Union In Everything

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is present when there are two or three gathered in His Name. This presence is different from when we gather together to praise and to hear from Him. This is a sweet, sweet spirit filled to overflowing with His love, peace, joy, and with our Lord, Himself-His very nature. That’s one reason we need to get to know Him as intimately as we can. We do that by reading the Gospels, the Psalms, the Prophets, and Revelations. All these books speak of Jesus Christ, our Lord. In them, you catch sight of His heart, His compassion, His joy, simplicity, courage, and ferocity when it comes to us, his followers. He truly is the Lion of the tribe of Judah; in every sense of the word!

I discovered some time ago, that union has to come at all levels, in order to truly bring unity, and power. The best example I can think of to illustrate this, is your home. It is especially important that you feel unity and cohesiveness in your sanctuary; which is what your home is. When there’s a mess in the front hall, it’s not very welcoming, is it? You want to turn around and go right back out, don’t you? Yeah. The same is true of cluttered spaces within the home. God is a God of order; not chaos and confusion. Chaos and confusion bring division; they break up the unified space that makes up your sanctuary. They distract your mind and heart, and deplete positive energy. When that happens, we end up with negative emotions and energy. The same is true of family dynamics and relationships.

This is where standards and boundaries come in. When we set them, enforce them, and follow them, stick with them, we can bring about union in thought, attitude, and deed. We can truly bring about unity among family members, co-workers, team members, etc., and thereby, increase power and effectiveness; not to mention joy. It’s all about being of one accord; which is what unity and union are. And, Jesus truly does delight in these; you can feel it when it’s happening.

PS – I didn’t forget you, Will, I just forgot that I was posting a day ahead. Happy Birthday! I hope your day was awesome, and filled with all things wonderful!

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

Yes, But Spend It Wisely

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that money is meant to be used. Like everything else, we get to choose how we use it. We, as children of God, are encouraged to give, give, and give some more; keeping ever an “empty vessel.” This should be our attitude in regard to all the wealth we have; not just about money.

First, let me say this about money: Money is not the wealth. The wealth is the wisdom and integrity with which we use the money. I believe, in being encouraged to keep an empty vessel for God to use, we’re being told to always be ready for God to use us. Don’t get so filled up with yourself and all your stuff that you have going on, that God doesn’t fit in there. You don’t want things to be so tight that God can’t get a plan in edgewise, right? Yeah. That means budget some of that money especially for doing God’s work. That takes us a little beyond the tithe, which is for use in the upkeep of God’s House. God wants to reach every heart He can, and He has told us that His plans are to prosper us. When He prospers us, we are better able to prosper the Kingdom of Heaven, by reaching out to others. Think of that business idea you’ve got. When that comes to fruition, think of the jobs you can create, the people you can help, and the people that might be reached for God…all because of your obedience and faithfulness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Maybe The Problem Isn’t Your Ears

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we never ask anything of God, that He does not respond to. He hears every prayer, every complaint, every whine, every whim, every cry. The answer is there. Unfortunately, we often fail to hear it.

Maybe the problem isn’t your ears. It could be your heart. Do you have something you need to tell God? I used to ask my kids that whenever they got distantly quiet, and stopped asking of me, or seeking to speak to me. Sometimes, we load ourselves with guilt over stuff that really doesn’t even matter -at least not that much. We allow ourselves to get distracted, doing, doing, doing…and we do, like, a run by praying. You know, you’re actually going a hundred miles an hour in your mind at church and, “God, please make that jerk boss of mine see my point tomorrow, thanks and amen…SEE YA!” Maybe you need to just STOP everything, spend some time in praise and worship, and just get all the clutter and mutter out of your heart…get your peace back on-and in you. It’s always soooo much easier to hear God when the world is quiet!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu