Blamelessness Brings Power

Today’s message comes from Psalm 101. It’s an awesome reminder of God’s love for us, and of His standard and boundaries for us.

The very first and second verses are our focus. ” I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;” Singing of God’s steadfast love and justice keeps our spirit stirred up, and our faith strong. Pondering the way that is blameless means that we do not impute, or assume wickedness or ill intent to anyone or anything, until we’ve checked things out thoroughly. When we impute wickedness or ill intent, we automatically create a negative environment. Blamelessness, or neutrality, not forming a negative opinion about the person or the situation, brings us the power to diffuse the devil’s “darts,” and to learn (truth) from the person or situation. It also brings us the power and the opportunity to minister to that person (s) in that situation, empowering them, and bringing victory over the situation.

An example would be that spilled drink. Imputing ill intent would have us saying something negative like, “You’re so clumsy!” That’s a judgment and an accusation of carelessness. “What happened?” (seeking truth) “You spilled your drink.” (truth) Truth can empower responsibility. “Let’s get it cleaned up.” (empowerment) Victory! If you haven’t found out how it happened, especially when we’re dealing with a child, now would be the time to help him/her figure that out. (Put the cup too close to the edge of the table, not paying enough attention and forgot the cup was there, etc.) This empowers them with the knowledge that there is a way to avoid that happening, and helps them to be more mindful, which brings more confidence.

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Satan Found Your Suitcase

Psalm 56 brings us today’s message. King David wrote it when the Philistines captured him at Gath. As I read the psalm, I couldn’t help thinking it sounds like the devil found your suitcase. You know…all that old baggage from back in the day…hmm. When you’re going through recovery-be it from alcoholism, drug addiction, and other manifestations of generational curses, you can bet Satan’s got a bloodhound tracking you. And, every opportunity he see, he’ll open that suitcase you left by the way, and start hurling that old stuff at you!

Rest assured. God sees, hears, knows, and answers! Verse 12 gives us they key again, to activating that power of God. It’s is praise and thanksgiving. And, Verse 13 is your promise: “For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.“(ESV) You don’t have to hide, don’t have to hang your head, etc. Just keep walking, head held up, in the light of life; real life!

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Believing Is Seeing

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that feeling is not an indicator of whether or not we have God’s love. Jesus said, “Blessed is he who believes and has not seen.” So, on those days when we don’t feel as if He’s with us, we know He is; because He promised never to leave us or forsake us. “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age,” our Lord said.

I know it’s been a long year, and we’re all a little tired. Covid19 has taken quite a toll worldwide. But we have a God who sees and hears. He’s been with us every step of the way; and He will walk with us to the victory! Look up, for your salvation draws near.

Casting Crowns is one of my favorite group of worshippers. I hope this blesses you as much as it does me.

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Wise Enough To Seek Him Still

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to make time to seek the Lord. The message tells us that all men seek Jesus; but not all know that it’s Him they seek.

He is the answer to all their hurting, sorrowing, confusion, and troubles. It’s our mission, and great privilege, to show them God’s love for them by our living, and our testimonies. But, if we want to live powerful lives for the Lord, we, ourselves, must not forget to seek Him. This is why we have the privilege of prayer; and remember that God walked with Adam and Eve daily in the garden of Eden. We also have the privilege and power of praise to bring us into God’s Presence. Jesus sought time alone with the Father often. We should follow His example until we are conscious of His Presence with us, and around us every minute. I found this wonderful old song, done by the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song often comes to mind when I think of where Jesus found me, and brought me from. I hope you are as blessed by it as I am.

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!

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He Doesn’t Need To Hear It…

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that your heart’s cry is heard over everything in Heaven. Is that an awesome revelation about God’s love? I have to say thank you for that! Thank you, Jesus!

When I think about this in terms of generational curses, I think of Jesus’ words, “But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21-22) What does that have to do with a voiceless cry? Well, when you see that child that just spilled the milk, or just set the toaster on fire, or just filled the tub with the entire box of detergent, and every piece of clothing he could get his beautiful little hands on, does your heart go out to him/her? How could you not be hurting for that frightened child, and want to rush in to save him/her? How could you not fall absolutely head over heels in love with that little helper, and praise him for his little heart?

God responds to us in exactly that way. He looks at our hearts, and He knows our hearts. He also knows that the enemy’s greatest weapon, and his favorite one, is fear. It is never God’s intention to inspire fear in us; never! When God speaks to us about punishment; it is because we are about to reap what we have sown. When God admonishes us, it is always with the intention of getting us to repent and correct our behavior. And, God is always right there, ready, and so very willing to help us get up and back into right standing; to overcome whatever it might be. The admonishment of the Lord, (Eph. 6:4) saves us from our fear and frustration, and empowers us with instruction and training, to overcome the obstacle between us and growth, or progress.

This works when you’re retraining that wounded child within you, as well. That ties in with those powers I talked about a couple of days ago -the power of laughter, patience, protectiveness, etc. God never sees us as failures. He always sees us as victorious; because, in Christ Jesus, we are-in everything!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Learning To Wait

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the waiting is the hardest part. I just had that little talk with Jesus this morning. I was praying and surveying some situations, and I said, “Lord, I need an acre of land. Jesus, please!” I could almost hear His laughter. That’s when He reminded me that He’s the boss; and that he knows better and has better timing than I do. Now, He’s hearing my laughter as I’m loving Him for confirming that little reminder of this lesson this morning.

Getting into the habit of just reminding myself of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, will, and power, helped me so much in this waiting area. It’s something I used to have to do quite often. After awhile, it gets you to the point where you can just say, “Never the less, Lord, not my will, but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)

This message ties in with yesterday’s message about true success, and with my post from Oct. 28th, about looking for, or at, the glad surprises (the candy bar) in God’s pocket. Together, all three give us a clearer picture of God’s love for us, and empower us to learn the value of waiting on Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Feeling That Feeling

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to feel the plenty in God’s Kingdom. We are assured that the storehouses of God are filled to overflowing with all of God’s goodness. – For us!

We’re told to walk by faith, not by sight. So, that feeling of plenty is really not a feeling, but a knowing. It is a matter of changing one’s thinking from supplication to thanksgiving. I believe that when we do that, we begin to grow, not only in faith, but in relationship with God. We begin to see that there is much more to God’s supply than material blessing. There is wisdom, courage, creativity, delight, humility, inspiration, joy, knowledge, laughter, love, passion, patience, peace, power, rest, security, steadfastness, strength, talents, understanding, zeal, or excitement. This is all WEALTH! And, see how wealthy you really are?! Yeah! God’s really, really good! My whole being was changed, merely as a result of giving thanks to God each morning, instead of a to-do list. Not that we shouldn’t make our requests known to God, but we should also-and this ties in with yesterday’s post-settle it in our hearts that it’s a done deal. God answered in the beginning! When we can accept that it’s already been done for us, we can start each day with a grateful heart, and the assurance that God’s got us covered.

This is an old one, but such a good one! Thank you, Michael English and the Gatiher Family.

Service-The Privilege Of Kings

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to serve all; to never think any job beneath our dignity. We are reminded that we are showing our love for our Lord, Jesus, in our service to others.

As I read the message, the words of Mother Theresa came to mind: “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” That’s such a powerful revelation! That tells me that in serving, and thereby serving the Lord, I am freed, first from the fear of man’s disapproval, and then from the need for his approval.

Service is the privilege of kings and queens. We are crowned with responsibility, hopefully, humility, and leadership. As children of God, and brothers and sisters in the Lord, we all take that leadership role at various different times, and in various different ways. But, the kings and queens who humbled themselves to serve with love are always the ones whose kingdoms endure. When you think of this in terms of your personal kingdom of family and close friends, you can see how this affects the legacy we leave behind. My Dad was one of the greatest examples of humility and service I’ve ever known.

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Let It Become The Song In You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that our praises bring God joy. We are bid to sing praises to His Name. That Name is the one thing you need to know. It is the Name you need to know to call when the storm rolls in. It is the Name you need to know when the sun is shining and your world is all good. Sing it until it becomes the song in you…and you in it.

I found this beautiful celebration of Jesus’ Name. Thank you Ada Ehi for sharing it with us. What a wonderful, joyful praise it is!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu