Not By Might, By His Power

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus’ miracle working power is very much present with us today. We are encouraged to remember that when we trust Him completely, and leave the timing to Him, whatever the need may be, will be met.

When I read this message, I think about working so hard to make things happen. I didn’t realize back then that I was taking the reigns out of Jesus’ hands in doing that. The Bible tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That’s a good reminder to me that I need to let up and just let go; especially when things don’t look like they’re going anywhere.

Looks can be deceiving, and trust me, I learned this some time ago: Jesus is always working. As a matter of fact, He already worked whatever that need is out-a long time ago. What He’s working on now, in regard to that need, is you. He’s working on your heart, your perseverance, your faith, and your determination to keep your joy.

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

Feast Like There’s No Tomorrow

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to keep a listening ear bent toward the LORD/Lord. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Those are Jesus’ words.

It is when Jesus is on the scene, that the feasting begins. This message reminds me of the hours I spent in Bible study after I first came back to the Lord. During my baby girl’s nap time I would just feast on God’s Word. I always tell people it was just as if I were sitting at Jesus’ feet, like Mary did when He visited the home of Lazarus.

This is the reason that we are to seek out time alone to study God’s Word. It’s the reason we have the privilege of prayer, and the joy of praise. It’s through these that we are able to gain more and more intimate knowledge of our LORD/Lord. It’s through that intimate knowledge that our relationship with Him grows.

This is one of my favorites by Mr. Ray Boltz. When I first heard this, what an absolute FEAST my torn and tattered soul did partake of. Thank you, Mr. Boltz. And, thank you, Jesus, for loving me so.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Suited To Fit You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God adjusts the yoke to fit us. God knows us; has known us from the beginning, and already knows exactly what size, make, model, every little detail, needs to be.

The key to Divine Revelation about God’s way, is the simple acceptance of God’s will. When I say God’s way, I mean the way He has mapped out for us. Each one of us, strengths, weaknesses, limits, etc., have been carefully considered by Him. This is something to keep in mind when you’re not feeling like you’re doing anything significant for God. First, let me tell you, there is no such thing as insignificant in the Kingdom of Heaven. The little one year old who’s helping Mommy polish spoons is doing a bang up job! He/she is significant! As we obey our LORD/Lord, we grow, and God readjusts the yoke to fit us, now at this level.

I hear people say so often, “I’m seeking God’s will in this.” True, we do need to get specifics. But, for that everyday living, God’s will has already been stated. “I came to destroy the works of the devil; and I’ve come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” If we could just have that firmly settled in our minds, and hearts, half of the hotline phones in Heaven would be silent. It makes such a difference in your whole frame of mind, your attitude, and your heart, when you have that one little anchor. It brings an immense and profound peace to your whole being. Ephesians 5:8 is referenced: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Be Assured; You Are Blessed

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are, indeed, blessed by our Heavenly Father. Quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org: “Assurance is the calm born of a deep certainty in Me, in my Promise, in my power to save and keep.” We are bid to gain this calm, and to hold fast to it always. Psalm 46:10 is referenced: “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” When I read that, I see that nothing can separate me from the love of God; and nothing can stand against Him. And, God will be exalted in my body, or in me, when I allow Him to be. God cannot do anything in you, or for you, until you trust Him to. When we turn to God to strengthen our faith in Him, and that calm returns, the work can begin and be done. I am reminded of the boy with the unclean spirit, whose father cried to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

I broke that verse (Psalm 46:10 down word by word, once. It changed my whole perspective of who I am in Christ Jesus, and the power I do have in His Name, His Word, in Him. “Be perfect therefore, as you Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48) Still -“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37) And – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah (32:27) Know – “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” That – That God! -The One who is truth, life, and the way. The One who does have your best interests at heart! I Am – He’s not I Was, He is everyday, all day long! God -There are numerous scriptures that attest to this. But, the one that empowers us the most is this one: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)

I hope you’ll be encouraged to look up every scripture about God’s love, His promises, His power, His fierce protectiveness over us. I hope you’ll write them down and speak them out loud, if you have to, every time you have to. The Word of God is alive, and every time you speak it, it will accomplish what God would have it to accomplish – IN YOU…IN YOUR LIFE.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Block Them And Keep Going

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are far too hard on ourselves. The message addresses guilt, shame, and self-reproach. “But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail.” (Jeremiah 20:11)

This is such a key revelation to us; especially when we’re dealing with generational curses. We bring a lot of baggage with us when we come out from under them. We may have been used to negative talk, thoughts, attitudes. Those persecutors (guilt, shame, reproach) are all right there and ready to whisper those same negative things into our hearts. Let me tell you what God’s Word will do: God’s Word will refute every tongue that rises to accuse you (negative criticism) (Isaiah 54:17)

When we fail, right there is Jesus’ love surrounding us. In the spirit, we have to hear that “it’s alright, let’s get up, and keep going.” When we do this, we begin to realize that it’s never really as bad as it seems. There’s always hope; and always a way, if you’re willing. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking of my very first cake. I misread the directions, and poured the entire bowl of batter into a bowl of cold water. My chocolate cake was about 1/2 inch tall, and my poor dad was the taste tester. He kept assuring me it tasted delicious, and said, “now that you understand, you’ll bake a great one next time.” But I remember how disheartened I was when I took that cake out of the oven. Had it not been for the love and kindness of my dad, I may have given up cooking and baking altogether. That would have been a shame; because I love to cook and bake!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu