We Can Live It

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 38. King David wrote it for a memorial offering to the LORD. The psalm leads me to Matthew 26:26-Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus instituted this memorial offering for us at the Last Supper, on the night of His arrest. He also said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the life is in the blood.

We get a good lesson here on how we need to deal with ourselves, and others, in regard to sin and iniquity. God is a merciful God, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. First, there’s a picture of what happens when we mess up: There’s no soundness in my flesh, no health (strength) in my bones , and my sin and iniquity is a burden that I cannot bear. It’s too heavy for me! Hallelujah! That’s why Jesus came and bore if for us. God’s indignation over our sin and iniquity is unbearable. When God reveals your sin to you, you will hit your knees and cry out for mercy. Jesus said, “First go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”

That brings me to the sacrifice. When we deal with sin and iniquity in anger, and wrathfully, we sacrifice the one (human soul) we’re dealing with. We’re sacrificing their self esteem, sense of worth and capability, trust, courage, peace, and heart. That person is already suffering from the weight of their sin. When we deal with him/her according to God’s way, we’re helping them to realize where they are, and where they belong. This is important. It empowers the boldness needed to confess and repent. It infuses that one with the will and the strength to correct their thinking, attitude, and actions.

What does all that have to do with Jesus? As I studied this psalm, Jesus with the woman at the well comes to mind. I also remember His words over the lame man he healed. “Which is easier to say, ‘”Rise up and walk, or your sins are forgiven you?”‘ Then, there’s the woman caught in the act of adultery. And don’t forget Peter, who denied the Lord three times. I bet Jesus never ever even said, “I told you so.” When we take a moment to read over those events in the Gospels, (and, oh, how I wish I’d known then what I know now!) we’re better able to deal with ourselves, and with others. This is so important in recovery and in overcoming generational curses!

I remember being so afraid as a child, when I messed up. And I know I made my own children afraid, because I was parenting out of the generational curse during high stress times. Thank God for my grandmother! She gave me something to measure myself against. And let me tell you what Jesus taught me through all those events in the Gospels. He taught me that peace is most important; because without it, you cannot realize, recognize, repent, or reinvent.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Maybe He’s Doin’ You A Favor

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 30. Psalm 30 is King David singing to the LORD. The whole thing is beautiful! (Psalm 30:6-7)”As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” (ESV) This one really caught my attention. I’ve had three or four of those mountains in my life. There’s a twofold revelation here. First, we can get so caught up in our success(es) that we forget who got us there. “King/Queen of the hill, I am.” You’re already in trouble the minute you think it. I know; you think God would say, “Oh, yeah?” He doesn’t. God says, “Oh, no!” He knows what you’re in for. The devil loves to knock you down. That’s where the second revelation comes in. “By your favor,” O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong.” Oh, oh; what happened to my mountain? My high place just turned into a desert wilderness! It’s a mountain of sand! And here comes the storm! “God, why did you let that happen? God, can you hear me down here?! GOD, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! GOD, HELP ME!” “Yes, my child, I am listening. Now you’ve got it right.” (Matthew 5:1-14) (ESV)

Proverbs 30:1-9 reinforce Psalm 30. It’s almost like a small recap of Job. “I’ve learned my lesson, and I’ll just shut up and praise you now, LORD/Lord.” LOL Proverbs 30:7-9 go on with a short request by Agur, of the LORD. Then the rest of the proverb gives us some observations Agur has made. He ends with a bit of wise advice.

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This Present Darkness…

Has been with us for such a long time already. Today’s message comes to us from Psalms 12. Psalm 12 gives us a picture of what happens when, as is told us in verse 8, what is vile is honored among the children of man. When I read about the lies and flattering lips, I think about some of the ways we’re lured into sin. In terms of generational curses, and dysfunction, I think about having learned all the wrong ways. I think about denial, living behind facades, etc. We live this way when we fear, doubt, or feel dejected. Those things are meant to put us beneath the devil’s feet. He is to be beneath our feet. I spoke about poverty of spirit in a previous message. Generational curses and dysfunction and denial plunder our spirit. We are robbed of dignity, sense of worth, or value, our confidence, self-respect, the power to choose, and power to BE ourselves. The word power here, denotes strength and capability. Pure words are true, they show the way, and they infuse us and empower us with life.

The powers, principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness , if you can picture it, kind of circle humankind, like a shark circles its prey. They’re always ready to snatch their next victim. When what is vile is exalted among the children of man, we open doors to bondage and destruction of life/lives. Some of these things are demon worship, witchcraft, adultery, illicit sex, hedonism, pornography, hatred and violence, racism, sexism, etc. These things make everyone involved vulnerable to the bondage and destruction, or the fallout from them.

Check back tomorrow for the second part of the message on this Psalm. I found an interesting connection between verse 6 and proverbs 6, that brings an awesome revelation and lesson.

In this present darkness, and in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. who fought to bring light into it, I offer this song. Thank you, Jason Upton. This is so beautiful; and remember, we’re not alone either.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Believes In You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is not willing that any should perish. We are reminded that Jesus never gives up on us. He is the “Heavenly Beggar, in His great humility, always knocking at the door of your heart. And, let me tell you, Jesus can and will be there the instant you call on Him. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them. And, He will take you into His arms and make you His when you come. “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,…” (John 1:12)

Even after you’ve been saved, Jesus never pushes Himself on you. He knows each heart, and He has perfect timing, and the perfect way to reach you. I’ve been chastised so gently by the Lord. And then there was one time I asked, “Lord why don’t I feel your presence? Why aren’t you talking to me?” The answer thudded in my heart: “When’s the last time you came and talked to me?” Not that Jesus was trying to teach me a lesson. But let me tell you, the Holy Spirit will surely reveal your heart to you. I’d been into this, “it’s all about me” attitude with the Lord.

As children of God, we are commissioned to preach the Gospel, and lead others to Jesus. I’ve learned something over the years; from my own life experiences, as well as from witnessing to others. I’ve also picked up some revealing little nuggets just from listening to people talk about God. One of the most important things is that people don’t want to hear about how to get to Heaven, nearly as much as they want to know how to get out of their Hell (s). Heaven is, for the unbeliever, much too far away for them to “waste time” thinking about right now. “Give me something that I can use, and right now,” is pretty much what their attitude is. One of the best salvation sermons you can preach is about what Jesus has done for you. The woman at the well did just that, and a town full of folks got saved. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves, or what to say. For at that time, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

I was in a discussion about whether or not God exists, one time. The man kept saying He didn’t believe in God; and rather snidely. I wasn’t arguing with Him about it. I did give Him my testimony of some things Jesus has done in my life, and of the power of God displayed in my life. Still, he said, “I do not believe in God!” I said, “That’s okay. He believes in you. Remember that when you need to.” Then I walked away. “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) That’s the scripture that came to mind as I was leaving. Sometimes, it’s only ours to sow the seed. The Word of God is alive and filled with power; and it will accomplish that for which it was sent. So, just be still, and know that He is God, He has perfect timing, and He will save whom He will save. You’ve done your part.

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

He Cannot Fail You

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God has promised to provide all we need, every time we need, no matter what we need. (No, I’m not talking about that cold beer, the weed, speed, and what have you. He will provide a way for you to free yourself from the bondage of those things, because He loves you, though.

The Bible tells us that all God’s promises are yes and amen. The message tells us that Jesus, as our Lord, is sworn to protect and provide for us. It took me some time to learn this lesson. When we ask, it is promised that we will receive. However, God uses many channels, God knows what we need most (Father knows best, you know). God also has perfect timing. When I figured that out I realized that I was, either not ready to handle what I was asking for, being averted from a disappointment or disaster, or I was looking in the wrong places for it. Have you ever looked all over the house for your glasses, only to find them on your nose? Yeah, that would be me, if I had to wear them all the time.

The message tells us that we need only a grateful spirit and loving heart to unlock the vastness of God’s provision. I’m not just speaking of material needs. I’m also, and especially speaking of spiritual needs. I think those are even more critical to us, to our success in life. If you’re spirit is lacking in any way, that lack manifests itself in every part of your life. I’m not talking about religious things, here. I’m talking about your confidence, your knowledge, your peace within, your tenacity, your joy and love-of you, of your life, and of life in general.

Sometimes I make a little list of things I’m grateful for. I used to do that daily. Now, I do it when I’m needing a little lift, or when it’s something special that touches me. But, I do start my day with Thank you, Jesus. I have found that the prayers for this or for that, have become fewer, and the supply-especially in spirit, has become greater and greater. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you,
if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. … ” (Deuteronomy 28:22)

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