Sometimes You Have To Lay Down

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when things aren’t going right, we need to look up to the Creator and His creation. (Psalm 121:1-2) is referenced by the message. I also like (Psalm 89:11) – “The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.”

There’s one more scriptural reference that goes with the message. (James 4:10) – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” The message bids us to train ourselves to look further than the end of our nose; ever further. This helps us to build greater vision; vision that can make things happen. When I think about that, I think about a pebble thrown into a pond. The ripples go outward from the point of impact (you); not inward. Each ripple outward is a little larger. This can happen when we share what the LORD/Lord blesses us with-be it knowledge, inspiration, revelation, admonition, whatever. It’s important to keep in mind that we are not just trudging through life here. Jesus said, “I’ve come to destroy the works of the devil;” and again, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” We are to be like Him; doing whatever we can to dispel evil and bring life abundantly, wherever we can.

When I thought about building greater vision, by looking further and further outward, I had to lay down. Remember when you were a child and laid out on the lawn? You were looking up at the sky, and you could see such a great expanse of it, right? Stand up and look straight up, and see how much of it your eyes can take in. Not very much, I found out. But when I lay down flat on my back, I can see from straight up over my head, to the horizon, to the tips of my toes. And I can see everything in that panorama….and so much more. God always has more for us than we expect. We often miss it, because our vision is limited. Sometimes, especially when things aren’t going right, you just have to lay down to get up.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, How He Loves Us, Indeed!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, admonishes us to trust God wholly; to know that there is nothing He cannot do. Upon reading the message, I thought I’d share a few scriptures with you. They all show us God’s heart for us. They are all God speaking to us.

“How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.” (Hosea 11:8 ESV)

“So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest. Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering. Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.” (Isaiah 16:9-11 BSB)

The Bible is filled with scriptures that show us God’s heart for us. He is such a loving and wonderful Father! I hope you’ll read through the Psalms and the Prophets and find as many as you can! Meantime, David Crowder said it so well with this wonderful song. This song always just grabs me!

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It Is Wherein We Must Dwell

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must dwell in God’s Presence. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17 ESV) When things start to go sour, when fears begin to assail, when tears begin to fall, that place within us where God’s Spirit dwells is where we must run to.

Dwelling there is a matter of presence of mind, persistence of will , and perseverance in effort and practice. We must be aware, and catch ourselves when we feel the tugs and bonds of the world pulling at us. We must choose and make a conscious effort, then, to reenter that presence of the Spirit of God. Finally, we must make it daily practice to start the day, and end the day in that Presence. In the Garden of Eden, God walked and talked with them in the cool of the day. (Genesis 3:8) (Lev. 26:12)

This is such a beautiful way to enter in to the Presence of the LORD/Lord. I love the whole album; but this is one of my favorites. Thank you, Paul Wilbur.

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One Step At A Time

Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, reminds us that the way we walk is one of uncertain future and faltering steps.

The Way is, however, not one of uncertain future. Nor do God’s steps falter. We are bid to put all fear aside and trust Him wholly. “Know,” says the message. We are admonished to walk assured of God’s promises; that He is leading, and that He will reveal Himself and His will and way to us.

The key to walking in assurance and power is to walk one step at a time. I don’t worry about whether or not God’s going to wake me up on this side – because I know that whether here or there, I will be with Him; and He will be with me. He is with us always, knows the end from the beginning, and has already prepared the victory for us. We have but to walk it out. And, the reason we do that, is to learn our true identity in Christ Jesus, and to master that identity as kings and queens in the earth. When we keep that mindset, holding fast to the truths in the Word of God, it gets a little easier to walk in assurance. One day, you realize that you’re no longer even wondering about the future, because you already know God is your future.

Someone asked me recently what I thought of all the suffering I’ve done. I told them, “I see it all practice to help me as a queen. -“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 2:15) You see, Jesus came to serve; not to be served. That’s the mark of a great ruler; don’t you think?

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They Don’t See It; We Can

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to look more and more toward the Kingdom of Heaven. We’re bid to look up from Earth’s sorrows, sadness, and sordidness; up and into Heaven.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:27) Jesus was talking about the beginning of the end time, here. It applies to us today. What you see is not as important as what you perceive is. That means how you are affected by something is more important than the something. How one is affected by things is largely a choice.

The choice is ours. Do I let the news dictate whether or not I’ll have a good day? Do I let my job loss cause me to feel inferior, unable, fearful, etc.? All the promises of God are yes and amen, in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 1:20) That tells me that Heaven is a beautiful place, a positive place, a possible place! It also tells me that I can be happy in spite of all that’s going on in the world. I can create and sustain beauty, peace, joy, life, even in the sordidness. I can bring life, peace, beauty, and joy to those who sorrow, and into the sadness of the lives of others. I have but to determine, or to choose, to do so. Once again, “brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things,” applies to us. (Philippians 4:8) When we do this, we can manifest it, and the unseen becomes more visible to all down here.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Sentimental Silly-July 25, 2020

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is the boss-the controller of every second of every minute of every day. We are asked if we can see how wonderful life really is with Him.

It got me thinking back to our military days. We don’t always like what’s happening. I hated having to move away from friends; and it seemed as if that’s exactly what we were always doing…moving, moving, moving. I was the oldest kid in the family, and, naturally, not very impressed with some of the stuff my younger siblings pulled. My mother was always good for embarrassing this teenager too. But, just when you think you’re at the end of your rope, God throws the curve ball…and everybody’s roaring with laughter. This very thing happened on one particular journey. Six women in the family; and all had to use the restroom. At this particular place, there was ONE restroom for ladies. Also, we were on a time constraint; my dad did not like to get off schedule traveling. So, there was I, on the potty, while my sister was washing her hands-both of us crammed into this little stall. My mother was supposed to be holding the door ajar slightly, so the next girl could duck in quickly when ready. Something happened, and she got distracted and let go of the door, which opened wider all by itself. Just at that instant this gorgeous guy happens by. He’s looks in at me, and says, “Hi.” I’m smiling at him, thinking how cute he is…”Hi,” I said back to him. That’s when I remember I’m on the potty with my pants down around my ankles. Needless to say, I didn’t need any blusher when touched up my makeup.

It gets better, we had dinner there. After dinner, we all piled into the car, and Dad had to go into the restroom. He came out of the restroom, and headed straight for this station wagon that looked exactly like ours – but wasn’t. We were all roaring as he started to tell the poor lady in that car she needed to get out; just before he realized she was the only one in it, and he was at the wrong car.

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Just Don’t Let Go Of His Hand

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God knows where both you and He are going. We’re told that God does indeed guide us. But, He guides us with His eye; not ours.

Whenever I read this message, I think about being a little girl and walking with my uncle. I didn’t know my way around town. He did. I didn’t even know the street names, or which shortcuts got us where faster. He did. And then, there were those days out with my grandmother. I had no clue what all we had to get done before we went home. She did. She had the route and all the stops planned out; even a stop for a favorite treat once in awhile. This is what it’s like to walk with God. He knows so much better than we do. He’s known the end from the beginning, including all the changes in between. One thing I was always sure of when I went out about town with my uncle or my grandmother. I knew I was loved, protected, and in great company! God loves you! So, just don’t let go of His hand.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu