Justice And Love

Today’s post addresses parenting like God does. God is a great dad! He makes sure we know exactly what He expects from us. He takes responsibility for our uprightness by teaching us His law and His way. And, He’s always ready, willing, and more than able to help us overcome all the wrong stuff. When we parent like God does, our kids become strong individuals, because they know who and whose they are. They know what’s expected of them, and they know they have the help they need when they need it; and are not afraid to ask for that help. They, like us, can come boldly to the “throne” of grace.

(Luke 11:42, ) “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others… Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”

(Psalm 89:14-16) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted. –When I read this, I think of how God takes responsibility for us; for our righteousness. That’s the reason He send Jesus, who made atonement (paid the price) for our sins. At the same time, though, Jesus taught us God’s word and His ways. He was an example to us. As parents, we need to take responsibility for our children’s righteousness (uprightness) by setting proper standards and boundaries, seeking out the cause(s) of their wrongdoing, and helping them to correct themselves.

Justice is fairness. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”; so there’s no discrimination between sexes. Age appropriateness comes into play when we’re explaining standards and setting boundaries. And, we teach our children to help the smaller/younger ones; not hurt them. The punishment, or better yet, correction, must fit the “crime.” If you break the window, you pay to have it fixed. If you break the rule, you learn to obey it by repeating the right thing to do –(slam the door, you get to open and close it 50 times or so, depending on your age). We need to ask questions and make sure both parties involvement in a disagreement are addressed. (“Mom, Sister hit me.” “Sister, why did you hit your brother?” “Because he keeps taking my doll away.” “Brother, why are you taking your sister’s doll away?” “Because she won’t play with me.” Then sister says he only wants to play cars, and she doesn’t want to. “Yeah, little man, stop teasing your sister by taking her toys away.” “And, Sister, we don’t hit; so come and tell me if he takes your doll away again.) See who the real culprit was?

The steadfast love of the LORD is so awesome. It’s all in that (1Cor. 13) chapter. The more excellent way is love. That faithfulness is the determination and commitment to the wellness and prosperity of the family unit. That wellness includes peace, and prosperity for all. Prosperity includes every area of our being: body, mind, heart and soul. (Psalm 85:10&13) (Isaiah 41:10) (Proverbs 16:12)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

747 – A Big One!

(Luke 7:47)(ESV) Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” This one is a biggie. It shows us that what goes in comes out. I believe that this is exactly why God does not impute iniquity to His children. He sees us as He sees Jesus. (Matt. 3:17) Jesus talked about receiving things into our hearts. He also told us that our of our hearts we bring good treasure of bad treasure. (Luke 6:45) We need to stay constantly aware of this when we’re dealing with people; especially those little people we’ve been given charge of by the LORD. It’s also a biggie when you’re hearing all the wrong stuff over and over again-be it in your present or your past. Human beings are fallible; and we get wounded and scarred. Jesus kept the scars so we don’t have to.

This ties in with building the house on a solid foundation. (Matt. 7:24-27) We are building a temple for the Holy Spirit. We are raising up kings and queens in the earth. This is where we need patience, kindness, and all the other stuff in (1cor. 13:3-13) comes in. It’s always easier to apply things to others than it is to ourselves. But when we’re in recovery from our past lives, and recovering our lives, do we want to recover the same things that hurt us? NO, absolutely not! So, we have to take a different direction than the one our parents took, our former spouse, partner, etc., and this includes ourselves as well. When we’re caught up in all that stuff, we learn to cope (survive); and we’re not always on the money with it. Matter of fact, we’re usually doing it wrong. That’s why it doesn’t work. We need to see our children, others, and ourselves as God sees us; “precious and honored in His sight.” We need to see the best in each one, in every situation, and not automatically assume the worst. (Philippians 4:8) Verse 9 goes on to say: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” So, thinking on those things brings peace to the situation, to everyone involved. –Most of the time it brings peace to everyone involved. I was a teenager once, and I’ve had some teenagers. They’re not always at peace with the decisions we make.

When it comes to sorting out the sin in your life, and this is why I added this post before we delve a little deeper into the sin thing, it all has to be looked at according to the scriptures above. It has to be checked against them-they are God’s Word and Way. When we do that, we can see the truth in that sin, which is the distress and death it’s bringing into your life. Then, we can make better choices and implement the things we need to, to make the changes that will bring peace.

Forgiveness is a letting go of the sin. I can acknowledge it as sin, but I don’t have to allow it to create distress and death in my heart. I can implement the things I need to and make changes that will rectify the situation, and bring peace and progress. Love is crucial to peace, in every human being. God is love, and we are created in His image, and after His likeness. We need to remember that whenever shame, guilt, and fear would try to overcome us. (Psalm 103:12) (Psalm 32:5) (Isaiah 38:17) (Isaiah 43:25) We need to keep them in mind when we’re feeling impatient, frustrated, or angry. Cast that thing/ those things behind your back, and look for the treasure (noble, excellent, praiseworthy, etc.).

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Thanks For Loving Me, Daddy!

Yes, I call Him Daddy! He’s ours forever, perfect in love, and oh, so wonderful to us!

Yodh Psalm 119:73-80 (ESV)

Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!

I can tell you from my own experience, when you understand you, you’re in a powerful position. When you begin to understand why you fear the things you do, do the things you do, and the way you do them, you begin to see things a little more clearly. This promotes progress, if you let it. This is when we begin to see God’s love for us in every aspect of our lives. It’s also when we become emboldened to run to Him instead of away from Him in times of trouble.

There is nothing like God’s mercy! When you get that, and reach for that every time you’re struggling, or failing, or falling, you do overcome the death sting of that weakness within you. That battle is won! Your dream will not die! You will overcome and rise from that struggle, failure, or fall. God’s mercy will breathe life into your soul, and lead you to victory. That’s why we do meditate on His precepts, His law, and His promises.

Finally, “may my heart be blameless.” Heavenly Father, strengthen me to know that blame is an excuse. Strengthen me to seek out the reason; the cause. Keep me from blaming you, someone else, or even myself. Blame points a finger; mercy seeks the cause and the cure.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Take Delight In It

Today’s message comes from Psalm 119, as we are ascending to a stronger walk with God. Reading from the ESV.

Beth (Verses 9-16)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Here’s a reminder of the power of hearing the Word spoken. (Romans 10:17) Speaking that word sends it out, or into your heart. It’s also a little like a mantra that affirms our relationship and faith in God and His Word. When we meditate on God’s Word, His ways, and statutes, God can open up the scriptures to us, and empower our lives in various different ways. My example of this would be when I realized that I am Zion, spiritually. The Bible makes reference to a man being like a city, and when that revelation hit me, it changed my life. It is the revelation of God, more and more, in His Word and through His Word, that brings us delight. We are to serve the LORD/Lord with joy, and oh, what a joy it is to see more and more of God’s face through His Word.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Ah, The Ascents

We begin with Psalm 119 today. It is also called the Psalm, or Song of Ascents. It is quite a long one, and each different part brings us a revelation of God and His love for us, and affirmation or confirmation of what His Word does for our lives. Reading from the ESV.

Aleph (Verses 1-8)

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Why are we blessed when we walk in God’s law? God decreed it in Deuteronomy. We’re blessed because His testimonies are seed that is implanted in our hearts. God’s Word is alive and active, filled with power, and never returns void to Him. It accomplishes that for which He sends it. That one statement there taught me to actually pray the psalms.

When we keep His Word/His Precepts diligently, we are surrounded by them; protected by them. Praising God with an upright heart is actually a lot easier than some folks realize. Your heart is upright when it does not fear (be afraid) Him. Don’t fear (be afraid of) God, fear (respect) Him. It is a bold heart, that knows God’s love is unconditional, and His every intention toward us is love. Your heart, when you learn about God’s love for you, gets bolder and bolder as you grow closer to Him. When you have that kind of relationship with Him, you, in your spirit, will gladly run and throw yourself into His waiting arms.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

So Much Better To Trust Him

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 118. It’s a long psalm, and I hope you’ll read the entire thing for yourselves, but I want to focus on just a few verses.

Psalm 118:5-9 (ESV) “Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”

it truly is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man, or princes. When I read that, I think about our ways of doing things, of handling things, even of processing things internally. Jesus always judged rightly. He was always right on target. Jairus and his daughter come to mind here. First, Jesus assured Jairus that his daughter would be alright. Then, when they got to Jairus’ house, Jesus put all those unbelievers/doubters out of the room where the little girl lay dead. There’s one key for us. We have a tendency to run to family or friends, to seek their opinions, approval, support, etc., and all too often, right when we need to be turning to the LORD/Lord instead. Then, you get fifty different opinions, a whole bunch of weird looks, and confusion…LOL. That’s exactly what the LORD sets us free from when we’re dealing with adversity. He sets us free from all that confusion that causes chaos within us.

Sometimes it’s very hard to just hang in there and walk it out with Him, but believe me, it’s worth every effort. And, you shall look in triumph on those who hate you-which would be those powers, principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness. Yes, I know; sometimes it is other people too. Turning to the LORD in those situations, we truly can find a refuge. In prayer and praise, peace and power are released to us. These two are critical when we’re dealing with any adversity; any crisis. And, when we’re working out a life recovery, (addiction, abuse, weight struggles, etc.) they are equally as important to have on a daily basis. Peace empowers clear thinking and strength to follow through. Therein lies our victory.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, How Great, Indeed

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 117, and is a short, but powerful praise. It truly is something to think about too. I’m reading from the ESV.

“Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”

When I think about just how vast, deep, awesomely faithful, and persistent God’s love toward us is, it just overwhelms me. This psalm is a great reminder to look through the scriptures and find some of God’s attributes, some that describe the works of His hands, and then there’s Jesus. He said when we see Him, we’ve seen the Father. Doing this little exercise can bring you so much closer to the LORD/Lord, and strengthen your faith so much.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Simply Put

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 116. It’s one that reminds us to just stand up and tell the truth. Simply put, “Get real,” it says. LOL I want to focus on verses 5-7, but I hope you’ll read the entire psalm for yourselves. It’s a good check point.

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”

Did you get that part about God being righteous and merciful? The one reason we’re afraid to get real with Him, I think, is because we don’t get that. God always judges rightly. He sees our hearts. God is always merciful. It may not seem like it when the stuff hits the fan in your life. but God is always merciful. All that stuff is what you’re reaping from something you’ve sown. Even then, God is merciful to us and deals bountifully with us. He gives us the strength to get through it, and the wisdom to learn from it, if we allow Him to. That’s where that “get real,” thing comes in. You can’t play games with God; He knows everything! So, if you’re not fooling Jesus, who are you fooling? That’s right; you’re fooling yourself. I’m speaking from personal experience. It works so much better and so much faster when you just get real; with Him, and with yourself. Then, your soul can be at rest (peace) to learn, correct, and overcome that thing that got you. Before you know it, the mess is cleaned up, God loves you and has you loving yourself even more than you did back then, and it’s all good. LOL

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – July 3, 2021

I think I just figured out why the police are out in full force. July is National Grilling Month. I didn’t do it, really! That thing about the guys lifting shops was just part of the story-made up, officer! LOL

Really, I’m the “Grill of your dreams” when you get to know me.

Thank you pinupcartoongirls.com for sharing with us. I love your vintage stuff!

It’s Ours To Care For

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 115. It’s a wonderful praise, and reminder of God’s glory on the whole universe. The verse I want to focus on is verse 16; reading from the ESV.

“The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.” I never did laugh at the so-called “tree-huggers.” I probably wouldn’t chain myself to a tree, but I do see their point. We need to manage the things God has given us stewardship over much more carefully. Being homeless, I see a lot of disrespect toward God’s creation. That’s not only disrespect for His creation, but it’s also disrespect for oneself. God made everything beautiful for us. He made it to replenish itself, to sustain life on it, and to give us everything we need to live in good health, comfortably, and happily. When we don’t take care to replenish what we use, we risk destroying that resource completely. The buffalo, and many other near extinct animals are proof of that.

Caring for the earth begins in your own personal space. From there, we gain the strength and energy to care for the world around us; to contribute to its beauty, and to keep it beautiful. God is a god of order, not chaos. When we stop caring for our personal space, we fall victim to chaos, dis-ease, energy sapping currents, etc. This radiates outwardly toward the world around us, in all our relationships, and in eternity, I believe. If you’re going to radiate something, let it be the love, peace, joy, and power within you, that comes from the loving, peaceful, joyful, and powerful personal space you create and sustain. There’s a reason God’s sanctuary is called a sanctuary.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu