Ah, we’re getting there!

Pe (Psalm 119:129-136) (ESV)

Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

This section of the Psalm reinforces the last three sections quite nicely. When we get God’s promises, precepts, and statutes, in our hearts, we realize how wonderful they are. We can see how wonderful they make our lives. When we realize that, our souls are affected; and sometimes very powerfully. “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” That’s a nice little prayer. Remember that iniquity is our attitude toward sin. We can do a good deal of damage to ourselves with the wrong attitude(s). I redeem myself from man’s oppression by heeding God’s Word-what He says I am, and not what someone else says. This includes all that negative self talk.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Jesus, you got me!

Ayin (Psalm 119:121-128) (ESV)

I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.

Yes, Lord, I have done what is just and right! As I said in Friday’s post, make a plan of action! I’m grinning from ear to ear right now; because the enemy had me so harried and muddled all week long. But we won, Jesus and me. Let me explain; and this will illustrate the last lesson perfectly. I’m trying to watch my cholesterol levels, so Monday is my egg day. Hmm…I had eggs for breakfast Monday morning. Tuesday, the bus I got on went the wrong direction, and I ended up way off course, hungry, and needing to use the restroom in a bad way. Lo and behold, there was a McDonalds right across the street from where I got off the bus. I rushed in there, ordered my breakfast-Egg McMuffin meal with coffee. Oops! Eggs two days in a row, even! This morning, I was famished and feeling a little sluggish-as I do before I have my coffee. What did I do? I went right into McDonalds and ordered the two breakfast burrito meal. Oh, man! Three egg days this week, Me! Jesus, the devil’s messing with me down here!!!!! I made a checklist of “trip wires,” and made a plan of action. Yay, Jesus! And, yay, Me!

Now, let’s get to the rest of the verses in this section. When I think of the insolent oppressing me, I think also of self condemnation. We’re quick to take on that guilt and shame, and condemn ourselves when we slip, trip, fall, or fail. But, God deals with us according to His steadfast love and teaches us. He seeks the cause, and brings about the cure. That word condemnation smacks of finality; that’s it, it’s over. Oh, no, no, no, it isn’t!!! You see, Jesus said, “I’ve come to save the world, not to condemn it.” The world, and our little worlds, are saved when we are enlightened; taught. We learn what the cause, of the trouble is, and we learn ways to overcome the cause(s). Then, we can do better! Back on track, and stepping with purpose.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – June 25, 2022

My goodness, this economy thing is really throwing us for a loop! I have to say, though, I really admire the resilience and creativity of some of you folks out there. I passed by a little group of small businesses just the other day, and was really inspired by their courage and determination. I’m one of those “keep it small and manageable” business persons myself.

One of the little businesses there isn’t open yet. I think it’s supposed to be a little bar. The sign over the door read, “Pool Whiskey.” Now, I’m pretty creative when it comes to marketing, but that raised my eyebrows a little bit. I mean, really?!! Who in the heck wants to drink whiskey that people have been swimming in?!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

A Plan Of Action

Samekh (Psalm 119:113-120)

I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.

This double-mindedness, which is actually being undecided, is exactly what yesterday’s post addressed. Something I found helpful was that if I actually write down my decision, I can sometimes see some areas where I might trip, slip, and fall. I can also come up with ideas to avoid them, or correct myself and get back on track. That law thing keeps coming back into play, doesn’t it? When I think of this, I think of Jesus’ words, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 7:12) This is the law of sowing and reaping. You can’t plant an apple tree and get oranges. The NIV says, “So in everything do unto others…” This tells us that we need to sow to reap the desired goal. I want an orderly, peaceful space to come home to, so I will create, and maintain that order. Hoping in God’s Word is easier when we speak it into our lives, into the situations and circumstances. One day in Heaven, we’ll be surprised to see what all we avoided just by speaking that word before we went to that interview, or whatever event may have been on the agenda. When I think of God holding me up, I remember my Mom and Grandma pulling me up/ holding me up when I stumbled. It did make me have more regard for that admonishment: “pick your feet up, and watch where you’re going.” My flesh does tremble when I think of God’s judgments. But, I don’t tremble in fear; I tremble in awe of His lovingkindness and patience toward us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Piece of Cake

Nun (Psalm 119:105-112)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.* (or, statutes, the reward is eternal)

When I read this, I’m reminded of the many “start-overs,” I’ve had in my walk. The problem was that, first of all, I had not sworn that oath and confirmed it. Simply put, that’s making a firm choice/decision and confirming it by sticking to it. “Nope, that bed’s getting made!” You do hold your life in your hand. The choice is yours to make. God said, “Choose this day!” (Deut. 30:19) God’s not a bully, and the responsibility for you is yours. How bad do you want it to be better? Nothing can separate us from the love of the LORD/Lord. That’s what our heritage forever is. (Rom. 8:38) Inclining my heart means I’m circumcising my heart. I’m cutting off all the excuses, the fear, doubt, whatever it is that’s keeping me down and/or pulling me back. See, it’s not as hard as the devil wants you to believe it is.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Begin and End With Love

Mem (Psalm 119: 97-104) (ESV)

Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,*(or, the elders)
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

Wow! That’s a mouthful. As I read the first line of this section, three words caught my attention. “Love, your law.” Isn’t it interesting when we put that comma in there? Love is the law of the LORD/Lord. God is love. When we make that our meditation, or plan, the day can be awesome! The enemy doesn’t stand a chance against us when we’re in God’s will, because He does not have the mind of Christ. Nor does he have the heart of God. Having more understanding is a good thing. This doesn’t mean we disregard our elders or teachers. What it does mean is that we need to seek the Word of God, search the Word of God, and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us personally. God seeks a personal relationship with us. Jesus not only taught the crowds who followed him, but He taught his disciples privately as well. “I hate every false way.” Don’t mistake that for a judgmental statement. It isn’t. It speaks more of error and disorder. This can happen in daily living. (James 4:1) “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Can you imagine drying the dishes before you wash them? That sin can be something as simple as that. That’s why we want to order our day, to set things in order at home and at work, etc. We want peace and progress; not confusion and chaos. Falseness within is something we need to check immediately. Things like envy, hatred, derision, etc., are dangerous emotions and attitudes, and poison one’s soul. They are very destructive to our life in the LORD/Lord, When we determine to live that love law, we can usually avoid those pitfalls.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

A Hint To Look Deeper

Lamedh (Psalm 119:89-96) (ESV)

Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Remember a time when it all came together? I’ll be praising the Lord and jumping up and down every time it happens for me. These verses are a reminder that joy comes in the morning. The last verse gets my attention, though. When I read that God’s commandment is exceedingly broad, I have to wonder if there isn’t more to it than just what I read in another scripture. It causes me to want to look deeper into the matter.

Life is filled with such variety, and so many variations of situation and circumstance, emotion, strength and weakness, etc. We can find those variations in the Gospels. (Matt. 15:1-20) gives us an example of what happens when we don’t look deeper. Jesus, in (Matt. 22:15-45) and (Matt. 23:1-31), gives us more examples of “straining out a gnat” just to “swallow a camel.”

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The Truth, The Life, The Way

Kaph (Psalm 119:81-88) (ESV)

My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

The very first verse in this section of the psalm gets me immediately! It connects salvation with the Word. The verses that follow are the psalmist’s complaint about how hard it is to be a child of God. I can’t remember how many times I’ve filed that same complaint with the Lord, but He’s never failed me yet, when I do complain. The very last verse points the way to the solution for whatever that complaint may be. In His steadfast love, God gives us life via the Holy Spirit, through the Word. There are so many psalms that will stir your soul and soothe you heart when you need that. And then, there are the gospels, where we find Jesus, the Word made flesh, and still today, dwelling among us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Thanks For Loving Me, Daddy!

Yes, I call Him Daddy! He’s ours forever, perfect in love, and oh, so wonderful to us!

Yodh Psalm 119:73-80 (ESV)

Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!

I can tell you from my own experience, when you understand you, you’re in a powerful position. When you begin to understand why you fear the things you do, do the things you do, and the way you do them, you begin to see things a little more clearly. This promotes progress, if you let it. This is when we begin to see God’s love for us in every aspect of our lives. It’s also when we become emboldened to run to Him instead of away from Him in times of trouble.

There is nothing like God’s mercy! When you get that, and reach for that every time you’re struggling, or failing, or falling, you do overcome the death sting of that weakness within you. That battle is won! Your dream will not die! You will overcome and rise from that struggle, failure, or fall. God’s mercy will breathe life into your soul, and lead you to victory. That’s why we do meditate on His precepts, His law, and His promises.

Finally, “may my heart be blameless.” Heavenly Father, strengthen me to know that blame is an excuse. Strengthen me to seek out the reason; the cause. Keep me from blaming you, someone else, or even myself. Blame points a finger; mercy seeks the cause and the cure.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – June 18, 2022

Boy, between Covid-19, and Mr. Putin’s monkey wrench into the global economy, there are so many changes happening. Everyone everywhere is feeling the pressure and cutting back.

I ride the bus, and I’ve noticed some of the effects. I think that half the city streets here are “under construction”, and the going’s extremely slow because of all the cut backs. This has affected the transit company. On top of all their other woes, summer heat is back. I think I’ve seen at least two buses a day being towed back to their garage for service. They also have a driver shortage. It seems as if the drivers are having to do twice as many circuits to make up for this. Now, the roads are torn up, and the rides are beyond bumpy anyway. But, when you add the Nascar style driving they have to do, you’re praying before you get on the bus. The other morning , we were on such a bumpy ride. My sunglasses were bouncing up and down between the bridge of my nose and my sun visor, and I thought I was going swallow my own kidney for a second. A little old lady in the seat across the aisle from me turned and smiled at me. I thought I was looking at a Basset Hound with pony tail. Turns out her jowls had tied themselves in a knot at the top of her head. Then, I heard a young mother a few seats in front of me say to her child, “Junior, it’s your lucky day; you’re getting milkshake for breakfast.” Yep, that bicycle’s looking better and better to me.

Here’s the kicker, though. And, you know that you know that you know the economy is really, really bad when the governor lets you buy liquor with food stamps! I kid you not! On the way to Boulder the other day, we passed a liquor store. They were advertising it right on the front of the building. “Liquor Store”, and just below that, “EBT Accepted.” See there; our governor knows we all need a little help to get through this crisis.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu