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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The Path Of Faith

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 97. It is a psalm of praise, extolling the LORD’s power and goodness toward us. There are a couple of revelations in this psalm that will inspire us to turn quickly to the LORD; and they also empower our peace in the midst of the storms. I’m reading from the ESV.

Verse 5 is where we’ll begin: “The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.” This is a revelation of how powerless all those trials and tribulations are before God. I cannot recall one instance in which I, even casually, said, “God, help me…”, or “Lord, I need your help with this,” etc., that God didn’t come through. -Not a single one. Things didn’t always work out immediately, and sometimes they didn’t work out the way I thought I wanted them to, but God never failed me. “Ask and you shall receive,” Jesus said; and you always will. Where we miss it, is in those few minutes that we should be breathing deeply and quieting our spirit. It is in the stillness that God speaks. This is where the inspirations, the ideas, the strength, and the courage come. The mountains do melt like wax, and that wax polishes the path of faith.

Verse 11 is the next little revelation to us: “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” This is that gentle wave of inspiration, ideas, strength, and courage that comes to us as we look to the LORD/Lord. That’s the light that is sown for us. Being upright in heart is not just about being obedient, being righteous. It is about standing in expectation before the LORD. It was sown. It will produce; because the Word of God is alive and active, and accomplishes that for which He sends it. There is a boldness implied here, of one who knows who, and whose he/she is, and steps into his/her right/rightful place. We don’t have to whine, plead, or beg. We simply have to ask and believe that it’s ours; because it is. We have the right, as children of God to approach the throne of grace boldly; just like Jesus.

I hope you ‘ll read the entire psalm, because it’s another good one for stirring up your faith.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Sowing & Reaping

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 85. It’s very encouraging, and hopefully, it will strengthen your faith and your commitment to God.

“LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.” These are verses 1-3 of the psalm. (ESV) This is a reminder of our salvation; of God’s love for, and toward us. Look closely. God covered ALL of our sin, and withdrew ALL of His wrath, turning from His anger. That means when you do mess up, you can go boldly to the throne of grace, confess to Him, and be, not only forgiven, but be instructed and helped to make it right. (Heb. 4:16) Is that awesome?! Yes!

Verse 5 asks the questions: “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?” That was answered in part, in the first three verses. God does not punish the generations behind us for our sins, or for the sins of our fathers, and so on. (Deut. 26:24) There’s a promise regarding generational curses in (Jeremiah 31:29). “In those days they shall no longer say: “‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’” That’s a promise that we can, and will overcome those generational curses, and all the dysfunction that comes with them, in our own generation, if we’re willing. Yay, for me and my kids, and so on, and so on!

Verses 8 & 9 are the key to making that happen. “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.”

The last four verses of the psalm show us the sowing and reaping part. “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.” When we show steadfast love, we reap faithfulness, because we’re empowering trust. “Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.” The world around us (from inner circle to community) reaps the benefits, as well. “Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way. When we follow in God’s footsteps, which Jesus gave us a picture of, we’re leaving footprints for others to follow.

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He Makes You Want To Sing!

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 81. It’s a long one, in which you can see God admonishing His people, through Asaph. Verses 1 & 2 tell us: “Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.” (BSB) He is our strength. Let me tell you, I am living proof of that. I cannot tell you how, but by God’s grace and His hand, that I made it through some of the things I’ve come through. And every time, I come away with some new treasure or two, and an even deeper trust and stronger faith in Him. And, I can’t even express how much I love Him. He makes you want to sing; right in the midst of the storm, with the wind whipping around you, and the waves trying to swamp the boat.

I hope you’ll read the whole psalm. You can see God’s heart for us.

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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.

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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.

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The Power Of Life & Death

Today’s message is part two of Psalm 12. As I was studying this, I found a connection between (Psalm 12:6) “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times“, and (Proverbs 6:16-19) “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.”

When we look at this in terms of the power of life and death being in the tongue, and in terms of what is in the heart determining what comes out, or manifests itself in our lives, we get a powerful revelation. This gives us a checklist to help guide and direct us in our dealings with others. This is especially important when we’re parenting children, and dealing with loved ones. But, Jesus also said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matt. 5:9) This checklist helps us to bring peace and life to a situation, rather than death and destruction. I’ve outlined them below.

Haughty eyes -When we think that we’re better than others, lording over them in arrogance. We’re not better than anyone else; we’re all better off than others at various times, in various situations, and ways because we are children of God and have His love, wisdom, and power and protection. See, that’s not anything that we did, or do, on our own.
A lying tongue -Lying weaves a web that everyone can be destroyed in. I believe this is something based in and brought on by fear. Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life; so we can see by this, that truth is the way to bring life, and to empower it.
Shedding innocent blood can also be done by a vengeful spirit, cruel words, and malicious intent. These are all destructive of spirit. “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) This is why we’re told to guard our hearts; the issues of life flow from the heart. (Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Jesus told us that the good man out of the good stored up in his heart brings forth good, and the man out of the evil stored up in his heart brings forth evil. Words are seeds; and they take root in the heart.
A heart for wickedness is vengeful, malicious, against God and His law, likes to destroy, make trouble, and instill fear, doubt, dejection/manipulate your emotions.
A false witness is a slanderer, and instigator, troublemaker, and a gossip.
A sower of discord does the same thing through manipulation. Numbers 4-6 are all connected.
Feet that hastily run to evil belong to a scoffer or mocker, to one who has a heart for evil. This person joins in with evil-doers, has a mob mentality (many against one), and vengeance is this person’s first choice in response to an offense. Proverbs 12 gives us the promise that the root of the righteous will never be removed. This means that every generation of a child of God will have a remnant; from the very first-which was Adam and Eve, to the very last generation of this age. Praise God! This proverb is filled with teachings about justice, truth, mercy, and grace, as well as teachings about right attitudes, speech and counsel, and actions. Verse 11 admonishes us that working that field we find the pearls in (the Word of God) and implementing the things we learn from it, will bring us victorious life.

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Our Father; Full Of Mercy & Grace

First, let me apologize for this being delayed today. I needed to take some time off yesterday due to a foot problem, and didn’t get to do my posts as I wanted to.

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 6. Psalm 6 gives us a picture of how detrimental to our soul, that sin can be. It also gives us an assurance that God sees, and hears-even when we’re besieged by sin-ours or that of others. When we cry out to the LORD/Lord, be it in fear, in dismay, at the end of our rope, etc., He answers us according to His steadfast love, with mercy and grace. When we fall into sin, or our heart gets a little hardened, and we finally come to the end of ourselves, God does not rebuke us or chastise us, in anger. God hates sin; but He loves the sinner. Verses 8-10 show us that just the knowledge that you are heard and cared for by God, gives hope and strength. That’s a good reason to stir your spirit up in the knowledge of God’s love for you every day!

Proverbs 6 gives us an idea of how much God hates sin and sinfulness. Verses 16-19 outline seven things, specifically, that God hates. Thus, going back to verses 1-11 admonish us to be careful of getting entrapped in sin, especially with our own words. (Words have power) We encouraged to bolster ourselves timely with God’s Word, to ensure a good harvest, or good fruit. We need to turn back immediately when we find ourselves in temptation, or in sin. The earlier we turn back, the more adversity and soul anguish we can avoid.

Proverbs 6: 20-25 let us know that the Commandment (standard and boundaries) is a lamp and the teachings of the LORD/Lord, a light to preserve us. Reproofs are admonitions, or warnings that we need to correct our actions. Correction is a way of life; we are not infallible. Correction empowers life, and life (truth, way, life) empowers self-correction. God’s admonition protects our soul, and empowers us with clarity, and strength to turn away from sin. If you look at verses 27 & 28, and think in terms of things that go against God’s standards and boundaries, you can see the danger of seduction by sin. The longer you dwell on something, the more apt you are to be swayed by it, to take it to heart, and to be ensnared by it, if it’s sin. Wherever you mind wanders, your heart is sure to follow, and then, there you’ll be. Wander into God’s Word, His Love, Peace, and Joy.

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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)

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Turn It Into Love

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that only love lasts. Only those things done in love will remain. If it isn’t inspired by love, then it is not of godly quality, we’re told.

The message references (1 Cor. 13:1) “f I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” That shakes things up a little every time I read it.

When I read the message, I thought of Jesus and the crippled man He healed. (Matthew 9:1-5) “Which is easier to say, “your sins are forgiven”, or “get up and walk?” Both got the man up on his feet, but one is inspired by love (mercy and grace) – the gift. The other is impersonal and uncaring; and, in that context and tone, demanding. Said the way the Lord, Jesus said it, it inspires hope, peace and courage, and faith. The message tells us that the true test of all our works is this: Is it inspired by love? I had occasion to pray and ask God to strengthen me in this area, just this morning. “Go first and learn what this means: “I desire mercy; and not sacrifice.” (Matt. 9:13)

It’s not easy, and getting harder and harder, to walk this way without faltering, isn’t it? The message bids us to turn out everything unloving in our hearts and lives, so that we might bear much fruit. That’s a two-fold statement. First, we are to strive to always be loving; to let our words and actions be inspired and measured by love. But, what goes in comes out. Therefore, we must also turn out everything that is in our heart, thought life, encounters with others, the television, etc., that is not loving. There are people you may need to spend less time with, there are things you may need to put away, and there are things you may need to change in order to keep unloving things out of your way. This even translates to our home environments and routines. All that negative stuff, and negative energy is distracting and destructive of peace; which is essential for love to thrive. We can get all caught up in hectic and half-hearted spirals of “living” if we’re not careful.

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