It’s Ours To Care For

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 115. It’s a wonderful praise, and reminder of God’s glory on the whole universe. The verse I want to focus on is verse 16; reading from the ESV.

“The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.” I never did laugh at the so-called “tree-huggers.” I probably wouldn’t chain myself to a tree, but I do see their point. We need to manage the things God has given us stewardship over much more carefully. Being homeless, I see a lot of disrespect toward God’s creation. That’s not only disrespect for His creation, but it’s also disrespect for oneself. God made everything beautiful for us. He made it to replenish itself, to sustain life on it, and to give us everything we need to live in good health, comfortably, and happily. When we don’t take care to replenish what we use, we risk destroying that resource completely. The buffalo, and many other near extinct animals are proof of that.

Caring for the earth begins in your own personal space. From there, we gain the strength and energy to care for the world around us; to contribute to its beauty, and to keep it beautiful. God is a god of order, not chaos. When we stop caring for our personal space, we fall victim to chaos, dis-ease, energy sapping currents, etc. This radiates outwardly toward the world around us, in all our relationships, and in eternity, I believe. If you’re going to radiate something, let it be the love, peace, joy, and power within you, that comes from the loving, peaceful, joyful, and powerful personal space you create and sustain. There’s a reason God’s sanctuary is called a sanctuary.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Your Freewill Offering

Psalm 54 brings us today’s message. As I read the psalm, I thought about my mother and father. They often said, “I don’t care what everybody else is doing; that’s the rule here.” They also asked, “If they all jumped in the lake and drowned, would you jump in too?”

This psalm actually begins with King David entreating the LORD for help. Verse 6 of the psalm is a key one, though. “With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.” It brought me to this scripture in Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col. 3:23-24 -NIV) Your obedience, your “keeping on keeping on,” and your thanks and praise (honoring God and His standard(s), is exactly what puts those enemies to shame. The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. It’s impossible to activate God’s power without faith. You wouldn’t flip the light switch if you didn’t believe it can turn the light on or off. When we obey and keep on keeping on, with gratitude and honor for the LORD, we activate the power of God within and round about us. This ties in with yesterday’s message, and psalm 53. This is God encamping round about us. You may not see it working the way you expect it to, but it is working. You will see the results manifest. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times in my life I’ve seen it do exactly that. And, I lost count some time ago, of how many times I messed it all up by not keeping on keeping on in obedience to the LORD; and by complaining instead.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Our Father; Full Of Mercy & Grace

First, let me apologize for this being delayed today. I needed to take some time off yesterday due to a foot problem, and didn’t get to do my posts as I wanted to.

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 6. Psalm 6 gives us a picture of how detrimental to our soul, that sin can be. It also gives us an assurance that God sees, and hears-even when we’re besieged by sin-ours or that of others. When we cry out to the LORD/Lord, be it in fear, in dismay, at the end of our rope, etc., He answers us according to His steadfast love, with mercy and grace. When we fall into sin, or our heart gets a little hardened, and we finally come to the end of ourselves, God does not rebuke us or chastise us, in anger. God hates sin; but He loves the sinner. Verses 8-10 show us that just the knowledge that you are heard and cared for by God, gives hope and strength. That’s a good reason to stir your spirit up in the knowledge of God’s love for you every day!

Proverbs 6 gives us an idea of how much God hates sin and sinfulness. Verses 16-19 outline seven things, specifically, that God hates. Thus, going back to verses 1-11 admonish us to be careful of getting entrapped in sin, especially with our own words. (Words have power) We encouraged to bolster ourselves timely with God’s Word, to ensure a good harvest, or good fruit. We need to turn back immediately when we find ourselves in temptation, or in sin. The earlier we turn back, the more adversity and soul anguish we can avoid.

Proverbs 6: 20-25 let us know that the Commandment (standard and boundaries) is a lamp and the teachings of the LORD/Lord, a light to preserve us. Reproofs are admonitions, or warnings that we need to correct our actions. Correction is a way of life; we are not infallible. Correction empowers life, and life (truth, way, life) empowers self-correction. God’s admonition protects our soul, and empowers us with clarity, and strength to turn away from sin. If you look at verses 27 & 28, and think in terms of things that go against God’s standards and boundaries, you can see the danger of seduction by sin. The longer you dwell on something, the more apt you are to be swayed by it, to take it to heart, and to be ensnared by it, if it’s sin. Wherever you mind wanders, your heart is sure to follow, and then, there you’ll be. Wander into God’s Word, His Love, Peace, and Joy.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He’s Working On It! -And On You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus does hear, and does answer! The problem is that our timing is not perfect; His is.

As I read the message, I thought of one day when I was married. My husband was late getting home. I got a little worried about whether or not he was alright. I could have gotten angry at him for keeping me waiting, for making me worry, but I didn’t. I just prayed that he was alright, and waited. Sure enough, a little while longer, and he came driving up. He’d stopped at the store to pick up some snacks and a movie he thought we’d all enjoy together. See, he was working on being a good hubby and dad.

When we don’t see things happening, it doesn’t mean they aren’t cared about, or aren’t being worked out by the Lord. It means we need to ask for more faith to trust Him, so that He can work them into the best outcome for us. Every time I read this message, I am reminded of how many times I freaked out, gave up, and gave in to the temptation to do it in my own strength – only to regret it later. I can laugh at myself now…and I can only imagine how Jesus must have laughed when it all finally did come together, and He saw my face. Thank you, Lord, for your patience!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Beautiful, Baby, Just Beautiful!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that true beauty is that beauty of character and spirit. I hope you’ll read the message at twolisteners.org for yourselves – it’s a great checkpoint; especially as we’ go into the holidays, when everyone wants to look beautiful.

My prayer for the world on this Thanksgiving Day, is that we all remember every day is a day to give thanks to the LORD/Lord. And, that daily thanksgiving brings that glow of being cared for and oh, so very, very loved by the King of kings, Himself; and by our Heavenly Father. He’s beautiful, and in Him so are we…and so is life. I hope this blesses you as much as it does me every time I hear it. Jason Upton, thank you so much for this awesome, awesome album!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Literally, Everything!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that “Come unto me,” means for everything. Every need is met in Christ Jesus. There is nothing too small for Him to care about. That’s why we’re encouraged to get as close to the Lord as possible, in relationship. I love Him so! Jesus never ceases to amaze me, to just blow my mind-and heart, and, to make me laugh! Yes, He does have a sense of humor! And, oh, how wonderful it is!

And, let me tell you, Jesus has a sense of humor! I was having my breakfast on Wednesday, and a small flock of pigeons flew over to where I was sitting. Of course, they’re such little beggars! One little pigeon, caught my eye. He was walking, as if wading in water, and made an almost complete circle. Then, he turned his head toward me, and then kind of cocked his little head, nodding to his right, as if pointing across the street. I laughed and said, “Were you over there looking for food and couldn’t find any?” Then, I went back to my breakfast. Now, I had decided, and said the day before, that I would check in with my doctor and make an appointment. I have a few things going on I think I need to get checked out. Anyway, it suddenly occurred to me that my doctor’s office is right back on that side of the street that that little pigeon pointed at when he cocked his little head in that direction. I couldn’t help myself. I looked up in Heaven’s direction and said, “Was that you, Jesus?!” I had a good laugh, then. Yes, I did go make that appointment. See, Jesus cares! Literally, everything matters to Him. I sure hope He doesn’t tell that doctor I’ve been eating all that sausage and cheese lately.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Suited To Fit You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God adjusts the yoke to fit us. God knows us; has known us from the beginning, and already knows exactly what size, make, model, every little detail, needs to be.

The key to Divine Revelation about God’s way, is the simple acceptance of God’s will. When I say God’s way, I mean the way He has mapped out for us. Each one of us, strengths, weaknesses, limits, etc., have been carefully considered by Him. This is something to keep in mind when you’re not feeling like you’re doing anything significant for God. First, let me tell you, there is no such thing as insignificant in the Kingdom of Heaven. The little one year old who’s helping Mommy polish spoons is doing a bang up job! He/she is significant! As we obey our LORD/Lord, we grow, and God readjusts the yoke to fit us, now at this level.

I hear people say so often, “I’m seeking God’s will in this.” True, we do need to get specifics. But, for that everyday living, God’s will has already been stated. “I came to destroy the works of the devil; and I’ve come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” If we could just have that firmly settled in our minds, and hearts, half of the hotline phones in Heaven would be silent. It makes such a difference in your whole frame of mind, your attitude, and your heart, when you have that one little anchor. It brings an immense and profound peace to your whole being. Ephesians 5:8 is referenced: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He’s In The Darkness

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to hold fast to our love for, and faith in, Jesus, our Lord. He’s in all the dark places we’ll ever encounter. If you think about it, He’s even in the darkness in our world. If He wasn’t, this really would be Hell on Earth, and we’d never survive it spiritually!

When I read this message, I’m reminded of Peter in prison, when the angel came and woke him up. He must have been a little groggy from sleep, because it seems the angel even had to tell him to dress and put his shoes and cloak on. See, Jesus makes sure every tiny detail is taken care of. The chains even fell off of Peter, and the prison gate opened for them all by itself. When Peter came to himself, he realized this was all really happening-and not just a vision. He said, Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me. (Acts 12:6-11) We are bid, by our Lord, to have that same knowledge; that same trust. We are bid to have full confidence in Him. That will bring us, not only faith, but great joy. Whenever I read that story about Peter, I can just see Peter stum-bumbling around that cell, trying to get dressed and out of there…and trying to figure out what was happening, I have to laugh. See, when I’m groggy from sleep, I’m a stum-bumbler too.

In another account, this one about Paul and Silas, we can see the Lord at work again. (Acts 16:19-30) By the time Jesus was finished here, the jailer got saved. Yay! See how our faith seed brings the fruit of the joy of, and in, the Lord? Paul and Silas just praised the Lord in their dark cell. Suddenly, things began to happen. God’s love is also His light for us. When we hold fast to that love, we will always find the light in the darkness; in any darkness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, That Touch

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that our Lord is ever present with us. We are reminded that His touch brings, not only healing, but guidance, and comfort. It isn’t just healing, guidance, and comfort that that touch brings us. Sometimes, I feel that touch as I’m doing my Bible study. I always come away with a wonderful little nugget of truth that empowers my walk with Him. I hope you’ll read the message for yourselves at twolisteners.org

That little nugget of truth came through that touch recently. I was doing my study on generational curses, and was led to Genesis 2:15-17. I believe, since we are created in God’s image, after His likeness, we already have the knowledge of both good and evil within us. (Genesis 1:26-27) We just didn’t have the wisdom we needed in regard to good and evil. Remember God walked and talked with them in the cool of the day. So, it is possible that Satan thought he’d get a head-start on destruction.

One of the keys to overcoming generational curses is mastering the knowledge of good and evil. It is not the knowledge of good and evil that will kill you. It is eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil that will either kill you, or bring you life. Eating the fruit of the knowledge of good will destroy your fleshly, worldly, and evil tendencies. It will also destroy the fallout, or spiritual damage to you caused by the evil in the world around you. Likewise, eating the fruit of the knowledge of evil will destroy good in your life, and even the desire in you, to do good.

Example: You see someone homeless on the street. You’ve just purchased breakfast, and got a two for one deal. The fruit of the knowledge of good is your desire to offer this person the other breakfast. (compassion) You do (partaking of the fruit), and a little faith and hope comes alive in that person. (There’s somebody who does care) The other example: The scenario is the same. Only this time, you think about being able to sleep in, and having this extra breakfast tomorrow morning. You won’t have to stop for it on the way to work. (Self, Selfish) You do not offer it to that person, but go on your way (partaking of the fruit of evil) Not that thinking about yourself is evil, but when you see a person who’s homeless and obviously hungry, and you do have enough…isn’t ignoring that and walking away what Satan would do?

That little “touch” made me realize how much easier choosing is when we see exactly what it is being offered us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu