Don’t Fear Him; Fear Him

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 111. It’s in praise of the LORD, His love, and His works. When I read it, I recall being just filled to overflowing with a sense of wonder at some of the things I’ve found in God’s Word, or at some of the things He’s allowed me to experience or be part of. I never would have gotten that much out of my relationship with Him, did I not respect (fear) Him and trust Him; because I never would have been looking for Him. I want to focus on verses 7, 8, and 10.

“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”

When I read these verses, that making the bed thing comes to mind. The , “do it even if and whenever you don’t want to,” thing comes to mind too. That’s what that performing it with faithfulness and uprightness means. And the victory over the chaos, confusion, struggle, etc., is why we do it faithfully and uprightly. It is when we lay aside the fear (terror) of the LORD and fear Him, that we can begin to really have relationship with Him. That’s when we begin to grow in spiritual knowledge and power.

When I think of these verses in terms of generational curses, I can see how important it is that the works of our hands (deeds) and our precepts (rules/standards/boundaries) be faithful, just, and trustworthy. This is what makes us respectable, and makes our kids able to trust and respect us.

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If He Doesn’t, We Don’t Either

Today’s message comes from Psalm 5, and from Proverbs 5. Psalm 5 begins with a prayer, actually. “In the morning, you hear my voice; I prepare a sacrifice for you, and watch,” the psalmist says. Beginning your day with God is absolutely revolutionizing to your life! I can tell you that from personal experience. Try it for one month, and make sure you note the changes you begin to experience, in your attitudes, your strength, patience, etc.

Psalm 5:4 -6 tells us: “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” If God doesn’t delight in it, we shouldn’t either. And, if you think about it, and are honest with yourself, none of us does delight in wickedness when we’re on the receiving end; do we? Sin, as I’ve said before, comes in three ways: 1. Sin others commit against us. 2. Sin we commit. 3. Sin fallout-which is the way the sin in the world affects us and our lives. But, we have a hope in Christ Jesus. Psalm 5:7-8 say to us, “I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house…” This is a powerful revelation about the power of love and faithfulness. When we exercise love faithfully in our dealings, and are faithful to the Word of God; to His ways, we surround ourselves, and those we deal with, with protection against the sin and wickedness. The last two verses of the psalm are awesome! “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” There is jubilation and rejoicing over being loved. When we walk out our new life with the LORD/Lord, as we walk it out, there is, truly, less and less struggle, and more and more joy and peace.

Proverbs 5 is, again, a father’s admonition to his sons. This warns about “the forbidden woman.” if you think in terms of standards and boundaries, this woman represents false teaching, cults, and ways and practices that are contrary to God’s Word and His Ways. This includes some of those peers who consider themselves “cool,” and those friends who really aren’t your friends in the end. Proverbs 5:5-6 tell us what’s actually going on with them: “Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.” The rest of the proverb tells us there are consequences to sin and iniquity. Iniquity is your attitude toward sin-be it your own, or someone else’s. Verse 22 tells us: “The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.” Lack of discipline is actually a destroyer. It causes us to struggle needlessly, and sometimes even destroys dreams and goals. That’s a powerful revelation to parents about letting our children just run amok. Lack of discipline makes your child ignorant, foolish, powerless, and easy prey for evil. It makes us easy prey for the devil.

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It Must Come Out First

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that this walk with Jesus is a lifelong journey. From my own experience, it’s the journey of a lifetime.

The message tells us that we can only proceed upward step by step and stage by stage. “And we all having been unveiled in face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18) No journey is taken in one step; but step by step.

When I read this message, I think about Psalm 23:5 -“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Being transformed into God’s image and likeness involves constant intake of His Divine Nature, His Word, His Love for us. However, as we fill up with it, we must make room for more. (Proverbs 25:16) That’s why we must be doers, and not only hearers of the Word. In the hearing, we are being empowered with truth and wisdom. It’s in the doing, however, that our faith and character grow. Our spirits are strengthened, our hope is renewed, and joy rises up within us over our growth in Christ Jesus, and the things of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Romans 2:13)

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One Accord, Accordingly

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when two or more are gathered together in Jesus’ Name, nothing shall be impossible for us.

We are, however, admonished to ask wisely. Being of one accord is not just unity of our love for the Lord. Being of one accord is being united in the decision(s) regarding the wisdom of what we’re asking, united in the decision about whether or not it is according to God’s Word, and united in the desire(s), results, goals we have in regard to what we’re asking.

I can, from my own experience, recall a few times a group of people just went gung-ho for something, only to have it go completely wrong. This happens when we’re not all on the same page in regard to the things listed above. Even when we pray alone for things, we’re not really alone, because we have the Holy Spirit and the Lord both helping us. But, it’s always best to look further down the road and try to picture what results we might get then, before we pray and get going full tilt on anything.

I’ve found, over the years, that my strongest prayers and best results come when I just ask God to work His will in me and in my life. He always reveals Himself and His Will. We just need to be more attuned to His answers.

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He Believes In You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is not willing that any should perish. We are reminded that Jesus never gives up on us. He is the “Heavenly Beggar, in His great humility, always knocking at the door of your heart. And, let me tell you, Jesus can and will be there the instant you call on Him. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them. And, He will take you into His arms and make you His when you come. “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,…” (John 1:12)

Even after you’ve been saved, Jesus never pushes Himself on you. He knows each heart, and He has perfect timing, and the perfect way to reach you. I’ve been chastised so gently by the Lord. And then there was one time I asked, “Lord why don’t I feel your presence? Why aren’t you talking to me?” The answer thudded in my heart: “When’s the last time you came and talked to me?” Not that Jesus was trying to teach me a lesson. But let me tell you, the Holy Spirit will surely reveal your heart to you. I’d been into this, “it’s all about me” attitude with the Lord.

As children of God, we are commissioned to preach the Gospel, and lead others to Jesus. I’ve learned something over the years; from my own life experiences, as well as from witnessing to others. I’ve also picked up some revealing little nuggets just from listening to people talk about God. One of the most important things is that people don’t want to hear about how to get to Heaven, nearly as much as they want to know how to get out of their Hell (s). Heaven is, for the unbeliever, much too far away for them to “waste time” thinking about right now. “Give me something that I can use, and right now,” is pretty much what their attitude is. One of the best salvation sermons you can preach is about what Jesus has done for you. The woman at the well did just that, and a town full of folks got saved. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves, or what to say. For at that time, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

I was in a discussion about whether or not God exists, one time. The man kept saying He didn’t believe in God; and rather snidely. I wasn’t arguing with Him about it. I did give Him my testimony of some things Jesus has done in my life, and of the power of God displayed in my life. Still, he said, “I do not believe in God!” I said, “That’s okay. He believes in you. Remember that when you need to.” Then I walked away. “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) That’s the scripture that came to mind as I was leaving. Sometimes, it’s only ours to sow the seed. The Word of God is alive and filled with power; and it will accomplish that for which it was sent. So, just be still, and know that He is God, He has perfect timing, and He will save whom He will save. You’ve done your part.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Loving Him More Builds Faith

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is in every experience we have in life. His love is always there for us. Each experience, be it a good one, or one that makes you feel like the world’s coming apart at the seams, brings forth another particular aspect of God’s character. It also illuminates that character in us. Sadly, I must admit that it sometimes does not shine nearly as bright in me. Thankfully, God is loving, merciful, and patient. He always picks me up and dusts me off…and sets me on my feet again. “Keep going,” I can hear Him whisper.

As we love Him more, we seek Him more, and our faith in Him grows. As our faith in Him grows, we can’t help but love and seek Him more and more. What a wonderful Savior! I said this year’s blog would be more about walking it out. If there is one thing that draws me nearer to God every time and any time, it is praise and worship. Even one little line of a praise song can bring Him on the scene. LOL I’ve found this one from Elevation Worship. I hope it will bless you.

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Learning Restraint

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there’s a time, a place, and a way. God, knows all; especially all hearts. We are told that His power to save increases as our understanding of His Salvation increases. He never forces Himself on anyone; never rushes in too soon to save us. That doesn’t mean God doesn’t want to help us. It simply means that we will be helped more by learning and doing ourselves. It’s the “hands on” learning experience that strengthens us; building up the confidence, or faith, we need in Him and in ourselves. Part of being a child of God, a parent, a friend, is exercising that same restraint.

We are reminded that God’s power is limited only by our lack of vision. This makes me think of Jesus and the man at the pool at Bethesda. When Jesus saw how long he’d been lying there like that, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) There’s a powerful revelation in that; especially when we’re dealing with generational curses. We have to ask ourselves that same question.

There’s another statement Jesus made that comes to mind here. He said to a lame man that He had healed, “See, you are well.” (John 5:14 ESV) If you take the comma out of that sentence, you get this: See you are well. This has to do with vision. It has to do with a new horizon for you. Look forward to where you want to be (your horizon), and see yourself well, successful, etc. This is the transformation part of being saved. (Romans 12:12) We change our thinking and walk in the new ways. We don’t have to wait to walk in the new ways. God sees us as righteous, victorious, and glorious the instant we accept Jesus as our Lord, and become God’s children. However, restraint is also necessary here. We need to learn to wait on the Lord, and let Him lead us at times. We also need to keep in mind that He may withhold things until we are ready for them.

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Seek It Within Yourself

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to trust in the goodness of God. When we become children of God, we have that goodness put into our hearts. We are created in His image, and after His likeness; so we now can begin to grow into that image and likeness. (Genesis 1:26) “Be perfect therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect,” said Jesus. (Matt. 5:48)

“I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14) This is what God longs for us to have every day of our lives; souls that are feasted on the Word of God, and wholly satisfied by and with His goodness. The way we obtain that is to seek the goodness of God within us. As we discover them, we lose things like that sense of condemnation (by self or others). We lose things like fear; especially, of things like rejection, failure, loss of control and freedom, and even loss of time. We also begin to actually lose lack (within and in our lives); and begin to experience more and more fullness of spirit, life, peace, joy, all the awesome things God has for us.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) The first thing to do when things go wrong, is to look for that kingdom within; for that goodness of God in you. Perhaps you need patience, or courage, or comfort, or just an idea. It’s there within you. Getting quiet and just waiting for the Lord, for a minute, brings the peace we need to see those treasures; the goodness, and good things of God. I hope you’ll take time to read the message at twolisteners.org – it’s one that can revolutionize the way you see yourself.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

You Cannot Serve Both

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to ask ourselves whether we are serving God, or serving money/riches. Mammon, it is called in the Bible.

As I read the message, I recalled a conversation I had recently, about someone being refused a meal because they wouldn’t give up their personal information and register. They were told the reason was that if they didn’t register, the church couldn’t get paid for the meal by the government. Jesus tells us, in Matt. 6:24, that we cannot serve both God and money. Either we will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. This is very true. We prove it. I don’t think there’s a Christian that hasn’t experienced this conflict in one way or another. And, the love of money will definitely cause conflict in your life. With it comes debt, deceit, stress, all kinds of stumbling blocks.

Some of us who have held down two, and sometimes three jobs, just to make ends meet, know what a cruel Lord money can be. Work, work, work; and there’s still nothing left over, and still no chance of getting ahead. Some of us have fallen into the prestige and power trap. We sold ourselves to the “up and coming crowd;” the “Haves.” Some of us got caught up in the money trap because we tried to replace our self respect and/or dignity with stuff, stuff, and more stuff. We have to be very careful with our attitudes about money/mammon, because mammon is a very sneaky adversary. I say that, because the spirit behind it and the world’s ideas of wealth, are at work for the powers, principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavens. In reality, it is only sidewalk. It’s what the streets in Heaven are paved with.

Solomon said that money answers everything. It does. It pays the rent, puts food on the table, fills the car with gas, etc. But, money is to serve us; not vice versa. Keeping our attitudes about it in line with God’s Word, and practicing good stewardship/management, are the keys to staying free of bondage to it. There’s also that checklist of things like pride, fear, greed, and the like, to reckon with. We can easily fall into the money trap by way of these.

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His Name – Still Powerful Today

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus’ Name is still as powerful today as it was all those many years ago.

As I read the message, I thought about all the times I had to remind myself of that. His Name is still as powerful today, as it was the day I got saved. I thought about my grandmother, and her testimonies of Jesus and His love. It occurred to me, that every time she spoke His Name to me, the power of that Name was drawing, guarding, and guiding me to where I am today. Jesus said He would draw all men unto Himself when He is lifted up. Nowadays, trusting in that wonderful Name is as natural as breathing. It doesn’t occur to me to doubt; not for a second. I know He’s got my back, no matter what may come along.

The message tells us that the consciousness of His Name can lift the mood, change the atmosphere, and elevate thought, attitude, conversation, and, even actions. I’ve had countless experiences that went from “nothing goin’ on,” to “oh, wow, this is going to be fantastic!” -just because I heard that Name in a praise song, or because I, or someone else, spoke it. Jesus…what a beautiful Name it is, indeed. It has the power to stop you dead in your tracks, back you up just a little, and wrap you in it’s warmth, peace, and love. Sometimes, that’s exactly what one needs, isn’t it? It has the power to open doors, and to close them. It has the power to raise a dead thing to life, or to lay something that should be dead and gone to rest…and finally set you free from it.

The message bids us to be ever conscious of His Name, breathing it. It is, in the spirit, our very breath, I believe. Here’s a challenge. Find three or four songs about Jesus’ Name. Play them back to back, and just bask in the joy, peace, power, and love that it brings with it. Now, have a wonderful day!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu