I think about it. Jesus is the Word; and the devil tried to trip Him up on it. No matter what they say, no matter what’s going on, no matter what, hold fast to God’s Word/word! It is alive and filled with power. (Hebrews 4:12) (Jeremiah 23:29) (John 12:48) (Psalm 119:130)

Finally, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word/word of God. I don’t think that needs much explaining. From personal experience, though, I can tell you that word never fails. It comes from a higher mind, a purer heart, and a formidable foe of evil. The Word/word and ways of God elevate everything in your life, beginning with your heart, mind, and soul.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Are You Ready?

I’m sorry this post wasn’t ready to go up at midnight. I’m trying to get pre-surgery stuff done, and had some other things to deal with. It’s ready now, and I’m working on tomorrow’s post as well. Please forgive me. Here goes…

We’re studying verse 15 of Ephesians 6 -the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

(Eph. 6:14-15) (ESV) Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. –Jesus told us about that readiness in the parable about the sower and the soil. (Matt. 13:3-9) We can see that all three, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the readiness given us by Jesus’ teachings, are linked together. They go hand in hand.

That readiness includes knowledge and discernment/understanding of both good and evil, in attitude, thought, speech, and deed. Jesus gave us many examples of double-mindedness (“why did you doubt”, “do you want to be healed?”) and hypocrisy, of evil attitudes (selfishness, self-serving practices), of negativity, which is actually, often based in fear. When we understand how all that stuff works, we can spot that trouble much more quickly and readily. A baby monster is not as tuff as a grown up one. It’s always better to nip it in the bud that try to deal with it when it’s grown.

Keep in mind that Jesus referred to the Old Testament scriptures. This give us reason to study them, and especially, the Proverbs, Psalm, and the Prophets. All three of these give us wisdom for daily living. The Prophets give us a wonderful and clear picture of God, our Heavenly Father. Knowing the Word(Jesus), and the word (Scripture) of God gives us that readiness to tackle whatever we face; be it a small thing like eating more healthy food, or a giant thing like cancer. (Philippians 2:13) His Word/word gives us that readiness to bring peace into every situation; inner peace first, and peace will manifest outwardly, and prevail. (2Timothy 3:16) (Hebrews 13:20-21) You will find that gospel of peace is expanded upon in the letters of the apostles.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Be Whole-Hearted

(Ephesians 6:14) (ESV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.…

(1Cor. 1:30) Christ Jesus is our righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:5) Jesus is the Righteous Branch. (Jeremiah 33:16) Our name is, “The Lord is our Righteousness.” (Isaiah 45:24-25) In the LORD I have righteousness and strength. (Isaiah 54:17) My righteousness is of the LORD.

Interestingly enough, the breastplate is arrayed/fitted to protect your heart and lungs. According to the Jewishencyclopedia.com, the breastplate was worn over and fastened to the ephod. It hung over the breast of the wearer. The heart and lungs are both vital to life. If your heart stops beating, you’re in trouble. If your lungs aren’t filling with oxygen, your organs, brain, and tissue begin to die. That breastplate of righteousness is a crucial piece of armor; maybe the most crucial.

Righteousness is about so much more than being saved by the blood of Christ. It is about being saved by the attitudes of Christ; the thoughts, speech, boldness, and wisdom of our Lord, Jesus. As we’ve learned, Christ Jesus is righteousness; our righteousness. Jesus said, “Judge rightly.” (John 7:24 ),(Luke 12:57, Luke 7:43, Isa. 16:5)

When we discern the truth, and judge it correctly, we can make right choices about how to handle it. God tells us to circumcise our hearts so that we may love Him with all our heart and soul, and live. (Deut. 30:6) In (Luke 10:25-28), Jesus talks about the two greatest commandments. Why is your heart being in it completely so important? You cannot stand before God and be in sin. You cannot be in sin and stand before God. Your conscience won’t let you. You can fake it, but God knows, and so does your heart. (Acts 15:8) (Acts 1:24) (1Sam. 16:7) (1Kings 8:39) When we get the wrong attitudes, start entertaining the wrong thoughts (negativity, doubt, envy, bitterness, wrong entitlement, etc.), and making the wrong choices, we’re slipping into sin and out of the Spirit. Flesh and blood cannot stand before God and live. (Jeremiah 2:13) Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Heaven. (1Cor. 15:50) There are two powerful revelations here. First, if flesh and blood cannot stand before God and live, I can be assured that whatever is weak and “fleshly” in me/my heart/mind/soul, will be destroyed when I go before God with it and ask for His help. With Him, I can overcome it! Hallelujah! Secondly, when I’m trying to do something in the flesh/worldly way, it’s not going to work with God, and I will have no choice but to be willing, or to continue to wallow. LOL That’s stuff like the blame game, the pity party, the pout, and the crocodile tears. ep, I have been there. Jesus and I both still laugh at me over it. Thank you, LORD, for loving me! What an awesome Daddy you are!

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Happy Birthday, Shea!

Goodness gracious! My great little ball of fire is 35 years old today! Thank you, Lord, for one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given! Shea, may your day be filled with all the love, laughter, and beautiful memories your heart can hold. And, may your German Chocolate cake be the best one ever! I remember how much you laughed when you heard this song.

Love you,

Mom in Las Vegas