Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to shower love.  The world is an arid place; parched, and so needy of living water.  Unfortunately, even our wells can run dry.  That’s when it’s time to call for the rain.  Psalm 34:7 is referenced.

When I read this message, I thought of Elijah in the cave, hiding.  He had to feel like it was over.  God showed up; He always does.  I thought about my own desert wilderness times.  You feel like Heaven’s been shut up and nobody’s hearing you.  But, maybe getting that thirsty is what it takes sometimes…to remind you who God is…to help you praise Him.

Mercy Me is one of my favorite groups, and this song just grabs me every time I hear it.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 27, 2020, 2:20 p.m.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to draw near to Him.  We are told that our Lord needs us to be near to Him, just as much as we need to be near to Him.

I’ve chosen Hillsong’s Touch of Heaven to help us get there.  I hope you’re as blessed by it as I am.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 27, 2020, 12:03 p.m.

Yellowstone National Park became the First National Park in America on this day in History; February 29, 1872, to be exact.  I found this cute little picture of some bears at Yellowstone Park’s Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.  Doesn’t it remind you of some moments with you BFFs, ladies?  LOL!  I thought I’d caption and share it.

“Oh for Heaven’s sake, Melvina!  I ought to know how old I am, don’t you think?  I’ve been thirty-nine for years!”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 27, 2020, 12:44 p.m.

 

Yes, this is important.  Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are still subject to the limitations of the flesh.  We get tired, we need rest, we need refreshing.  We are encouraged to spend more time alone with the Lord; to spend more time in prayer.

I have to tell you, this lesson was one of the hardest for me to learn.  It’s important to know when to call it a day.  It’s also important to know when to say, “no, I can’t, I don’t know,” and all those other truths, when applicable.  As the message tells us, “one poor tool, working all the time, but doing bad work, is of little value.”  When we fake it, we make ourselves a poor tool.  It usually ends badly, too; doesn’t it?  Being truthful about our needs and our weaknesses is important.  People cannot read your mind.  They don’t instinctively know what’s going on with you.  They’re only human too.

The message brings me to (Luke 5:3-6) – “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. ”  This was Simon Peter talking.  But, he did what Jesus told him to do, and they could hardly contain all the fish they caught.  That’s a lesson in turning to the Lord when we’ve done all we can do.  There is no shame in being human, and being subject to the limitations of the flesh.  The shame comes in being afraid, and/or unable to admit it – even just to oneself.  It’s also important to know when to wrap it up; when to call it “good.”  Not knowing, can prevent you from getting to the next level.  That’s why it’s important to spend time, regularly, in the Presence of the Holy Spirit.  This is where we are refreshed, renewed, and inspired.

Working this lesson out means making a list of your needs and weaknesses, your priorities, responsibilities, and limitations every time you’re presented with a new task, project, etc.  All that stuff can change, depending on the situation.  When we can go to God, and we can go boldly-without shame, with those things, He can, and will make a way for us.  He is the way-maker.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 26, 2020, 4:56 p.m.

 

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to make time to spend alone with our Lord.  In today’s busy world, that’s something that often falls by the wayside.  Yet, we are told, that time alone in His Presence is the only way our souls will prosper.

As I sought out some scriptural references for this, I found about five that give us little revelations.  Let me start with (Matthew 5:1) -“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.”  Those crowds were all the people who wanted and/or needed something from Jesus; they wanted to be ministered to.  When I read that word, “crowds,” and think about my daily life, I think about my responsibilities, tasks, people I’m in relationship with, etc.  Don’t you just want to run sometimes, when you think about everything you have to do today, this week, this month?  Yeah, so run up the mountain.  Moses did in (Exodus 24:15) -“When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it.”  Moses was going to meet with God.  When we seek God, we will be rewarded with His Presence.  Remember the cloud by day thing?  God was in the cloud.  Jesus also said, in (Matthew 6:6) -“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  Jesus often sought out solitude/solitary places in order to pray and spend time alone with God.  (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16)

If we make it a point to carve out, even 15 minutes to spend time alone with God, we will be rewarded.  I am living proof of this.  Just sitting quietly – especially within, over my cup of morning coffee, brings His Presence.  I can feel that cloud covering me.  It is in that cloud that Spirit exchange happens.  God gives you what you need; He infuses you with peace, strength, joy, hope, and His love, of course.  He also takes away all the turmoil from within…that happens when we view the “crowds,” or the crowded day.  God doesn’t care where you are; He’ll even meet you in the shower, as you are enjoying the warmth and the steam, and getting quiet within.  Make the time.  Seek the solitude, strive to become quiet within, and there He’ll be.  Some of the most powerful prayers are not spoken out loud at all…they are spoken in quiet commune with Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 25, 2020, 2:42 p.m.

And when it’s lacking there, it’s your own doing.  Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are children of the Most High God; King’s sons and daughters.  The message reaffirms that there is no lack in our lives, except the lack of faith-to realize that truth, and to accept it.

There is no poverty or lack, except in Spirit.  Everything manifests outwardly from within.  You’ve all read my story about the roast for four that turned into stir-fry for a houseful of people.  That came from an assurance of abundance within.  I learned quite some time ago, that God always comes through; and it will always be enough-and then some.

When I read this message, I was led to Jabez, in (1 Chron. 4:10).  You should read the whole story of Jabez; it’s an awesome one.  But, in 4:10, Jabez prays and asks God to bless him and enlarge his territory…to “let God’s hand be with him” that he might be free of pain.  Do you know that your spirit is a territory?  It’s one that’s under constant surveillance by the other side.  Jesus likened it to a house; and it’s been likened to a city, as well.

That brings me to (Mark 9:23-24).  Here, a man was asking for his son to be healed, “if Jesus could.”  Jesus replied, “If you can?  All things are possible to him who believes.”  The man immediately asked Jesus to help his unbelief.  I’ve never counted exactly how many times Jesus said, “oh, you of little faith,” but I know it was several times.  God is limitless; and when we look at things through those eyes, so are we.  The ideas, the possibilities, the fortitude, etc., they all are there, just waiting for us to tap into them.  We simply have to expand, or enlarge our vision, our mind, our heart.  In secular terms it’s put this way: “The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist sees the hole.”  All the promises of God are yes and amen, in Christ Jesus.  Can you see a bigger picture?  Can you think outside the box?  Can you believe in yourself?  God does.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 25, 2020, 12:01 p.m.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that joy is the spirit cure for all ailments.  There’s an expression: “Look on the bright side.”  That’s why; because when we do, we are filled, or refilled, with joy.  The Bible tells us that a merry heart makes a good medicine.

We are bid to conquer every doubt, fear, ill, evil, sin, etc., with the Name of Jesus.  We’re bid to remind ourselves that Jesus saves us from everything.  Here’s something we don’t often connect in regard to this.  Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh.  (John 1:1, Rev. 9:13)

Here’s where we go back to the “red letter words.”  The next ones we find are in Matthew 4:4 – “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”  The Word of God is also the weapon of the Spirit; our spirit, as well.  Hebrews 4:12 – “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”   The Word of God will show you your fear, doubt, weakness, etc.; it always tells the truth.  The Word of God is how we pull down the strongholds and make every thought obedient to Christ Jesus (The Word of God).  As we do that, we begin to remove the mountain(s) of fear, doubt, etc., and build up our faith.  This, of course, results in joy rising up within.

We most often look at the ten commandments, Deuteronomy, the Prophets, and Revelation, when we think of the Word of God.  We most often look at the laws and wisdom of God.  How often do we catch what God’s heart is for us?  How often do we repeat what God says about us being precious and honored in His sight?  When you catch hold of stuff like this-“I have said you are gods, you are sons of the Most High,” in Psalms 82:6 (David speaking by the Spirit), we begin to get a clearer picture of exactly what our place in this thing is.  We are “the head and not the tail.”  Yes, I know I’ve talked about this before…but now you can see how the Old Testament & the New Testament go together.  Jesus came to fulfill the law, and what was spoken by the prophets.  Don’t discount the Old Testament in your spiritual battles.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 24, 2020, 4:40 p.m.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to share everything.  This includes your joy, peace, laughter, etc. -YOU, essentially.  I hope you’ll visit twolisteners.org and read the message.  In the meantime, I’m sharing one of my favorite songs by Third Day.  Here’s an oldie, but a goodie!

A great way to start out the week, don’t you think?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 2020, 3:59 p.m.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to welcome Spring, and to enjoy being outdoors as much as possible.  We’re told that sunshine and fresh air are great healing forces.  So is a merry heart (Proverbs 17:22)

When I read this message, I think about the man at the pool of Bethesda. (John 5:1- 9) Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?”  The man had been lying there for years, in need of healing.  He came up with an excuse for why he was still lying there.  “Nobody will help me, and, somebody always beats me to it.”-basically.  The man had been there for a long time; he’d been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  You would think he’d have come up with a new idea in all that time, wouldn’t you?  Yeah, “do you want to get well?”  What are you doing to get well?  I had some excuses once, and someone asked this: “What are you going to do about it?”  “What are you going to do to change things?”

The message bids us to, “Never forget that real healing of body, mind, and Spirit comes from within, from the close loving contact of your spirit with My Spirit.” -quoting directly from God Calling @ twolisteners.org  Whenever I read this, I am reminded of how much I found within that needed changing, once God showed me how He sees me.  Sometimes, we don’t want to see that either, because we know we’re not there yet, don’t we?  That’s alright; look anyway.  God called you precious and honored in His sight in, and from the beginning! “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” (Isaiah 43:4)  One of the most powerful motivators for getting well, is to look at yourself through God’s eyes!  And why not?!  You’ve seen yourself through they eyes of naysayers, abusers, your own self-loathing, etc., for long enough, don’t you think?   Why not spend a little time with someone who thinks you ROCK, and says “YOU CAN!” The more time you spend in close relationship with the LORD/Lord, the easier you will find it to want to get well.  

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 20, 2020, 3:29 p.m.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must trust the LORD/Lord completely, regardless of what’s going on.  I think this is one of the hardest lessons to learn; because fear, doubt, etc., cause us to forget who we are in Christ.  They can shake our faith, and knock us for a loop.

This message took me to Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”  The word “fear,” here, has to do with respect, honor, obedience.  This requires humility.  “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, (humble) for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt. 5:3)  And, yes, whenever those fears, doubts, etc., assail us, we must discipline ourselves to remain steadfast in faith mode.  That word humility took me to the Gospels, to Jesus’ baptism by John. (Matthew 3:13-15)  There are some red letters here.  “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  Jesus, humbled Himself, walking in our shoes, so that we might be lifted up out of our sin and shame, to His glory. (Philippians 2:5)

When I read this, I got a revelation about God’s mercy and grace.  The Bible tells us that God does not take away a life, but devises ways to bring us back when we’ve been separated from Him.  (2 Sam. 14:14)  It’s also a revelation about what Jesus said:  “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:13)  This was illustrated when God provided the sacrifice for Abraham on the mountain. (Genesis 22)  Jesus, Himself, was the sacrifice for us; provided by God, Himself (John 3:16-17)  When we humble ourselves to seek God, we will always find Him; and we will always come out blessed.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 20, 2020, 2:51 p.m.