Keep The World At Arm’s Length

(Exodus 34:15-17)(ESV)) “Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. You shall make no molten gods for yourselves.” (Deut. 7:3) (Ezra 10:3) (Ezra 10:11) (Matt. 7:17-18) Remember that anyone, or anything, you serve can become as a god to you. That’s why we must be careful to keep things in the right place, and have the right attitudes about them. If we don’t, we are in danger of slipping into the wrong attitudes and mindsets. Ultimately, this can lead to our demise, physically, and spiritually. (Matt. 16:23)

One of the definitions of a covenant is: To grant someone power, status, or recognition. Eve gave Satan status, and recognition as an equal when she listened to him in the garden of Eden. She agreed with him, or came into accord with him. Satan is not an equal. We are the head; he is the tail. He, in Jesus’ Name, is also subject to us. To come into accord with someone, or to align oneself with them in belief, and/or purpose, is also a covenant. (Philippians 2:2) bids us, as the children of God, to be like-minded, having the same love, and united in spirit and purpose toward the LORD and one another. (Proverbs 10:16) (Proverbs 11:19) (Matt. 12:33-35)

No matter where we are, the land we’re in is the “world.” God makes definite distinction between His standards and the world’s. While we are expected to live peaceably with everyone, as far as it depends on us, we are also expected to distance ourselves from the world and worldly ways. (James 4:4) (Matt. 6:24) (John 15:19)

(Romans 8:7) “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” The “world” is all about gratifying the desires of the flesh. “Look this way, have this and that, and these and those, convenience, luxury, and “me, me, me,” is the prevailing attitude. We’re not to be of that mind. (col. 3:1-17) bids us to set our minds on the things above, and not on earthly things. (Philippians 3:19-20) (Matt. 6:19)

Love you from Café du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 25, 2023, 1:05 p.m.

It Only Takes One: YOU

The LORD bade Moses to chisel out two more stone tablets, saying He would write all the laws on them again. Moses presented himself on the mountain in the morning, and the LORD descended on the mountain in the cloud. There, He stood and talked with Moses, ((Exodus 34:5-7) (ESV) “The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands,** (to the thousandth generation), forgiving iniquity and trans-gression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

In this passage of scripture we can learn some things about the LORD. He is merciful. Some other words for “merciful” are forgiving, compassionate, lenient, and pitying. Pitying, here, means that God takes into consideration our frailness, our weakness, and our ignorance of spiritual things. Psalm 103 is an awesome one to read. It tells exactly this about the LORD. The LORD is gracious. Courteous, chivalrous, and kindare synonyms. (Proverbs 31:8-9) gives us a picture of this. So does Jesus, in the Gospels. (John 8:3-11) ((Matt. 15:30) (Matt. 12:9-11) (Luke 13:13-15) He abounds in steadfast, or dependable, reliable, committed love and faithfulness toward us. Another way you can say that is this: I can depend on the fact that God loves me. This is the first thing we need to remember when we find ourselves in trouble or tribulation. God loves me! That’s the way we disarm the spirit of fear that would have us running in the wrong direction. He forgives our attitudes regarding sin and sinfulness as if they were alright. (That’s wickedness) Iniquity and some sins are wickedness and wicked thoughts, words, and deeds. He forgives our sins, and transgressions. Sins are when we miss the mark. God expects certain things of us, but we are operating in flesh and blood bodies, we get weak, tired, and fed up. We can mess up, and often do; especially in the early years. A transgression has to do with going directly against a law or code of conduct.

This part about visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation, is telling us that there is such a thing as generational curses. A curse is something that will not leave your family; it repeats itself, or is passed on from one generation to the next. Here’s an example: Let me tell you, God doesn’t want to see anyone molested as a child. But that is something that can, and likely will, happen in every generation of that same family, until somebody says, “That’s wrong!” And, until something is done to stop it, and to educate the family members, so that curse can be broken off. Breaking a generational curse off begins with one person; you, when you choose to live under blessing rather than cursing. (Deut. 30:19) Some other generational curses are witchcraft, or idolatry, alcoholism or drug addiction; even ignorance and illiteracy can become generational curses. When we read Kings, and some of the Chronicles, you can see how this happens. (1Kings 15:3) (2Kings 22:1-2) By the way, God told David that the sword would never leave his house because of what he’d done to Uriah.

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Always With Me, Please, LORD

The asterisks next to scripture references are just denoting that I found this to be a powerful one regarding this subject. As always, I read from the ESV-English Standard Version; and , I use biblehub.com when I study. It gives me access to many different versions, which is very helpful when I’m studying.

(Exodus 33:16) “ Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” Moses asked God this question when the two were discussing Moses leading the people, and leading them into the promised land. It is, in fact, how we are distinct. All those who have idols as gods, have to carry them. They cannot hear, see, speak, or move on their own. God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Ever present, all knowing, and all powerful. He moves by Himself. He can go before us, and still be with us, and behind us at the same time. A god that has been fashioned by human hands cannot. (John14:23)**

God’s presence is not only felt by us, but His presence, or the presence of the Holy Spirit, can be felt by those we come in contact with. They witness His presence in our lives by the way we live, and interact with others. (Deut. 4:5) tells us to keep (remember) and do all the statutes and laws God gives us, “for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ (Matt. 28:19) Someone once said that many a great sermon has been preached without a single word being spoken. Our actions can speak loudly and powerfully. (1Cor. 10:32) (Col. 3:17) (1John 3:18) (Romans 12:6–21) Job said, that the fear (reverence and respect for) of the LORD is wisdom and understanding is to turn away from evil. (Job 28:28) I’m living proof of this one. The more I learn about and from the LORD, the easier it is to obey, and to turn away from evil, and other things that just aren’t good for me. That is another way in which the Lord’s presence is seen in our lives. When we read the Gospels, we can see the spiritual strength, the boldness and courage that Jesus possessed. The Bible tells us that he spoke with authority; which astonished people. (Luke 4:36) We are to do the same. Authority is not bossiness or to be overbearing. It is conviction of what you believe; of your faith. It is confidence that you are doing what is right. It is also confidence in who, and whose, you are; or, your place, position, title, and everything that is yours as a result. (Titus 2:15) (2Cor. 2:17) (Romans 7:1) **(Mark 16:17) (1cor. 2:6) **(John 7:18) )– This is a good one to keep in mind; especially in these times. (1John 4:15) (2John 1:6 (1John: 2) Most of the letters of the Apostles give us insight into some of the things that we will, and already do face. They’re also filled with admonitions and encouragements regarding our interactions with others. I’ve found it helpful to review these periodically; especially when things really begin to get to me.

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Saturday Silly-February 25, 2023

I was on the bus just after the Super Bowl, and everybody was talking about the game, the playoffs, the different teams, their favorite teams, etc. I was sitting quietly, and crocheting another scarf, among some passengers in the back. One of the men nudged me and asked, “What’s the matter, don’t you get into football?” I replied, “I sure do get into football! My favorite team is the Forty-Niners.” He said, “Oh, do you enjoy any other sports?” I answered him, “Oh, absolutely! I love baseball, Nascar, the Olympics, and I’m a big soccer fan, too!” “Wow,” the man said, “You’re into all that, are you?” “Heck, yeah,” I said, “I’m a long-time athletic supporter!”

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Face To Face

The remainder of Exodus 32 tells us how the LORD was ready to consume them in his wrath over what they had done, in making the golden calf to worship. Apparently, they were partying like they “had it going on” when Moses came down the mountain. Moses got so mad he threw the tablets with the commandments at the bottom of the mountain and broke them. He did, however, intercede for the people; and, the LORD relented and didn’t destroy them. Instead, He sent a plague on them.

(Exodus 33:7-11) The next really cool thing we discover is how the LORD came to meet Moses and talk with him face to face, “as a man speaks to his friend.” That lets us know how humble the LORD is. It’s confirmation to us that we can go boldly to the throne of Grace. (Heb. 4:16) (Eph. 3:12) It’s also confirmation to us of the LORD’s desire for personal and intimate relationship with us. He doesn’t hold us at arm’s length. He wraps His arms around us and draws us near. (Deut. 32:10-11) (Deut. 33:13, 27) (Luke 13:34) (Matt. 8:2-3) (Mark 1:40-41) (Psalm 17:8) (Psalm 91:4) (Psalm 139:5) *Actually, the entire Psalm is awesome! Finally, in Jeremiah, we get a very clear picture of the LORD’s awesome love for us.

When I read this passage of scripture, I remembered how formal I was in the early days. Nowadays things are very different. I know the LORD has a senses of humor. Just ask some of those little birdies out there. There’s one who’s still laughing at me. And, so is the LORD; I just know it. I know that the LORD hears me when I’m “just sayin.” I’ve whispered, “Oh, Lord, please make the wind stop for a minute until I get this folded up;” and the wind stopped until I got that folded up. One morning, it was almost as if the wind was helping me to fold my tarp up.

What’s the point of this message? Run BOLDLY to the throne of Grace! God loves you! God wants to be in your life! And, not to catch you messing up; but, to walk with you, talk with you, and help you win in this world. Don’t be afraid to talk to Him face to face, as a man/woman talks to his/her friend.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Where’s The Beef…Avoid It!

Chapters 21-30 in Exodus deal with various laws. When we read them, we can see clearly that God really does look at all sides of an issue. When we learn and practice that, life gets so much better. I’m picking up with Exodus 32.

(Exodus 32:1-6) (ESV) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”

The Egyptians worshipped a “god” named Apis (a bull), and actually sacrificed bulls, from the first dynasty on. His role in worship was being sacrificed and reborn. This seems to be a parallel to Jesus being crucified and resurrected. Here’s another odd coincidence: There were three bull cults in Egypt. Apis, Mnevis, and Buchis were the three bull “gods.” Our trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The first thing that comes to mind when I read this passage of scripture is how many times I couldn’t wait for the LORD; and did it “my way.” The second thing I think of is how quickly we can fall into that trap. Here was Aaron, Moses’ “right-hand-man,” who had the staff, who used the staff, and witnessed the power of God. Now, it’s Aaron who’s fashioning the golden calf, the “god” to be worshipped by the people. Not only that, but he’s actually bringing that thing in to a “feast to the LORD?!” Did you forget what God said? “You shall have no other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20) When we look at (2Cor. 6:14-15), we’ll see this is not going to work very well. Aaron yoked himself with unbelievers when he complied with their request. And, calling it a feast for the LORD is NOT going to make it right. This also speaks to me of giving in to being pressured. As we can see, that doesn’t work too well either. (Psalm 46:10) (Psalm 83:18) (1Chron. 29:11)

There are many scriptures that tell us to be patient and wait for the LORD. One of my favorites is (Psalm 37:34) Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. Some others: (Psalm 27:14) (Psalm 91) (Hebrews 2:1-18) (Psalm 85:8-9) (2Peter 2:21) (Psalm 29:11) This one is one I think I may hang on the mirror, so I can see it every day: “I will take my stand at my watch-post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.” Other versions say, “how I should answer when corrected.” (Habakkuk 2:1)

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That’s What This Altar Is For

(Exodus 20:24)(ESV) “An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.”

May I tell you this: You are that altar of earth! Your burnt offerings and peace offerings are things you give up to the LORD in order to live a better life, or for the forgiveness of others, for the sake of peace between you and them, and peace, for yourself and them, with God. (So, spiritually, the altar is your body, heart, mind, and soul. Your body is actually the temple of the Holy Spirit; but, your heart, mind, and soul are the altar. (Gen. 2:5-8) ((Deut. 6:5) (Matt.22:37-39) (Isaiah 42:5) (Acts 17:24) (Romans 12:1) (1Cor. 6:19-20) (Philippians 1:20) (Matt. 5:1-7:27) (Matt. 5:48)*

The sheep, oxen, and other wealth, or things that bring you increase are also “sacrificed) on that altar. That means they’re to be used to bring you, and others, a good life, and not harm. (Jer. 29:11) We all know that when we bless someone, we are blessed, and vice versa. We are blessed to be a blessing. (Gen. 12:2-3) (Deut. 15:9-10) (Ezek. 44:30) (Proverbs 3:9-10) (Proverbs 19:7) (Proverbs 22:9) (Proverbs 41:1) (Luke 6:38) (Mark 12:43) (Luke 11:39-42) (Luke 12:16-21-36) (Luke 21:3) (2Cor. 9:7)

Finally, I have to tell you, I experienced much greater health when I came home to the LORD. I didn’t even realize some of the problems I had with my health, emotionally as well as physically, until I was walking with the LORD. And, I don’t think I cared about my physical or emotional health and well-being until then, either. So, by making me care about myself (love…as yourself), and helping me to learn about the positives and negatives of health, and discern between the two, the LORD did bless every place in this little old “temple,” and, the altar as well!

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It’s Caused By Coveting

(Exodus 20:15-17) “You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

I believe that coveting thing should have come first, because it is one of the reasons people steal and bear false witness. Coveting has to do with envy, and, as we read in (James 3:16), where there’s envy and selfish ambition, there’s all manner of evil. Selfish ambition might make someone say false things about someone. How many people have lost promotions, or even jobs, had relationships destroyed, and even ended up in prison because someone lied about them?

Envy is what got Cain into trouble in Genesis. Joseph, also was the victim of envious brothers. Yet, Jesus said, “Ask, and you will receive.” “Believe you’ve received it, and you will have it.” (Matt. 7:7) (Luke 11:9) (John 16:24)

When I read these scriptures, I have to go back to the former President Carter’s wise statement. “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can, to make a difference.” If you want something, ask the LORD for it. Then, get what you need to get, in order to obtain that job, house, car, whatever it may be. But, get it the right way! Do you need some training in order to get that job? Do you need to cut some spending out in order to afford that car or house payment? That’s making a difference in your situation; a positive difference. It’s moving you forward toward your goal. When we do things the way God wants us to do them, He’s with us every step of the way. Not only that; He goes ahead of us as the way-maker. He opens doors we never thought of knocking on! And, you better believe He’s got your back! He is your rear guard. Nobody’s going to take it from you or keep you from it –whatever it may be! Not if you’re doing it God’s way, they’re not!

Let me tell you how absolutely awesome your life will become when you start celebrating with those others, instead of envying them. When God sees you praising Him for blessing someone else, and celebrating, sharing that person’s joy with them…He’s going to say to Himself, “I think I’m going to bless that one there for that.” You can’t out-give the LORD! And, He is no respecter of persons. But, remember that man at the pool in Bethesda? Jesus had to ask him, when He found out how long he’d been lying there crippled, “Do you want to get well?!” Yes, your faith does demand that you do something to get yourself there! That’s called sowing to what you want to reap.

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Align Your Heart/Grow In Faith

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.” – Former President Jimmy Carter

I love this quote so much that I’m going to hang it on the wall of my home. I want to see that every morning! Please join me in praying for the former President and his family during this time. What an honor it was to be led by such a wonderful example of Christianity!

(Exodus 20:14) (ESV) “You shall not commit adultery.” That seems to be pretty simple to understand, doesn’t it? Don’t cheat on your husband or wife, right? Ah, but wait. That’s true; in the context of marriage. But, God wants those who worship Him to worship him in spirit and in truth. So, what is God saying to us spiritually? Another word for adultery is infidelity. One of the meanings of infidelity is unfaithfulness. Another one is unbelief; and, this one is regarding religion. That makes me so very happy, and grateful, that I have learned to trust the LORD. Yes, I still have days when I wonder what the heck He’s doing. But, I really don’t question Him anymore. And, I stopped trying to “outmaneuver” and take things into my own hands, some time ago, actually. Duplicity is another synonym for adultery. It has to do with being deceitful, and double-dealing. That’s when you act one way in church, or around your Christian friends, and another when you’re with others who aren’t Christians. (Gal. 5:19-21) (1Sam. 15:23) Practicing witchcraft, yet, professing faith in God, is adultery. That’s based on the first and second commandments. (Deut.18:10) (Romans 2:8) Duplicity is also, in spiritual terms, the state of being double-minded. (James 1:6-8) (James 4:8) In this sense, it is instability; or at least, marked by instability. That’s one of the reasons that diligence and routine are so important. They both help to stabilize us. When we see the gains to be made in practicing this, we grow more stable in our faith, our trusting the LORD. (Job 17:9)

(Psalm 51:6, 7, 10) (1Cor. 8:5-6) (Colossians 2:28) –There are more scriptures that deal with faithfulness and fortitude in serving the LORD; these are quite poignant, and to the point.

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Murder Comes In Many Forms

In light of the recent shooting at the mall in Texas, and the shootings in California, in which members of the Jewish community were targeted, to say, “Give peace a chance,” doesn’t seem to be enough. I, myself, have been the target of some unfortunately ignorant folks; and for some time, now. I can’t begin to imagine what motivates all of you involved in these three cases. This lesson couldn’t come at a better time. By the way, you might want to visit Tao Te Ching Excerpt numbers 16 and 42 might be revealing to you. Also, you’ll find the same viewpoint in the Quran – Quran Finally, let us all keep praying, and all keep striving to bridge the gaps between us. Let us fill them with open arms and hearts instead of blood and futility.

(Exodus 20:13)(ESV) “You shall not murder.” ^**The Hebrew word, “Retzach,” used in the original text, has a wider range of meanings. It also covers human death through carelessness or negligence. The word is used to describe destructive activity, such as breaking or dashing to pieces, as well as killing, murdering, or slaying. Wikipedia

(Numbers 35:33) tells us that the land is polluted by bloodshed, and no atonement can be made for the shed blood, except by the one who shed it. That’s where we get “an eye for an eye,” from. (Genesis 9:6)

Jesus said, whoever lives by the sword will die by the sword. (Matt. 26:52) There’s a powerful revelation in that statement, because the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. That tells me that I have a choice. I can either kill or I, myself, can die to the anger, and desire for vengeance. The Bible is very clear about vengeance and bloodshed. The LORD says, “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay.” (Deut. 32:34-36) (Romans 12:19) (Hebrews 10:30)

(Leviticus 18:19) gives us another admonition from the LORD: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” This one is even more in depth, isn’t it? What?! You want me to forgive that person?! Yes, my love; I want you to forgive. Forgiveness is for you; not for them. (Matt. 5:21-24) You see, as long as you’re bearing that grudge, you’re not free of that unclean spirit. (Matt. 18:21-22) Who is the one behind murder? Satan is his name. (John 8:44) (John 10:10) This scripture mentions destruction.

When we look at being unforgiving and bearing grudges in the context of destructive activity we can come up with a list of things that could be destructive to a person’s life. For instance, what if your neighbor, who hurt or harmed you in some way, suddenly fell down on his icy walk and couldn’t get up. Would your refusal to go help that neighbor possibly contribute to his/her getting frostbite, possibly even suffering from hypothermia, or maybe even dying from a head injury because he/she had hit his/her head when he/she fell? That’s destructive activity on your part. And, when we’re talking about family members, it’s even worse, I think. You don’t have to set yourself up to be hurt or harmed again and again. But, you do, -and this is as much for God’s and your glory as it is for the good of all concerned-have to do whatever you can to help; regardless of the past.

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