Justice And Love

Today’s post addresses parenting like God does. God is a great dad! He makes sure we know exactly what He expects from us. He takes responsibility for our uprightness by teaching us His law and His way. And, He’s always ready, willing, and more than able to help us overcome all the wrong stuff. When we parent like God does, our kids become strong individuals, because they know who and whose they are. They know what’s expected of them, and they know they have the help they need when they need it; and are not afraid to ask for that help. They, like us, can come boldly to the “throne” of grace.

(Luke 11:42, ) “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others… Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”

(Psalm 89:14-16) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted. –When I read this, I think of how God takes responsibility for us; for our righteousness. That’s the reason He send Jesus, who made atonement (paid the price) for our sins. At the same time, though, Jesus taught us God’s word and His ways. He was an example to us. As parents, we need to take responsibility for our children’s righteousness (uprightness) by setting proper standards and boundaries, seeking out the cause(s) of their wrongdoing, and helping them to correct themselves.

Justice is fairness. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”; so there’s no discrimination between sexes. Age appropriateness comes into play when we’re explaining standards and setting boundaries. And, we teach our children to help the smaller/younger ones; not hurt them. The punishment, or better yet, correction, must fit the “crime.” If you break the window, you pay to have it fixed. If you break the rule, you learn to obey it by repeating the right thing to do –(slam the door, you get to open and close it 50 times or so, depending on your age). We need to ask questions and make sure both parties involvement in a disagreement are addressed. (“Mom, Sister hit me.” “Sister, why did you hit your brother?” “Because he keeps taking my doll away.” “Brother, why are you taking your sister’s doll away?” “Because she won’t play with me.” Then sister says he only wants to play cars, and she doesn’t want to. “Yeah, little man, stop teasing your sister by taking her toys away.” “And, Sister, we don’t hit; so come and tell me if he takes your doll away again.) See who the real culprit was?

The steadfast love of the LORD is so awesome. It’s all in that (1Cor. 13) chapter. The more excellent way is love. That faithfulness is the determination and commitment to the wellness and prosperity of the family unit. That wellness includes peace, and prosperity for all. Prosperity includes every area of our being: body, mind, heart and soul. (Psalm 85:10&13) (Isaiah 41:10) (Proverbs 16:12)

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Generations Behind You

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 112. It gives us a picture of just how much our faithfulness and obedience to God means to our children and grandchildren…and even theirs. Generations behind us can be blessed by our faithfulness and obedience. The psalm is a short one, so I posted the whole thing.

“Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!”

Boy, am I humbled reading this! And, boy, am I grateful when I read this; for those in the generations ahead of me, who were faithful and obedient. Thank you, LORD/Lord, for my grandmother! Thank you, Oma, for teaching me about God’s love, and for showing me His love in you!

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How Great Thou Art

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 104; another one extolling God’s great love and power.

I hope you’ll read the psalm, and check each and every thing listed in it out. This psalm reminds me of a day when I stood in the ocean’s tide. Let me tell you how to get a clear picture of how immense God is: Stand in the ocean for a few minutes. I was absolutely overwhelmed with awe; awestruck, I was! I can also recall more than a few nights spent looking up at the moon and stars in the sky. In Montana, you can see them quite clearly. They blew me away every time I looked at them.

As you begin to think about all the things God does, and how much He loves His creation, you can suddenly find yourself snuggled up really close to Him. LOL Oh, my goodness, what an awesome God, and what an awesome love. And, oh, LORD/Lord, thank you so much for everything you are, and everything you do! If this psalm doesn’t stir your spirit up to absolute awe and sheer joy in being God’s child, I don’t know what will. Read it from the ESV; that’s the most up to date translation.

I can only think of one song to go with this message. Thank you, Lauren Daigle, for this beautiful rendition.

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Good To Praise, Indeed

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 92. It is a song for the Sabbath. That Sabbath rest is available to me every day as a child of God. So, this song is for every day.

Verses 1-4 confirm it. “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Does that give you the impression that we are to remain at rest in the spirit? It does me; and the day I realized that, my life changed. My faith was strengthened so much, and a peace just filled me from head to toe. I know that I know that I know, that no matter what comes along, God’s got me.

Verse 6 reveals something to us, about God. “How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!” This is the very reason you can go back to the same exact scripture time and time again, and come away with something more. (Luke 24:44-45)

The psalm goes on to talk about how the enemies of God will all perish, and the wicked will fall. But, verses 10-15 tell us about the blessings of being a child of God. “But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” God anoints us daily with fresh oil, or power. If you haven’t seen the downfall of your enemies or evil assailants, you just haven’t heart it yet. Hang in there; God’s got perfect timing! When we are planted in the house of the LORD (firmly in His Word, and Way), we will always flourish and bear fruit, even in our old age. I read just today, in “Daily Bread,” about a woman who was still doing surgery at the age of 92. Is that awesome?! That’s God working in us. I absolutely love the last few words: “The LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” That tells me He will never steer me wrong, never let me down, never fail me. Oh, yes, it is good to praise Him, indeed!

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Through His Eyes

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 86. It’s a prayer of King David. When I read it, I think of my own childhood, and of my children. We all too often forget just how much we mean to them, and how they see us. Whenever I read this psalm, I have to thank God for my grandmother. And, when I think of my busy little self…oh, my gosh, Oma, I love you so much; and I’m so sorry I made you work so hard -and so thankful for your endless patience and love!

Verses 1-4 begin the prayer: “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” Poor and needy is a humble soul/spirit; a hungry spirit. Godly, yes! God doesn’t impute wickedness to His children. He sees the best in us! He assumes the best intentions on our part. I think of hearing that “Mama, Mama, Mama,” and later that “Mom” from the time they woke up to the time they fell asleep. LOL Their hearts are in our hands.

Verse 11 is the simple truth. “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” When I think of a united heart, I think of one that is sure of the truth, and sure of the teacher. That means there is no conflict, everything lines up. The actions prove the words.

Verses 14-16 give us a picture of doubt trying to sneak in and destroy truth and faith. Verse 17 gives us the remedy. “Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.” That sign of favor is the hug when they come in the door, that “you can do it, baby,” when they’re unsure, and even that mama racing across the parking lot with fire shooting out of her eyes because Baby was just threatened. Yes, that was this mama. LOL It ended peacefully, I’m happy to say.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Admonition Of God’s Love=Power

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 64. It speaks to us about the power of the admonition of the LORD/Lord. In terms of generational curses, it gives us a glimpse of the destruction caused by anger and violence.

Psalm 64:1-6 paint that picture for us. “Preserve my life, O, God, from dread of the enemy. How many times did you dread going home, or dread your mother, father, or even your mate, coming home? We can either be a child’s (or a mate’s) best friend, or his/her worst enemy. We need to ask ourselves, “Am I instilling and inspiring fear and animosity; or am I inspiring and instilling courage and security in this relationship?”

Let me tell you what the enemy’s secret plots are. They are to kill, to steal, and to destroy you and everything God has for you. Not only that, but the enemy wants to destroy every generation after you! The goal is to destroy love-love for God, for yourself, and for others. Love is the divine in man, because God is love. You are created in His image and after His likeness.

Verses 3 and 4 tell us they: “whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.” Have you ever chewed out your mate, or your children, and couldn’t even believe the stuff coming out of your own mouth? That often comes from a generational curse. Let me say this now: A generational curse isn’t some mysterious religious thing. Generational curses are wrong and destructive habits, beliefs, attitudes and ways that we pass on to our children-because they were passed down to us from our parents. There is a spiritual significance to those things; but that’s because the devil knows your weaknesses just as well as God does. Now, look at the part of that scripture describing ambushing the blameless, and suddenly. That has to do with two things. First, God doesn’t impute evil to us; so we should always assume the best intention of our children, our mates, etc. Secondly, remember what I just mentioned above? You had the very best intention when you started out with that correction…and the enemy just jumped right in there with anger and bitterness, and reminding you of “your rights,” etc. Now all those feelings of being unappreciated and disrespected just blew up inside you, right? Yeah, the enemy, Satan is the accuser, and he will seek out injustice within you-your mind and heart. But, there’s good news! Gods Word will always refute and defeat the accuser!

Verses 9 & 10 tell us that the admonition of the LORD/Lord causes us to think about, explore, and be willing to implement His Word and Ways. By and through God’s steadfast love, mercy, and grace, we are emboldened to approach Him-not only that, but to RUN to Him! We’re emboldened to exult in His love for us, even when we mess up, because we know and cannot be shaken in our knowledge that God loves us! When we deal with our loved ones the way God does, they’re emboldened to run to us and exult in our love as well-even when they mess up.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Think’s He’s Got You Fooled

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 36. It gives us a picture, again, of evil and evil-doers. Keep in mind, God’s not talking about the average person here. Evil doers are those who choose to embrace evil and do evil rather than good. Verses 1-4 tell us that, “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.” I’m using the (NIV) for this psalm. These people are just as committed to doing evil and harm, as we are to doing good and walking with the LORD/Lord. This is why we have to pray and ask for discernment. This is why it’s so important to know the Word of God, and to know God personally. God’s Word is what we measure everything against. If it doesn’t line up, you’re getting a “head’s up.” We use this standard with everyone, including ourselves. In verses 5-9, King David is recounting God’s goodness toward us, and the abundance of wisdom, peace, love, strength, power, and joy that we have as His children. If you don’t have joy, and you’re a child of God, you need to seek God and figure out what’s going on with you!

I like Verse 11 of this psalm. “May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away..” I don’t know how many times I’ve prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me let go of you.” Sometimes I’m just like a little kid; slipping my hand out of Daddy’s and wandering off…usually in the wrong direction, and getting lost. That hasn’t happened in quite a while, but, I think that’s only because I pray that when I see trouble coming now. That part about the foot of the proud coming against me, is a two-fold thing. We need to pray that the foot of the proud doesn’t come on us, as well. Something I’ve learned over the years is that, the Word of God makes you more humble. I’m always filled with joy when I get it right; but it never fails to humble me. What a wonderful Savior, to love us so much, and with such patience for us!

Verse 8 is a powerful and inspirational one for me. In terms of family life, we need to cultivate abundance for our souls to feast on, and rivers of delight for ourselves and our loved ones. I think of little niceties and surprises when I think of delights. It’s such a joy to hear the happy squeals and peals of laughter of their joy! I also think of holidays, Four-H events, and the simple Sunday afternoon barbecues. That’s where the soul feasting goes on.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Make It A Lifestyle

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 33. (ESV) We’re told to rejoice in the LORD, and that it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. That lets me know that I can make praise, joy, and thanksgiving a mindset, or attitude. Every praise, every psalm, and every thanksgiving offering begins with a word from your heart. Joy is like anointing oil poured over our spirit; there’s no reason a child of God cannot have joy-even in the deepest darkness; the most adverse circumstance. Remember Paul and Silas singing praises in the prison cell at midnight? Yeah. Joy isn’t always laughter and hullabaloo. Joy is very often being still able to enjoy life, rising out of a deep assurance of, and trust in God. “In the world you’ll have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Simply make a point of rejoicing and giving thanks anyway…every day.

One of the things that gives us that deep assurance is that all of God’s work is done in faithfulness. He doesn’t do what He does to get a rise out of you. He’s not seeking anyone’s approval, of even a desired result. God’s not a manipulator. He does what He does, because it’s to be done. The sowing and reaping principle applies here. Jesus said, “Make the tree good, and the fruit will be good.” (Matt. 12:33) God knows that the fruit will come naturally.

Here’s a powerful revelation. “He spoke and it came to be.” Now apply that to yourself, your mate, your children, you life. What are you saying? “You’ll never amount to anything!” OR “Look what you can do!” See the difference. One is negative and destructive; the other, positive and empowering. “for which is easier to say…” (Matt. 9:5) Here’s the second revelation from this verse. (V-9) “He commanded, and it stood firm.” Another word for “command” is mastery. This comes in when we’re talking about respect and self-respect. If you are going to demand respect, you must command (as in master) respect and self-respect. To be respected, respect and be respectable. Then you will stand firm. Whenever we master God’s word, we reach the next level of strength and glory. Verses 10 and 11 of this psalm are out saving grace. And, thank you, LORD/Lord!!!!! No nation can stand against the LORD; for His counsel stands forever, and “the plans of His heart to all generations. Amen and Hallelujah! When we parent our children, and deal with our loved ones the way God does, they’re less likely to fall victim to false doctrine, falsehood, and strange counsel.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

After His Likeness

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 31. It gives us a picture of just how important those standards and boundaries are; and why growing up in the admonition of the LORD/Lord is best. He is, after all, our salvation-every day. (Psalm 31:1) (NIV) “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” 1. Know that that trap was set for your child in the garden of Eden. Our children lives are in our hands. What you teach your child today, might just save his/her life tomorrow. We let them down when we do not have standards and boundaries in place, and when we don’t enforce them. These empower us with self-control, peace, boldness, love, knowledge that pertains to daily living (rules, etc.), as well as knowledge that pertains to their needs and wants, fostering their personalities. This would include sports, hobbies, arts, social life, etc. Verse four also gives us a heads-up regarding their friends, teachers, leaders, etc. We need to screen them carefully. When we do this, they can walk powerfully in life. Verses seven and eight tell us this. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” Verse ten lets us know that our attitude toward sin will either empower us, or destroy us. The choice is ours. You iniquity will cause you afflicted by temptation, weakness, and sorrow and grief. As the former wife of a drug addict, I still mourn all the losses this man experienced. And, we all know that water trickles, runs, and rushes downhill, right? Verses 11 & 12 show us, again, how Satan works to twist your thinking, to bend your will, to gain that foothold. This makes me think of a broken vessel, a city suffering for famine of the Word of God. Verse 14-18 give us a prayer to pray in times of weakness and/or stumbling. Verse 19-24 is how every prayer should end. We stir ourselves up in spirit by remembering God’s goodness toward us, and reciting His promises to us. We speak to the mountain!

Proverbs 31 is a picture of the kind of wife – and husband (there is no male of female in Christ Jesus) one should strive to be. I remember tales of my grandmother going out with grandfather to help him with his work; and vice versa. My grandmother would laugh when she talked of my grandfather and how he coddled the children; especially when they were in trouble with Mama. LOL

I did a study on Proverbs 31 last year, and posted it on smashwords.com Here’s the link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/896505

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Maybe He’s Doin’ You A Favor

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 30. Psalm 30 is King David singing to the LORD. The whole thing is beautiful! (Psalm 30:6-7)”As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” (ESV) This one really caught my attention. I’ve had three or four of those mountains in my life. There’s a twofold revelation here. First, we can get so caught up in our success(es) that we forget who got us there. “King/Queen of the hill, I am.” You’re already in trouble the minute you think it. I know; you think God would say, “Oh, yeah?” He doesn’t. God says, “Oh, no!” He knows what you’re in for. The devil loves to knock you down. That’s where the second revelation comes in. “By your favor,” O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong.” Oh, oh; what happened to my mountain? My high place just turned into a desert wilderness! It’s a mountain of sand! And here comes the storm! “God, why did you let that happen? God, can you hear me down here?! GOD, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! GOD, HELP ME!” “Yes, my child, I am listening. Now you’ve got it right.” (Matthew 5:1-14) (ESV)

Proverbs 30:1-9 reinforce Psalm 30. It’s almost like a small recap of Job. “I’ve learned my lesson, and I’ll just shut up and praise you now, LORD/Lord.” LOL Proverbs 30:7-9 go on with a short request by Agur, of the LORD. Then the rest of the proverb gives us some observations Agur has made. He ends with a bit of wise advice.

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