It’s Powerful!

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 32. Psalm 32:1-6 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered; the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit is no deceit.” That’s just verses 1 & 2. This is a revelation on how we are to deal with those who transgress against us. First, we are to bless them, in and through the admonition, instruction, love (grace, mercy). Secondly, we cover that transgression by keeping it out of any future dealings with that person. We don’t recite past sins to them. We count no iniquity against him/her; meaning that we don’t automatically assume wicked/evil intent on their part. When we do this the way God does it, we empower truth and destroy deceit. Truth sets you free from sin. Deceit keeps you in bondage to it. Verse 7 lets us know how we need to deal with our children; right from the moment they come to us and confess, or yell, “Oh, oh; Mommy/Daddy!” That’s what God does. Remember the story of the prodigal son? Jesus said there’s more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents! We need to celebrate their strength and boldness in coming to us with the truth; and we need to shout for joy with them when they get it right. Verse 8 is God reminding us that He’ll teach us, so that we can teach our children. All you have to do is stop, drop, and pray. That’ll put out the fire. Verse 9-11 address stubbornness and foolishness, or misunderstanding. A bit and bridle are referred to here. That’s a twofold revelation, though. First, don’t be stubborn and foolish. But, secondly, don’t raise your child as if they’re on a leash, or with a bit and bridle. That’s not only imputing wickedness/foolishnss to them; but it also robs them of the opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, we’re aiming for the admonition of the LORD/Lord. Love, as described in 1Cor. 13, empowers and instills the desire for uprightness of heart. Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts well, for the issues of life flow from them. As parents, we need to guard our children’s hearts. Love protects, love hopes (“I believe in you) That’s what Jesus said to all of us on Calvary.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Sorrow Leads To Joy

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, speaks to us of Jesus’ suffering. He was despised, rejected, even by His own, betrayed, beaten, mocked, spat on, and crucified. So each one of us are, or will be, in various ways during our lifetime. Spiritually, that’s a given for every single child of God. Satan does not like us; and he will set out to destroy everyone who becomes a child of God.

We are bid not to measure things by the world’s standards, the world’s valuations; but by Heaven’s standard. That standard is love. (1 Cor. 13) We’re told to see the mob, the jeering, mocking, the cruelty of the guards and the Pharisees, the fear of the disciples-especially Peter. There’s a beautiful revelation in those accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It’s summed up in Proverbs 4:18, which is referenced with yesterday’s message. “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Jesus is that glimmer of light in the darkest darkness. The Kingdom of Heaven shines before us to give us hope all throughout the dark night, until that sun, and the Son/son, is fully risen.

In spite of, and because of, all that Jesus willingly gave up for us, when it looked like the battle had been won by Satan, Jesus rose from the tomb! He, then, ascended to the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Whatever we go through, we have the same hope; for the future when Jesus comes to take us home. But also, for the very next instant when Jesus takes over and brings us to the victory over the adversity. There is NO tomb that you cannot rise up out of! This is one of my most favorite songs ever! Thank you, Dallas Holm! This is SO AWESOME!!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Yes, Ideal

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that in Christ Jesus, we are all righteous, perfect-in the future, wholly wonderful human beings-in the future. The message tells us, quoting directly from twolisteners.org, “For every man there is the ideal man I see in him. The man he could be, the man I would have him be.”

I got a really powerful revelation of what kind of change can be affected when I line up my desire, with God’s will, word, and ways, and follow suit with my words and actions. I saw it happen in my children, and in each of my mates. The key is in this, “the man I would have him be.” That means you have to think a little bit, about what you want to empower this person to feel like when you say this to him/her, or by what you do. The secular world calls it, “catching them being good,” and is based on the premise that praise empowers growth of self confidence and desire to excel.

We’re told to judge of Jesus’ heart when we feel others fail us. It is the way God deals with us. I’ve found so many examples of God’s forbearance and grace in dealing with us, as I’ve done my study on generational curses. God always seeks to empower us to rise above the world, to overcome the adversity, to win at living. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

A Freewill Offering Of Prayer

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to pray for a situation to be righted, or for a person to be changed-immediately as an adversity is occurring. We’re told that it’s our responsibility.

I never really thought about it like this before, but it’s just like stepping in between the bully on the playground and your brother or sister. Only the fight is in the Spirit, isn’t it? Hosea 14:2 (NIV) says it this way: “Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Isaiah 58:12 (ESV) tells us, “your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” When I think of this, I have to rejoice; especially in today’s hurting world. We have the power to change the tide for someone in a future generation, just by praying for someone. That brings me to what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt. 5:9 -NIV)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It Might Just Be For Your Tomorrow

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell reminds us that we are athletes in training. We are not running a short sprint race. We are running a much greater, and longer race than that.

We are supposed to reach the whole world, you see. That means we have a long way to go, don’t we? It’s a lifelong race, and sometimes grueling and painful. I learned something looking back over my life one day. So many things I had gone through prepared me for so many people and places I would find myself dealing with and working in, in the future. This is what God means when He says He’ll give us treasures in darkness, and rivers in dry places.

In looking back, I also discovered something else. Those wonderful play-times with my grandmother, the games and puzzles, and all those other things I loved so much, and was encouraged in, were things that played a part in my calling(s). As I’m studying out how God deals with us, how He draws us, calls us, and prepares us, I see why God puts all those little interests, gifts, and talents within us. Theses are the things He uses to draw us to the paths we are to walk in life. That’s why it’s important to foster creativity in our children, and to help them develop their interests and talents.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Money, Honey

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are not to value money the way the world does. We are to seek first, last, and always, the Kingdom of Heaven. “…and all these things will be added unto you,” the scripture says.

The message bids us us to get away from money values altogether. I think a better way to put it would be to say: Get away from valuing money altogether. When I read that statement, I think of guys and their power tools, their cars, and stuff like that. They almost worship them, don’t they? Yeah, women do too. I still drool every time I see a Lamborghini Countach. We have to be careful not to let money rule over our senses and good judgment. Money isn’t to be our master or god.

Unfortunately, money does answer everything, doesn’t it? Yes, it pays the rent and bills, living expenses, etc. But money, unless it is used according to God’s will and purposes, and for the sake of God’s glory, is actually just stuff under our feet that trips us up. By that, I mean that it’s like rocks, pot-holes, brambles, etc. Rocks get in your shoes and make your feet sore. I hit a pot hole once, and thought I’d ripped the oil pan right off the car. Brambles and burrs stick to your clothes and scratch your legs up. See the hassles?

But when we use money according to God’s purposes-which are pavement, provisions, preparations, and presents…oh, the places we can go, the things we can do, the peace, power, and pleasantness of life we can provide. Handling our money responsibly is part of God’s plan. It’s part of good stewardship. Good stewardship includes tithing and benevolence, planning for the future -we are to leave an inheritance for even our children’s children, and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven-making sure the Gospel is preached in all the corners of the Earth.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Count Your Blessings

eden08122015

Happy September! Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us realize how rich, indeed, we really are. We have Jesus, all His love, grace, patience, kindness, strength, power, authority, peace, and joy…the list goes on and on. How can we fear the future, when Jesus holds it in His hands?

When I read the message, I thought about how blessed I was to listen to some good music over the last two weekends. There were free concerts on Fremont Street Experience, here in Las Vegas. I had to thank God, when I read this message, that I am able to hear the music. I also think about how much I enjoy the taste of my morning coffee; especially when it’s a good cup of coffee. Being able to take deep breaths is another treasure, after my ordeal a few summers ago, when my lungs crashed.

I don’t really fear the future. There are things I want to get done while I can do them; but I know God’s got my life in His hands. He holds the future. All of that peace and joy came through Jesus Christ, our Lord. While we can’t just wander aimlessly through life, we can be sure we’re going to survive it. LOL There is truly so much to be grateful for. When we pay attention to those little things we often don’t think about, we can realize that we have been blessed and given such treasures. I think of that “pressed down, shaken together, and running over,” scripture. Our God is a good God!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu