We Can Live It

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 38. King David wrote it for a memorial offering to the LORD. The psalm leads me to Matthew 26:26-Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus instituted this memorial offering for us at the Last Supper, on the night of His arrest. He also said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the life is in the blood.

We get a good lesson here on how we need to deal with ourselves, and others, in regard to sin and iniquity. God is a merciful God, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. First, there’s a picture of what happens when we mess up: There’s no soundness in my flesh, no health (strength) in my bones , and my sin and iniquity is a burden that I cannot bear. It’s too heavy for me! Hallelujah! That’s why Jesus came and bore if for us. God’s indignation over our sin and iniquity is unbearable. When God reveals your sin to you, you will hit your knees and cry out for mercy. Jesus said, “First go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”

That brings me to the sacrifice. When we deal with sin and iniquity in anger, and wrathfully, we sacrifice the one (human soul) we’re dealing with. We’re sacrificing their self esteem, sense of worth and capability, trust, courage, peace, and heart. That person is already suffering from the weight of their sin. When we deal with him/her according to God’s way, we’re helping them to realize where they are, and where they belong. This is important. It empowers the boldness needed to confess and repent. It infuses that one with the will and the strength to correct their thinking, attitude, and actions.

What does all that have to do with Jesus? As I studied this psalm, Jesus with the woman at the well comes to mind. I also remember His words over the lame man he healed. “Which is easier to say, ‘”Rise up and walk, or your sins are forgiven you?”‘ Then, there’s the woman caught in the act of adultery. And don’t forget Peter, who denied the Lord three times. I bet Jesus never ever even said, “I told you so.” When we take a moment to read over those events in the Gospels, (and, oh, how I wish I’d known then what I know now!) we’re better able to deal with ourselves, and with others. This is so important in recovery and in overcoming generational curses!

I remember being so afraid as a child, when I messed up. And I know I made my own children afraid, because I was parenting out of the generational curse during high stress times. Thank God for my grandmother! She gave me something to measure myself against. And let me tell you what Jesus taught me through all those events in the Gospels. He taught me that peace is most important; because without it, you cannot realize, recognize, repent, or reinvent.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It’s A Choice

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to rise into the realm of joy and appreciation; rather than stay “earthbound” in spirit by worry, burdensome toil, and poverty of spirit.

Poverty of spirit, or soul, is the greatest deciding factor regarding whether or not we appreciate our lives and have joy. Appreciation and joy are both choices. Each one elevates and enriches life. When we begin to appreciate the small things in our lives (morning coffee, peace within, those little moments of laughter and celebration, etc.), our lives begin to grow warmer and richer. I believe that it is when we realize and appreciate how truly blessed we are, God is able to bless us with more and more…and in more ways.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

When You’re The Burden

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is the great burden bearer. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:8)

Whenever I read this message, I think about the woman who wept at Jesus’ feet. ”A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 37&38) I’m doing a Bible study on “Your Glory,” and this is one of the scriptures that illustrates perfectly the dropping of our sins and burdens at the feet of Jesus. When I read about her wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair, I think about my “glory.” The Bible tells us that a woman’s hair is her glory. In effect, the woman was saying, my glory is as a rag with which to wipe the dirt off of your feet, Lord. Whenever I read that scripture, I think about that song, “Glory Days.” Whenever I hear that song, I have to laugh, especially at myself. Years have a way of clearing the fog off the mirror, don’t they? I said all that to say this. Sometimes, it’s you who are the burden. What do you do then? Drop yourself right at His feet, just like Martha’s sister Mary did. “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message…” (Luke 10:39-42)

Jesus’ message, pretty much, is summed up in Psalm 23. Whenever I check-and recheck (sometimes it’s still hard for me to believe I could be my own trouble), I go to Psalm 23. I’ve learned over the years that I need to follow the guideline there, about the green pastures (fertile, rich, life-filled), the still waters/quiet waters (peace and not chaos or confusion), etc. When I get to that part about the table prepared for me, in the presence of my enemies, I’m usually ready to tackle the mess-even when it’s so “precious” to me. You see, I’ve learned that what’s on that table is exactly what I need to get me through the mess I’m in. We are all works in progress, subject to human limitations, etc., and sometimes, you are your own worst enemy. Imagine my surprise the first time I sat down at that table and saw me sitting across from myself. Nowadays, I just laugh and say Grace.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu