Don’t Fear Him; Fear Him

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 111. It’s in praise of the LORD, His love, and His works. When I read it, I recall being just filled to overflowing with a sense of wonder at some of the things I’ve found in God’s Word, or at some of the things He’s allowed me to experience or be part of. I never would have gotten that much out of my relationship with Him, did I not respect (fear) Him and trust Him; because I never would have been looking for Him. I want to focus on verses 7, 8, and 10.

“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”

When I read these verses, that making the bed thing comes to mind. The , “do it even if and whenever you don’t want to,” thing comes to mind too. That’s what that performing it with faithfulness and uprightness means. And the victory over the chaos, confusion, struggle, etc., is why we do it faithfully and uprightly. It is when we lay aside the fear (terror) of the LORD and fear Him, that we can begin to really have relationship with Him. That’s when we begin to grow in spiritual knowledge and power.

When I think of these verses in terms of generational curses, I can see how important it is that the works of our hands (deeds) and our precepts (rules/standards/boundaries) be faithful, just, and trustworthy. This is what makes us respectable, and makes our kids able to trust and respect us.

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Recognize His Glory

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 102. The psalm is a prayer of one in the throes of affliction. “All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse. For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink,…” (V9) We can see how the enemy wears us down in our weakness. This makes me think of those times when you’re doing that self talk, convincing yourself that God could never forgive you, never love you, or love you after all that, etc. Words like, “stupid, worthless, hopeless, etc.,” come to mind. That’s the enemy taunting you. He loves to put those doubts about God and His love for us into our hearts. He loves to beat us up with lying words. He’ll tell you everything you aren’t. God sees you in Christ Jesus. You are precious and honored in His sight. Precious, because He came to die for you; to pay the price to redeem you from Hell. Honored, because you are created in His image, after His likeness, and He believes in you. If God didn’t believe in you, He wouldn’t have entrusted you to care for His creation; to manage it, and to harness it’s power. And, He hardly would have died to save you from going to Hell, if He didn’t think you could overcome the world and worldliness, and the devil, who rules it.

Verse ten is the one that gets me. Every time I read it, I just want to shout, “No, no, no! God doesn’t pick you up just to throw you down!” We, unfortunately, have this tendency to sabotage ourselves. We squirm and fuss and fight Him, until we slip from His arms and fall. I finally figured out that I need to check myself for self-sabotage when I feeling not in sync with God. This is usually the case whenever I’m stepping into new territory, or moving on to the next level in something. See, that’s the devil pushing your doubt and confusion buttons again.

Verses 16-17 are powerful. “For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory; he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.” God always builds you up. He’s never the one who casts you down; we do that to ourselves, or allow others to do that to us. He appears in His glory. This is an important statement. At first glance, you’d think, “Oh, I need to expect bells and whistles, and radiant blinding lights, etc.” God is love, so His glory is love also. Do you know who that little old lady was, that walked with you from her house to the corner of your block when you got lost? Yeah, that was God; His glory resting on that little old lady. That little birdie on the wire, that flirted with me that day a few years back was God. Same thing, His glory on that little bird. That scripture in Philippians 4:8 comes to mind. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” These things are some of the things that make up God’s glory. They’re all in His character. We need to learn to look more closely at those little, seemingly insignificant things and events. God is in everything; and is everything. His glory fills the earth.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Admonition Of God’s Love=Power

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 64. It speaks to us about the power of the admonition of the LORD/Lord. In terms of generational curses, it gives us a glimpse of the destruction caused by anger and violence.

Psalm 64:1-6 paint that picture for us. “Preserve my life, O, God, from dread of the enemy. How many times did you dread going home, or dread your mother, father, or even your mate, coming home? We can either be a child’s (or a mate’s) best friend, or his/her worst enemy. We need to ask ourselves, “Am I instilling and inspiring fear and animosity; or am I inspiring and instilling courage and security in this relationship?”

Let me tell you what the enemy’s secret plots are. They are to kill, to steal, and to destroy you and everything God has for you. Not only that, but the enemy wants to destroy every generation after you! The goal is to destroy love-love for God, for yourself, and for others. Love is the divine in man, because God is love. You are created in His image and after His likeness.

Verses 3 and 4 tell us they: “whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.” Have you ever chewed out your mate, or your children, and couldn’t even believe the stuff coming out of your own mouth? That often comes from a generational curse. Let me say this now: A generational curse isn’t some mysterious religious thing. Generational curses are wrong and destructive habits, beliefs, attitudes and ways that we pass on to our children-because they were passed down to us from our parents. There is a spiritual significance to those things; but that’s because the devil knows your weaknesses just as well as God does. Now, look at the part of that scripture describing ambushing the blameless, and suddenly. That has to do with two things. First, God doesn’t impute evil to us; so we should always assume the best intention of our children, our mates, etc. Secondly, remember what I just mentioned above? You had the very best intention when you started out with that correction…and the enemy just jumped right in there with anger and bitterness, and reminding you of “your rights,” etc. Now all those feelings of being unappreciated and disrespected just blew up inside you, right? Yeah, the enemy, Satan is the accuser, and he will seek out injustice within you-your mind and heart. But, there’s good news! Gods Word will always refute and defeat the accuser!

Verses 9 & 10 tell us that the admonition of the LORD/Lord causes us to think about, explore, and be willing to implement His Word and Ways. By and through God’s steadfast love, mercy, and grace, we are emboldened to approach Him-not only that, but to RUN to Him! We’re emboldened to exult in His love for us, even when we mess up, because we know and cannot be shaken in our knowledge that God loves us! When we deal with our loved ones the way God does, they’re emboldened to run to us and exult in our love as well-even when they mess up.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Let’s Be Faithful One To Another

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 55. The importance of faithfulness to one another is addressed in this psalm. This is important, not only in friendships, but in all our relationships. There’s a heads-up here on just how easily and readily the enemy uses those closest to us to wreak havoc and destroy. How easily we can fall to his devices.

Verses 4-8 give us a picture of the heartache and spiritual distress caused by unfaithfulness. “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me, and horror overwhelms me….” That death doesn’t have to be a physical death; the end of a close relationship is death to a lot of things. Things like trust, joy, peace, and security are destroyed. Verses 12-14 are eye openers. “For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng. ” (ESV) Do you see the reference made to being within God’s house? That’s so unfortunate! God’s children especially should be on alert against those wiles of the devil. And of course, he knows the ones who know you best can hurt you the most.

Verse 15 is also a powerful one. “Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.” (ESV) That lets me know I need to be aware of what thoughts I’m entertaining-daily, hourly, from minute to minute. This is where Proverbs 11:27 comes to mind: “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” (NIV) When we entertain thoughts of envy, malice, judgment, bitterness, etc., our hearts become filled with them. Your mind and heart are your spiritual dwelling places. What goes in comes out. When we determine not to impute or assume the worst (no evil intent) to anyone, but seek the good in one, about that one, in that situation, etc., we will be inclined to do good unto that person, and in that situation. You can’t do good without it coming back to you. We reap what we sow.

Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (Matt. 20:26) That’s so easily accomplished, and means so much more than we allow it to, or acknowledge it does. Romans 13:14 says it best: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Take A Deep Breath Tuesday

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 52. It’s a rebuke to evil and evil doers, and a reassurance to us, that God does see and hear, and He is on the throne! I hope you’ll read the psalm for yourselves. This song comes to mind as I’m struggling my way through some things. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me. Thank you, again, Tasha Cobbs and friends, for a wonderful, wonderful inspiraton!

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Saturday Silly-April 10, 2021

Oh, my heart goes out to all you beauty operators and nail technicians. I’m contemplating a haircut for Summer; and I thought I might get my nails done too. Being a little more mature now, I am opting for the natural looking length for my acrylic nail tips. I’ve been checking out some of the salons in the area, and happened to catch this conversation between an elderly lady and the poor nail technician. “No, I don’t want those long, long squared off nails,” the elderly lady said. “Oh, you can have them any length you want,” said the technician. You might want to try the shorter version of the squared off ones.” “No”, said the elderly lady, “I like them oval shaped, and I don’t want them long because I don’t want to poke out my eye when I put in my hearing aid.” I’m not sure exactly what went through that poor technician’s mind, but it looked like it hurt.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Power Of Knowledge

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 44. “We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.” This is the very first verse of the psalm; and it speaks loudly to us of the power of knowledge. Here’s how it works: Until you can see/realize the truth, you may not be able to discern the right or wrong of something you’re doing, something that’s going on, etc. Until you see/realize, and accept that truth, you cannot change it. Satan is a master of deception, illusion, and a false sense of security, pride, and worth.

Verses 2-8 of this psalm tell us who’s responsible for that empowerment. “…You are my King, O’God…through you we repel our foes…you save us…” We need to choose life for our children, and make it our creed. (Joshua 24:15) It’s through our standards and boundaries that they overcome the darkness and destruction in the world. *This works both ways. When we choose the wrong standards and don’t establish boundaries, or enforce them, the darkness and destruction in the world overcomes them.

Verses 23-26 Let us know that they can’t do it without us. Without us they will be afflicted and oppressed. This makes me think of Jesus’ words: “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18-19). When we teach our children God’s Word, testify about His love and working in our lives, we are empowering them with the knowledge of God. *Actually, God’s Word empowers us with the knowledge of good and evil. When we do this, we empower and reinforce, and redeem, identity, dignity, peace, power, and authority. We also strengthen and preserve the bond of relationship.

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Your Story’s Just Beginning!

Happy Resurrection Sunday! And Happy Easter, one and all! I spent all day Friday thinking about the disciples and the women with Jesus, waiting, holding their breath, unsure and afraid. Peter, especially, was on my mind. This song by Casting Crowns come to mind as I did. Peter was probably sure he was a complete failure to the Lord. I can almost hear the enemy taunting him. But Jesus has a surprise for the enemy, didn’t He? Yes! Peter’s story was really just beginning. Thanks to what our Lord, Jesus did for us on Calvary, and then in Hell when he stripped Satan of his power, and the keys to death and hell…in front of all the principalities and powers…everybody’s story was just beginning. Your story really is just beginning when you come to the Lord. He takes everything behind you, and paves the road ahead of you with it. That’s the road to glory; His, and yours! “Today, when you hear His Voice, don’t harden your hearts.” (Isaiah 40:10) “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.“

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He Think’s He’s Got You Fooled

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 36. It gives us a picture, again, of evil and evil-doers. Keep in mind, God’s not talking about the average person here. Evil doers are those who choose to embrace evil and do evil rather than good. Verses 1-4 tell us that, “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.” I’m using the (NIV) for this psalm. These people are just as committed to doing evil and harm, as we are to doing good and walking with the LORD/Lord. This is why we have to pray and ask for discernment. This is why it’s so important to know the Word of God, and to know God personally. God’s Word is what we measure everything against. If it doesn’t line up, you’re getting a “head’s up.” We use this standard with everyone, including ourselves. In verses 5-9, King David is recounting God’s goodness toward us, and the abundance of wisdom, peace, love, strength, power, and joy that we have as His children. If you don’t have joy, and you’re a child of God, you need to seek God and figure out what’s going on with you!

I like Verse 11 of this psalm. “May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away..” I don’t know how many times I’ve prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me let go of you.” Sometimes I’m just like a little kid; slipping my hand out of Daddy’s and wandering off…usually in the wrong direction, and getting lost. That hasn’t happened in quite a while, but, I think that’s only because I pray that when I see trouble coming now. That part about the foot of the proud coming against me, is a two-fold thing. We need to pray that the foot of the proud doesn’t come on us, as well. Something I’ve learned over the years is that, the Word of God makes you more humble. I’m always filled with joy when I get it right; but it never fails to humble me. What a wonderful Savior, to love us so much, and with such patience for us!

Verse 8 is a powerful and inspirational one for me. In terms of family life, we need to cultivate abundance for our souls to feast on, and rivers of delight for ourselves and our loved ones. I think of little niceties and surprises when I think of delights. It’s such a joy to hear the happy squeals and peals of laughter of their joy! I also think of holidays, Four-H events, and the simple Sunday afternoon barbecues. That’s where the soul feasting goes on.

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Bold As A Lion

Today’s message comes to us from Proverbs 28. Proverbs 28:1 tells me that I am bold as a lion. As a child of God, I should be. Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. I’m being conformed to His image. My God says I have nothing to fear because He is my refuge and my strong tower, my help in times of trouble. Jesus also promised He will never leave me or forsake me; but He’s with me always. There’s also that first verse in Psalm 27, where King David asks, “Whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid?” God is our light and our salvation.

Keeping that in mind, Proverb 28:2 gives us a clear picture of whom should be our leader; or what kind of leadership we should have: “When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.” Turn a couple of things around here: “When a land has many rulers, it transgresses.” This speaks, not only of idolatry. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 33:12). When you think about opposing views (Mom says no, Dad says yes), too many things on the agenda (Distraction), and everyone trying to run the show (everybody’s job gets done except his/her own-and you have constant friction as a result of personal agendas), what you have is a big mess waiting to happen. All that stuff inspires confusion, anger, bitterness, envy, and malice. (2 Cor. 13:11) – “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” As parents, you cannot create a stable and peaceful environment if you’re not of one accord, and constantly oppose each other. Stability, knowledge, and wisdom go hand in hand; each one empowers the others.

Proverbs 28:4, 5, and 10 remind us that our duty, and especially as parents, is to fight wickedness; to strive against it. The knowledge of the LORD brings us the understanding of justice, we’re told in verse 5. Verse ten is a revelation about sowing and reaping. “Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.” Parents will suffer the consequences of misleading their children into sin. (teen pregnancies, drugs and alcohol, sloth, disrespect, idolatry, etc.) Proverbs 28:13 is a powerful revelation about what might be hindering your progress; especially in terms of overcoming. Proverbs 28:18-19 remind us that integrity (truth,honesty), which requires boldness, by the way, delivers us from sin. This is also a two-fold thing. Integrity should also help you recognize your sin, and help you overcome it. Proverbs 28:23 tells us that correction is better than flattery. We prosper as our soul prospers. You are your land. Be bold as a lion in maintaining its standards and boundaries!

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