Which One Will You Be?

Today’s message is Part Two of Yesterday’s message from Psalm 35. We’re picking up at Verse 10, and I’m reading from the ESV. “All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

I want to focus on the words, “poor,” and “needy.” I also want to focus on that “from him who robs him,” part of the statement. Do you know that being poor and needy in this psalm means you are lacking something spiritually? King David was not a poor man materially. In (3 John 1:2) we read, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you (you may prosper) and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul (as your soul prospers). ” That lets me know that I might be, (actually, I am) either my own best friend, or my own worst enemy. My soul is my responsibility. Remember the parable of the sower and the seed in (Mark 4)

How do you deal with the relapse, the slip, the stumble, etc.? (Matthew 9:5) “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” Yes, rise and walk you must. But when you take on guilt, shame, fear, embarrassment, you are taking on so much weight spiritually, that you cannot get up. That’s what the pierced head, hands, and feet of Jesus freed you from. When your mind/spirit/heart/soul is hedged in (crown of thorns), your hands and feet are pretty much powerless. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Take responsibility instead. Acknowledge the truth of the situation, but do what you must do to correct it.

When we mess up, we have to speak salvation to our soul. When we speak God’s Word, we are sowing seeds of life giving power into our spirit and soul. Do you remember Jesus’ words on the cross just before He died? “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” God’s Word is God, Himself, coming to your rescue! Be your own best friend, and find every scripture that tells you what you are in God’s Sight! Precious, honored, the head and not the tail, etc. Write them down, and read them out loud’ every day, all day long throughout the day if you have to. Do not take the embarrassment, guilt, or shame! Jesus took that to Hell when He died for you!

This song never ceases to fill my heart with gratitude to the LORD/Lord. I get teary-eyed when I think of Jesus’ love for us. It’s the very same love the Heavenly Father, Himself has for us! Love yourself like they do; you’re worthy! Jesus did that for you! Thank you, Gather Vocal Band! I don’t know where I’d be without you.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

If He Doesn’t, We Don’t Either

Today’s message comes from Psalm 5, and from Proverbs 5. Psalm 5 begins with a prayer, actually. “In the morning, you hear my voice; I prepare a sacrifice for you, and watch,” the psalmist says. Beginning your day with God is absolutely revolutionizing to your life! I can tell you that from personal experience. Try it for one month, and make sure you note the changes you begin to experience, in your attitudes, your strength, patience, etc.

Psalm 5:4 -6 tells us: “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” If God doesn’t delight in it, we shouldn’t either. And, if you think about it, and are honest with yourself, none of us does delight in wickedness when we’re on the receiving end; do we? Sin, as I’ve said before, comes in three ways: 1. Sin others commit against us. 2. Sin we commit. 3. Sin fallout-which is the way the sin in the world affects us and our lives. But, we have a hope in Christ Jesus. Psalm 5:7-8 say to us, “I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house…” This is a powerful revelation about the power of love and faithfulness. When we exercise love faithfully in our dealings, and are faithful to the Word of God; to His ways, we surround ourselves, and those we deal with, with protection against the sin and wickedness. The last two verses of the psalm are awesome! “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” There is jubilation and rejoicing over being loved. When we walk out our new life with the LORD/Lord, as we walk it out, there is, truly, less and less struggle, and more and more joy and peace.

Proverbs 5 is, again, a father’s admonition to his sons. This warns about “the forbidden woman.” if you think in terms of standards and boundaries, this woman represents false teaching, cults, and ways and practices that are contrary to God’s Word and His Ways. This includes some of those peers who consider themselves “cool,” and those friends who really aren’t your friends in the end. Proverbs 5:5-6 tell us what’s actually going on with them: “Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.” The rest of the proverb tells us there are consequences to sin and iniquity. Iniquity is your attitude toward sin-be it your own, or someone else’s. Verse 22 tells us: “The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.” Lack of discipline is actually a destroyer. It causes us to struggle needlessly, and sometimes even destroys dreams and goals. That’s a powerful revelation to parents about letting our children just run amok. Lack of discipline makes your child ignorant, foolish, powerless, and easy prey for evil. It makes us easy prey for the devil.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Walk In That Promise

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is the only source of supply. Everything else is a resource. We are bid to hold fast to that truth, and to trust and walk in God’s promises. Isaiah 45:22 is referenced; but I found some verses that outline that promise to provide for us.

(Isaiah 45:1-3) Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” *(Yes, we are anointed, and He has grasped our right hand.)

By this, we can clearly see that no nation, nor any king can stand against our God. He goes before us to open doors and prevent access from being cut off to us. That means you’re going to get where you need to be to be helped. He levels the exalted places; which are not only places that may try to keep us out (the exclusives), but also included are the thoughts and attitudes of others, and ourselves, that would prevent us from getting our needs met. Doors of bronze and bars of iron keep us in and out. Doors of bronze represent judgment against us. Bars of Iron represent imprisonment; in a certain class, or place (keeping you in your place), and in certain mindsets. (lack of self esteem, lack of education, etc.) God will illuminate truth for us, and reveal whatever information we may need to get where we need to be, are called to be, want to be. Yes, even our wants are of concern to Him. (Psalm 37:4) “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When we see God as the source of all we need, and seek Him for all we need, God reveals Himself and all we need to know, in order to receive what we need.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Seek It Within Yourself

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to trust in the goodness of God. When we become children of God, we have that goodness put into our hearts. We are created in His image, and after His likeness; so we now can begin to grow into that image and likeness. (Genesis 1:26) “Be perfect therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect,” said Jesus. (Matt. 5:48)

“I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14) This is what God longs for us to have every day of our lives; souls that are feasted on the Word of God, and wholly satisfied by and with His goodness. The way we obtain that is to seek the goodness of God within us. As we discover them, we lose things like that sense of condemnation (by self or others). We lose things like fear; especially, of things like rejection, failure, loss of control and freedom, and even loss of time. We also begin to actually lose lack (within and in our lives); and begin to experience more and more fullness of spirit, life, peace, joy, all the awesome things God has for us.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) The first thing to do when things go wrong, is to look for that kingdom within; for that goodness of God in you. Perhaps you need patience, or courage, or comfort, or just an idea. It’s there within you. Getting quiet and just waiting for the Lord, for a minute, brings the peace we need to see those treasures; the goodness, and good things of God. I hope you’ll take time to read the message at twolisteners.org – it’s one that can revolutionize the way you see yourself.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Make Every Day One Of Increase

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to run to God when our faith fails us. We are reminded of the man whose son had an evil spirit. He asked Jesus to help him, if He could. “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” That’s when the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:17-24)

There’s a passage in the message that gives us a little insight into faith. It tells us that as we get to know Jesus more and more, our faith grows. It works that way in any relationship. At the same time, as our faith grows, we are more aware of what we lack in the way of faith. We also become aware of more ways in which we fall short of walking in power. I’m talking about overcoming power and effectiveness.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10) This scripture speaks to me of the territory within. That’s where it all begins. Whenever there’s a revelation that leads us to repentance, to correction, to courage, etc., that territory within is enlarged. That territory within is the Kingdom of Heaven, or your heart for God. Spending time with God daily, and in His Word, helps to build the relationship with Him. This is where we can take that shortcoming, that thing that we just can’t get past, or even that thing we’re wanting to learn to do, and get the territory enlarged.

When we’re dealing with problem behavior, or other things we’re trying to overcome in ourselves, we surely don’t want to suffer any harm in the process, right? God is abounding in steadfast love; and His mercy and grace are always sufficient to accomplish the victory, without doing you harm. The pain we may feel actually comes from the flesh not wanting to go along with the Spirit. You know; the scale says skip the lasagna and go for the salad, so you do…and what comes by on the dessert cart? Tiramisu! “Jesus! You said this wouldn’t hurt!” “Oh, wait; Satan, get behind me!” “Sorry, Lord.” Now, you pray for the willpower to skip that dessert. Jesus sends it, you walk out triumphant, and the next time that Tiramisu comes to entice you, you’re not even phased. Ha!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Feeling Plenty Goes With Gratitude

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are not paupers in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rather, we are daughters of a King; the King of Kings, to be exact.

We are bid to feel the plenty that we have; to think thoughts of plenty. When I read this message for the first time, it turned me around completely. I realized that, at best, I had been merely accepting of whatever I had. My thinking changed completely; from acceptance, to expectation and gratitude.

That feeling of plenty goes hand in hand with gratitude. The expectation comes in as Jesus told us to do: “Seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given you, knock and it will be opened to you.” I’ve told the story about the roast for four turned into stir fry for ten before. That’s the illustration of expectation. I didn’t see the roast as a roast anymore. Rather, I saw it as a meal for a half dozen more people; a bigger meal. I did ask Jesus to help me feed all those people. The idea for stir fry came to me. I had knocked on opportunity’s door, and it had been opened to me. What a beautiful evening we all shared. Yes, I did thank the Lord.

Making gratitude your attitude frames the day for plenty to manifest. It empowers you to seek positive solutions and possibilities. It will manifest in every area of your life, too. You’ll find a way to streamline that project, and get it done a little earlier. You’ll happen across a lunch special and be able to treat a coworker. You may be able to leave work a little earlier because you saved time on that project, and that gives you the time to set a special table for hubby and yourself, or for the whole family. Are you getting a picture of what I mean?

When we train our minds and mouths to speak plenty instead of lack, positive instead of negative, etc., we begin to sow seeds that will bring us plenty…abundance of life, and abundance in life.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Is The Source From Which It Flows

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is our only source of salvation. We are to see Him as our only supply. Everything else is a resource and/or a channel through which that supply flows.

Salvation comes daily, and it comes in many ways and from many things. Poverty of spirit, lack of desire or energy, lack of love or peace within, etc. These spiritual needs are as important to God as our physical well being is. If God can send ravens to feed a prophet in the wilderness, He surely can send provision to us through whatever channels are available to Him. All channels are available to Him, because the earth is His, and the fullness thereof. (Psalm 24:1) “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

Deuteronomy 28:8 is referenced by the message: “The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand.” All the blessings listed in Deuteronomy 28 are the result, or fruit, of our obedience to God’s Word. They go hand in hand. This means that whatever I work at, or whatever effort I put forth in accordance to God’s Will and Word, will bring results. This is also true of spiritual needs. Whatever spiritual need I have, God will meet it. Jesus promised us that if we ask, we will receive. Just the other day, I had to ask the Lord to help me pray, because I really didn’t feel like praying for anyone or anything that morning. I wanted to scream until the world just exploded. I asked; I received. God’s a good God! Amen!

When I read Deuteronomy 28, I get a picture of how things operate in the Kingdom of Heaven. Seed time, and harvest is the modus operandi. That means that I have to sow something (time, effort, prayer, etc.,) in order to harvest something. The really cool thing is this: God not only gives us the harvest, but He also gives us the seed to sow. We just sometimes miss it, because we’re looking for a harvest when or where we have not sown…or because we have sown in fallow ground. (Jer. 4:3) Basket and kneading bowl suggest gathering and working with what’s gathered, or working with what you’ve got. Trust is the key to prosperity; prosperity of spirit, which is most important, and physical, or material prosperity as well.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Staying In That Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to come unto the Lord and rest…and to remain in that rest. Quoting directly from the message: “Rest knows no fear. Rest knows no want. Rest is strong, sure.”

That tells me that when fear assails me, I must fight it. When I feel lack of any kind, I must fight it. I’m talking about lack within. Lack of energy, lack of desire, lack of gratitude, etc. Fear and lack go hand in hand. “Rest is strong, sure.” That means that I keep on keeping on, regardless of what it looks like, what someone says about it, what the general consensus may be, etc. I stand on the Word of God.

No, we’re not to just go along lackidaisically. But we don’t need to be immobilized by fear of anything. We can be sure that God will provide, protect, lead, and guide us, etc. We are to walk in that faith, not changing banners, but holding fast to the promises of God. We are not moved, or motivated by fear. We are held up, made strong, equipped by in the Word of God, and our faith in it. The more readily we attack and fight fear and inner lack, the stronger faith becomes, and the more powerful the soul rest is.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Have a Beautiful Sunday!

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Here’s my choice of song for today. This is one we need to remember every day. Thank you, once again, Gaither Band, for a wonderful rendition.

P.S. When you feel like your life is lacking, search for the lack within you; that usually will lead you to the solution.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu