Say To God; Bring It To Life

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 66, and teaches us the importance of speaking things out.

Verse 3 tells us: “Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.” Do you see the “WOW, Dad!” in those statements?! We need more of this kind of communication with our Heavenly Father. Just like in any other relationship, communication is necessary. It builds knowledge of one another, builds confidence and trust, and solidifies relationship.

Verse 5 says, “Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” You can see what God has done for us just by looking out the window in the morning, listening to the birds, watching wildlife, taking in the beauty of the sunset colors, etc. I was discussing the early morning temperature with someone recently. I’d read somewhere that anywhere you go in the world, the temperature is always coolest between 3-5 a.m. I got to thinking about the desert heat. By 7 a.m. in June and July, it’s already unbearable. When you think about it, The sun coming up, were the temperature not 20 degrees lower, with a slow warm-up, would fry us by 5 a.m. That’s God protecting us.

Verse 9 assures us that God keeps us; and keeps us where we belong, too. I’m living proof; God will meet you at the gates of Hell and tell you to get your behind home! He does this by allowing us to feel the weight of our sin(s). Verses 11 & 12 tell us that. There’s mention made of men riding over our heads here. That made me think of Jesus’ words about how the rulers of this world lord it over one another. Look at some of the stuff you’ve had to do or tolerate, in order to support your sin and sinful lifestyle. The good news is that God always brings us from that place of lack (strength, truth and conviction, etc.) to a place of abundance. Plenty of room to stand firm, plenty of truth, love, peace, power, joy, and support. You only have to seek it. “Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)

Verse 13 had me laughing at myself. You know how you come running to God, ready to lay that thing at His feet-after it gets so heavy that it’s crushing you…and the thing isn’t really dead yet? Yeah, you know. It’s just playing possum with you; because you are not dead to that thing! You know that old saying, “It can’t hurt you if you don’t care about it?” That’s very true. (Romans 6:1-4)

Verse 18 tells us that God doesn’t listen as long as we’re cherishing that sin and sinfulness. He listens, but He won’t lift a finger to ease your misery. As I said above, it’s the weight of that thing that will bring you to your knees, . that will bring you to your knees before the truth; and before the Truth, the Life, and the Way. Yes, on your knees before Him. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) And that’s when He can help you! You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped, can you? Verse 19 tells us that God will meet you at your deepest, and greatest need (spiritual). He “attended to the voice (tone) of my prayer.” You know how Mom always knows if it’s really life or death, or just a hissy? Yes, DAD does too. Think in terms of the Great Physician. Just like a medic, God won’t ignore that deep gash in your head from which blood is pouring out profusely, and take care of your hang-nail first. Finally, God’s steadfast love is never removed from us! Rather, it is we who remove ourselves from it. So, if you feel like God’s not with you, it’s not because He left you. Start hollering, “DADDY, DADDY, DADDY,” just like that little lost kid in the department store.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Stay Beneath Those Wings

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 57. It reminds us of the safety and surety to be found beneath those wings. It’s easy to become fearful and panic in those storms. There’s good news! The longer you know and walk with the LORD/Lord, the harder it becomes to become fearful and panic. So, when those storms hit, make every effort to stay beneath those wings.

You’ll find all kinds of stuff coming at you in the storms. Yesterday’s message addressed how Satan tries to throw all that old stuff back into your lap. Right at the height of the storm is when you need to see it coming. The wind carries all kinds of debris from your old life with it (those are the old ways of coping, the past failures, and every insecurity driven reaction you used to have). The rain pelts you and soaks you. Fear and assails you, you’re second-guessing yourself again, and it gets harder and harder to keep going.

Verse 2 tells us that God’s Word spreads itself over and around you, though; to protect you. He fulfills his purpose for you. That lets us know that there’s a purpose for you in every storm! Got takes whatever’s meant for evil against us, and turns it to bring Himself, and us, glory. He will be exalted above the heavens. Here’s some more good news. You are seated at His right hand with Christ Jesus. It isn’t you who is hemmed in by the storm; it’s the enemy who is. Praise, as I’ve said before, activates that power that brings His glory down over all the earth. When I read the word “earth” here, I think of myself, my flesh. Yes, it really is in the hallelujah. The more we do that, the more powerful the hallelujah becomes.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Ah, That Tongue Thing Again

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 15. Psalms 15:1 Asks the question: Who shall be welcomed and able to dwell with God, in His presence; and who will be able to walk in the power of the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Holy Spirit? We have a whole list that begins in verse 2, and ends in verse 5.

“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.” (NIV) *Most other versions do not include the word poor in that statement about lending money without interest. Also, that word despise means to avoid, in this sense. God hates the sin; but He loves the sinner. However, we can fall into some dire straits by hangin’ out with the wrong crowd; and by letting the wrong people into our inner circle…*living proof, I am.

When we move on to Proverbs 15, we find all kinds of revelation and admonition about keeping our hearts pure and our speech edifying, and honorable (Eph. 4:29) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Verse 15:19 addresses sloth. Sloth is laziness. When we get lazy-in doing, in learning, and in being perfected in love, we’re in dangerous territory. Sloth/laziness will immobilize you, imprison you, and incapacitate you. All three of those are interchangeable in order.

I hope this song by MercyMe blesses you today. We don’t have to fall to the circumstances; we can, in Jesus’ Name, overcome them all.

Love you from Cafe du Mondicu

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

They’re All In Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need not waste time seeking answers to all the mysteries of the world; they’re all in Jesus. And, Jesus is in all of them.

We’re bid to seek Him; to seek to know Him more intimately. In that knowledge, we will find our Lord in all the mysteries of the world. When we see Him in those mysteries, they too, will be dispelled. In that knowledge, we will find that He has, and is, the answer to everything…every need, every gift, everything; and everyone, really. I hope you’ll read the message for yourselves at twolisteners.org – it’s powerful; and so exciting for us! Just think what kind of peace Jesus revealed in everything can bring; and what joy! That brings me to this song by Third Day. I will never tire of this one!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Giving Comes From Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give all we can, in every way we can. We are to imitate the greatest giver(s) of all time; Jesus, and our heavenly Father, who gave His own son for us.

Jeremiah is the prophet I’m currently reading for my study on generational curses. Chapter 30:18-22 speaks to me of what a great giver God is. It shows how mindful He is of us, our needs, our trials and tribulations. This is how we should think when we are presented with opportunities to give. After all, we are blessed in order that we might bless others as well. Jesus said, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As you read these verses, we can see God’s heart is to lift up, to rebuild/restore dignity, joy, and peace, to prosper a soul, and to honor humanity, as it was designed by God. That leader spoken of is Jesus Christ, our Lord. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When I think about that in light of everything we face in the world, and how much of a difference one kind word, even a smile, or a helping hand can make for someone…I am inclined to bow before the Lord first, at every opportunity, and ask Him just to do it through me.

I’m also so grateful for all those beautiful people who give in almost every step they take. You are an inspiration to me when I want to just give up and throw in the towel. Thank you, all!

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

Serving All Isn’t As Hard As May Seem

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are here to serve…just as Jesus came to serve us, and not to be served.

The message bids us to be a servant of all. The first time I read that, I scratched my head a couple of dozen times, and was still confused after I thought about it. Oh, my God, how can I possibly serve everyone? I don’t even know what some people need or want? What?! One day, I was reading about the woman at the well. I read the part where Jesus told her that God seeks those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. That’s when it hit me. I am to have an attitude of humility, friendship, helpfulness, and kindness toward others in my world. I am to reject any notions that anybody owes me anything, that I am entitled to any honors, or preferential treatment, etc. The best King is the one who will fight right alongside his soldiers. Jesus never asks us to do anything He, Himself wouldn’t do. When He does ask us to do something, He equips us for the task.

That last statement gets me every time I want to put my hands in my ears and act like I don’t hear God. It makes me laugh at myself when I want to just fall to the ground and say, “I can’t,” or “I don’t want to.” “Do it anyway,” God says. When I change that attitude, and get the right one going, life is good. Things get done, friends are found, or new ones made, and I’m not disappointed. If you don’t expect anything, you won’t be disappointed.

Some might say that’s a negative viewpoint. It isn’t. It’s pure truth. We are not entitled to anything more than anyone else is, nobody owes us anything in the way of lauds and praises, or preferential treatment. We are all one in Christ Jesus. That’s why we’re told to honor one another above ourselves. When we do this, both you and the other person are honored. God has said that whomever humbles himself will be exalted, but whomever exalts himself will be humbled.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It’s Not a Mistake; It’s an Opportunity

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is a good God, loving, kind, and so very patient with us.

The message speaks to us of mistakes. We sure make a lot of them, don’t we? Sometimes they’re pretty embarrassing. Sometimes they’re costly to us, especially in the way of spirit. I’ve made a few I didn’t know how I was going to recover from; they took me a pretty piece downward. I’ve even had some roadrash on my face.

Here’s the good part about those mistakes. They are opportunities to learn and grow; and to grow in our relationship with the LORD/Lord, and in faith-in Him, and ourselves. God’s love shields us from the power of the pain, the embarrassment, the shame, guilt, and the fear that comes when we’re overwhelmed, and it all comes crashing down. The problem is that we don’t step into that little space that is enclosed roundabout by that love of God. We all too often choose to suffer; to allow the mistake to torture and immobilize us.

The thing to do is to seek God in the mistake. Seek the things He’s put there for you to learn and grow by. Seek that little mirror shard, that will show you just how loved and believed in you still are-by God. These are the treasures in your mistakes that turn the disaster into a springboard for you. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, have a good cry, or better yet, a good laugh…and carry on, my friend. Carry on. God’s still right there with you, and ready to keep walking it out with you, until you get where your’e going. When we allow ourselves to be held by the mistakes and their fall-out, we become blinded to the possibilities, and the power to be found through them.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Seeking Fullness of Spirit

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that spiritual fullness is required to empower us to overcome the world. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

This is the scripture referenced by the message. Here’s a direct quote from the message, that will links the message up with that scripture. “Do not weigh your spirits down with the sins and sorrows of the world. Only a Christ can do that and live. Look for the loving, the true, the kindly, the brave in the many all around you.” That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care, or care for the world around us. First, we must know where to draw the line. Medical personnel practice preventative hygiene and take preventative measures. As ministers sent out to a sick and hurting world, we need to do the same thing. Preventative hygiene for us is that looking for the loving, true, kindly, brave, etc. We find that, not only in the people all around us, but also in the rest of God’s creation. We find those things also in God’s Word, and in commune with Him through prayer and praise. When we make this a daily practice, seeking in every place we find ourselves, we can have that spiritual fullness throughout the day.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu