Perfecting It All

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are works in progress. We are told to strive for perfection, by taking inventory at least weekly. We are to check our attitudes, character, shortfalls, weaknesses, etc. We’re also to look at that in regard to everything about our lives; from housework, or homemaking, to even self care. Now, here’s a surprise. You already are perfect in God’s eyes. (John 17:22) You’re precious and honored in His sight.

When Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect,” we all skip over that word, “Be,” and we start frantically doing. Did you forget that God sees Jesus when He looks at us? Yes, He sees Jesus’ righteousness, Jesus’ love, Jesus’ compassion, mercy, etc. He attributes perfection to us the instant we come to Him. (Hebrews 12:1-24) is a wonderful piece that speaks to us regarding this. Verse thirteen tells us to make level paths for our feet. This is what that inventory is about. You check for any place, anything, that can be improved upon-even, and especially within. The outward often manifests where the inward (spirit) is…be it depressed, anger, sloth, confusion, etc. When we deal with those things, and include discipline and perseverance to correct them and the outward situations created by them, things change. This is called progress, which is the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Cor. 3:18, in the New Living Translation Bible says it this way: “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Also, Psalm 84:7 tells us we go from strength to strength until we appear before God in glory.

Sadly, I must tell you that we are all “only human.” This is to say we are subject to fatigue, depression, laziness, confusion; all those things that clog up the spirit within, and weigh us down. God knows that, though. He’s given us the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. We can go boldly to the throne to confess and to get help. He doesn’t love us any less at any given point in time-not one second of our lives! You are already perfect in His eyes. His love, grace, and mercy are going to help us manifest that-in this life. As we manifest that glory to glory progression, it becomes the testimony that draws others to Him; and to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Don’t Discount Your Power, or Value!

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of the power of a praying soul, and of it’s value to the Kingdom of Heaven and the world around us.

We tend, all too often, to forget that the battle is in the Spirit. We don’t give much thought to the powers and principalities, and host of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12) There are some other scriptures that refer to these, and to what Jesus did for us in regard to them. Look them up, and you’ll get a better picture.

When we get a clear picture of the Spiritual things, we get a clearer picture of where the battles really are fought. We also get a clear picture of just how powerful prayer and praise and worship are. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, we’re told in 2 Cor. 10:4. What we don’t often see, are those little prayer warriors, who sit in their rooms or homes praying for the world we live in. Some pray in the wee hours of the morning, some at night. We don’t see a thing, we don’t hear a thing, but in the Spirit, there’s the roar of a mighty army doing battle for us.

We often discount the value of the prayers, the behind the scenes work, the hugs, the little words of encouragement, etc. When a crisis comes, we feel overwhelmed because we forget the power of these things. They’re all seeds, did you know that? Yeah, you did, didn’t you? You just forgot for a moment. I used to all the time. They’re seeds sown into hearts, lives, souls, and into the Spirit. Remember what Jesus said about sewing into the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matt. 6:20) Those seeds are spiritual treasure. You know what else? All those things are like war medals that decorate your uniform. Oh, my! Just look at you now! So awesome, worth everything, everything, to the world around you, and to our Lord, and our Heavenly Father. Go get ’em, honey! ROAR!!

I want to take a moment to thank all who have prayed for me, all who have encouraged me, cried with me, and laughed with me…all who have walked with me. You have helped to get me this far. Thank you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

His Hand is Ever Over Our Lives

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s hand is ever working in, and over, our lives. The message ties in perfectly with Saturday’s message about straying.

In Saturday’s message, we’re bid to learn the overcoming power of Jesus. He wasn’t daunted by anything or anyone. He knew who and whose He was, what His standards and boundaries were, and what His destiny was. He also knew His purpose(s). We all serve many different purposes in life. They come according to needs-of others, and ourselves.

The way this message ties in with that one, is that it reminds us that there is a seal on our lives. We are sealed to God Almighty, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We are reminded that He leads us-out of darkness to light, out of despair to hope and victory, out of temptation to overcoming power. It is when we remember that seal is on us and our lives, that those standards and boundaries become clear and strong. That’s how I can drink one bottle of beer or one glass of wine and be done. I know who and whose I am, what my standard is, what my boundaries are, what my strengths and weaknesses are. I know who is right there with me when I am drinking that bottle of beer or glass of wine.

There is so very much strength in being mindful of that seal on our lives. If you walk out your front door with it in mind, you can walk away from anything! It isn’t that Jesus needs to be called to our sides. It is that we need to remain mindful that He is there. And, He’s not there to judge you or condemn you. He’s there to help you, to encourage you. He’s there to give you the strength to get up and walk away. It works in reverse too. He can give you the strength to go somewhere you need to go, or do something you need to do. Remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we stay mindful of Him and His seal on our lives, His strength can, and will be perfected in us, to overcome the weakness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly Bonus!

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Who remembers Candid Camera? Today, August 10, 1948, Candid Camera debuted. It was always one of my favorite shows. I thought I’d share one of their classic pranks with you. Thank you, Allen and Peter Funt, for years of giggles.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – August 10, 2019

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I spoke with a friend of mine in Washington recently. She lost her husband a few years ago. In June of this year, she finally sold their house. She’s moving into a retirement community, and is excited to be starting this new chapter in her life.

On this particular weekend, she had begun to move into her new place. She was carrying her husband’s urn from the car to the condo, when it slipped out of her hands. It hit the ground with a clatter, popped open, and spilled hubby all over the walk. There was nothing to do but scoop him up and put him back. She got her little broom and dustpan, and began sweeping him up. She was so rattled that she didn’t notice the little muddy clump of dried grass she’d swept up along with the ashes. Her next door neighbor came over just then. She’d heard the clatter, and decided to check on her. When my friend explained what had happened, she got this horrified look on her face and asked: “Was that poo in there when you got him out of the mortuary?!” My friend’s hubby had quite a sense of humor. It must have rubbed off on her, because she looked up at the lady and replied: “Yep, that it did. He was always getting lost when he was alive; even with a map, he’s get lost. He must have thought he was in Hell when those flames hit him, and pooped.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Until It Becomes The Air You Breathe

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Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, bids us to seek God, to commune with Him, and to dwell with Him. We are bid to dig deep into the soil of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I always pray before I read my Bible. I always have. The reason I bring it up is because I can’t imagine not doing that. But, I remember how much effort it took back in the beginning, to get into the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would get distracted by outside noise, totally thrown off by someone talking as I’m trying to praise the Lord, things like that. Sometimes it would be so hard to stay focused on even my prayers, let alone my Bible study. I’ve learned those are some of the enemy’s tricks and ploys. I’m glad I pressed on. I want to encourage you today – whoever you may be, not to give up. If it takes you three hours of praise music, do them. If you have to start your prayer over ten times, do it. Don’t let the distraction win, by causing you to stop your pursuit of the Lord’s Presence. It is all worth it in the end. The more time you spend in His Presence, the more treasures you find in the soil of the Kingdom (His Word), and vice versa. The more wisdom, peace, truth, love, that you find in that Kingdom soil, the bolder you get about going to the Lord. The easier it is to be in His Presence…just like the little child he scooped up and took onto His lap. He did say we must become as trusting and free as children are, didn’t He?

My song choice is and oldie but goody called The Air I Breathe:

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Give God Some Room

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, brings us a lesson on the law of Divine Supply. We are bid to empty ourselves. We are bid to trust, or rely, on God alone, seeking no other help.

The message bids us to empty our vessels quickly to insure Divine Supply. We are also warned that the more that’s retained by us, the less to be gained from God. That’s because we need to make room for God in our hearts, minds, and hands, in order for Him to be able to work through us. I’ve covered this before from a physical, or material viewpoint. But, God want those who worship Him, to worship in spirit and in truth. We also know that everything manifests first in Spirit, then outwardly. So, this is the spirit part of the lesson of Divine Supply.

When I read the message, I thought of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5-3) Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to poor in spirit. The hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled. The pure in heart will see God, and the peacemakers will be called children of God. There’s more, but these points are the ones I want to focus on in this message. They all have to do with emptying ourselves. I have to empty myself of pride to be humble before God, or anyone else, for that matter. Being poor in spirit is exactly that; humility. I have to empty myself of an evil-doer’s mindset, of anger, envy, hatred, dishonesty, etc., to become hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I have to empty myself of doubt and fear to become pure in heart, so I can see God working in my life, and in all that’s around me. I have to empty myself of indifference. laziness and selfishness, to become a peacemaker. Peacemaking not only entails non-violent solutions and such. Peacemaking also entails ensuring the best possible environment for success. Taking dinner to a home-bound senior, or cleaning house for someone who is ill and cannot, is also peacemaking. You are bringing peace to that person’s soul by relieving him/her from loneliness, anxiety, etc. Those things all trouble one’s spirit.

The second thing I thought about when I read today’s message, was something else Jesus said. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Have you ever had a disquieted soul? “What am I going to do now?!” “How are we going to manage without that job?!” “What?! How am I going to feed four more people on such short notice?” -They were in the living room and my husband invited them to stay for dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every minute of time spent with them. But I knew the roast I’d planned for that evening wasn’t going to feed us all. This is where that “Come to me” comes in. Instead of roast, we had stir fry-enough for all, and we feasted. I didn’t know Jesus likes Chinese food, did you? LOL The idea came to me after I looked up and whispered, “Lord, help me feed these people.”

The problems come when we become dependent on material supply. When we do this, we fall into doubt, anxiety, even greed and envy. That’s when we disable Divine Supply. I’m not talking about needing help with basic human needs. This goes much deeper. We cannot measure our ability, or judge our ability according to material supply. When we do that, we’re allowing the supply to rule over us. We are supposed to rule over the supply. The roast turned stir fry is an example of that. It isn’t needing the material supply that’s the problem. The problem is allowing the supply, or lack of it, to control our lives, or dictate to us who we are. We are children of the Most High God. We can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Coypright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, August 7, 2019, 2:52 p.m.

His Abundant Goodness Toward Us

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of Psalm 31:19 -“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” (NIV) The KJV says it this way: “Oh, how great is your goodness which you have laid up for those that fear you; which you have wrought for those who trust in you before the sons of men.”

I want to illustrate the difference between an abundance of good things, and the great goodness of God. Goodness is the quality of being morally or virtuous, righteous, ethical, upright, upstanding. Having integrity, principle, dignity, rectitude; and the list goes on. These are qualities that God bestows on us, working them in us, and through us. The good things are the blessings and rewards that manifest as a result of that goodness. They’re the bonuses we get for trusting God and obeying Him. The last part of that verse (Psalm 31:19) can be read two different ways. I believe both are true. First of all, God bestows all of it, the goodness, and the good things, in the sight of the sons of men, or the sight of all. Secondly, though, I think about Jesus’ words: “whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father in Heaven.”

Sometimes, the hardest thing in the world you’ll ever have to do, is to trust God in the sight of men. They’ll laugh at you, just like they laughed at Noah. They’ll jeer and mock you, like the did Jesus. But, we know who’s behind all that, don’t we? And we have this promise from the Psalms also: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5) That tells me I am anointed to overcome, and I am more than able! My cup overflows with God’s goodness and power, and God’s blessing on me, on mine, on my life. Praise God!

My song choice for today is Let it Rain. I’m still praying for an end to all cancers, but most especially, childhood cancers. Please pray with me. Thank you, Michael W. Smith for your faithfulness to the Lord, and for sharing that beautiful voice.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Preparing to Enter In

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to regularly set aside time to enter into the sanctuary and spend time alone with the LORD.

I spent an hour this morning listening to Native American drum and flute music, and even listened to some native songs and chants. It was my preparation time. Music is a good way to quiet one’s spirit and prepare to enter in to the sacred space. There are many different kinds of music that can reach the spirit; it’s not always only praise and worship music. That sacred space is the place where our spirit meets the Holy Spirit. It is in these quiet times that we commune with and rest in the divine love, grace, peace, and joy of God. You’ve all read plenty about spending time alone with God. I thought I’d share a short list of some of my favorite music. This is the stuff I listen to at the end of a long day, or even before I really begin my day-before a project, etc. It’s a pretty good mix, so there’s something for everyone; and they’re all instrumental, words won’t distract you. I hope you enjoy at least one of my picks.

Carlos Nakai – Earth Spirit -He also has a greatest hits album out-Native American flute music
The Elegance of Palchelbel -Serenade -Piano music
Rachmaninoff – Rhapsody -Classical music, and very beautiful
Trail of the Angels – One of my very favorites – Chinese Bamboo flute music
Leo Rojas -Pan flute music

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Their Need;Your Call-That Call, Your Need

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the need is the call. Jesus has promised always to be with us, so we can be sure that He’s going to be there to answer the call. Our need is also His call.

I want to explore the need and the call a little more today. First of all, obviously, when we see a need, we are called to meet the need somehow. God is a provider. Jesus has promised that when we ask anything in His Name, it shall be done for us. Even without material provision, we can answer the call. That call creates our need for the Lord’s presence, guidance, power. God hears prayer, and we have the church community to go to for assistance. That’s part of what the church is here for; we are, after all, the body of Christ in the earth.

Now, I want to address a need you might have, that is your personal call. It may be a call to turn back to God. It might be a call to further your education. It can be anything that you may need to do, or need to stop doing, in order to better your life. We’re usually pretty good at hearing the need that tells us we need to do something to further advance ourselves, right? I heard it when I was going through my first separation from my husband, and realized I couldn’t feed three children on minimum wages. But, oh, those little calls…the one that comes when you need to call in sick because you’re too hungover to work. Then there’s that one that comes when boyfriend/girlfriend blows you off and you see him/her later with someone else. OMG! I sure loved my blinders and earplugs in that one. I had another call when my belly was trying to roll off my knees. Ignoring those calls is called denial. That is usually based in fear. We’re afraid of change, of failure, of vulnerability, etc. Those calls are wake-up calls that tell us we need to take better care of ourselves. We need to respect ourselves more, we need to love ourselves more, etc. Jesus said, “I’ve come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” It’s crucial for us to answer those calls, because through them, we are spared a lot of heartache, and we are empowering that abundant life. I know-it sure doesn’t feel that way when we’re going through that stuff. But, it is all worth it in the end…and the new beginning. Thank God for new beginnings.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu