Teach Your Children

I bet you’re all wondering where I went. I’m sorry; I was attacked midweek last week, suffered a head injury, and needed to take a couple of days to rest. This all happened on the Nellis Bus going North, in the evening. You people think your little “pest control” devices, or “dog whistles” are funny. They’re not! They’re cowardly, heinous, and will get you life in prison. You can cause a stroke or heart attack with those, and kill someone. My face is a little puffy, and I’ve got a bit of a shiner, but I think I’ll live. The picture below is me in my new summer hat; taken just a day or so before.

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 78. I’m going to use the first four verses of it. It’s a very long Psalm, recounting a lot of history. When you get the chance, I hope you’ll read it for yourselves.

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (ESV) This sends me straight to the gospels and Jesus. He is the Word, made flesh.

I used to tell my children that Jesus was going to make their medicine work, when I had to give them medication. Thankfully, we didn’t have but short bouts of flu or an ear infection or two while they were growing up. When my car needed work on the carburetor, and my dad (my mechanic) couldn’t get to it for awhile, my oldest daughter learned the value and power of prayer. It never failed that clunker would be flooded and I’d pray, “Lord, please make the car start.” Sure enough, I’d turn the key again, and “vroom,” it would turn right over. My daughter was riding with her aunt one day, and auntie’s car didn’t want to start up. My daughter asked her if she wanted her to pray, because Mommy always does, and it works. LOL See, this is stuff that we don’t even realize we’re teaching our children when we’re doing it. Imagine how important it is to teach your child the promises of God, who he, or she is in Christ, and the standards and boundaries that God has put in place for us. What we neglect to tell and to teach our children, is like giving them a bowl of Spaghetti, and not giving them the fork or spoon to eat with.

There’s a saying that we live what we learn. In light of the recent attack on me, which includes the person who drove by this morning and yelled that remark out the window at me, I have to wonder: What did you learn? Who raised you and forgot to give you your fork or spoon? And what did they feed you? What are we feeding our children? What are we teaching them, either directly, or indirectly? Imagine if all we taught our children was to love, to be kind, considerate, and to do good things. Imagine if everyone chose to do the good thing, instead of the bad?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

We Magnify What We Receive

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 70. The psalm is a short one; a prayer, actually, of King David’s.

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me! May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame. May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. (BSB) How many times have we prayed this; or something like it, eh? “Get ’em, Jesus!” Then, “Ooh, LORD/Lord, let me jump for joy when you do! LOL You know God doesn’t want us to rejoice, though, over their wrongdoing and downfall. And, when you think about them falling into God’s hands, you want to hit your knees and pray for mercy for them, don’t you? Yeah.

Verse 4- Go my attention. “May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” It had me thinking about that phrase, “what goes in comes out.” Jesus said it this way in (Matt. 12:35) (NIV) “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. There are some powerful revelations in this. First, it tells us that we need to strive to put good things into others; especially our children. We’re told to build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) This building up includes ourselves, by the way. Stop beating yourself up, if you do, and start recalling to yourself, all the things you can do, and all the things that are right about you. Secondly, and this reinforces that last sentence, we need to recount the love others put into us. We need to recount, especially, the love that God puts into us. I got the pleasure of a surprise visit last evening, from a little sparrow mama looking for something to eat. Of course, I couldn’t resist. I thanked the Lord, for her visit; because I believe He sends them. He has a way of knowing when you need a little touch of His love. This morning the little mama came for some breakfast morsels for her nestlings. What a joy to be loved by Almighty God and His creation!

When we find ourselves doubting, recalling those acts of love toward us is crucial. It builds our faith, and our self-esteem. I know it’s so easy to start feeling like nobody in the world cares whether you live or die. This is where you sit down and remember how Gramma spoiled you with cheesecake make just for you; or the rides you got to take on uncle’s motor-scooter, the soccer games you got to tag along to. This is where you sit down and remember how God came in at the eleventh hour and said, “Oh, no, sir; not with this one, you’re not going to!” -and pulled you through that health crisis. I still keep a journal; and let me tell you, when you start writing that stuff down-and referring to it when you need to, you can feel your faith muscles growing. We magnify what we receive. Here’s the third revelation; based on that statement. Be careful what you receive into your heart. Be careful who you surround yourself with; especially in your inner circle.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Let Him Encamp Around You

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 53. It was written by King David. I have to wonder if it didn’t come to him the way it comes to all of us; after the fact. You know, you’re going through the storm, waves coming over the edge of the boat, wind tearing the sails apart…JESUS where are you?!!!!! All of a sudden, it’s over, and you don’t know how. And, here you are, still in one piece, still breathing, and the enemy is seen in the distance…limping away with his tail tucked between his legs. Praise God! That’s when it hits you: “O you of little faith…” And you realize just how awesome God is; how fiercely protective of you He is, and how swiftly and silently He can get the job done. He’s the original stealth bomber. LOL

As I read the psalm, I couldn’t help but look to time ahead, when there will be only a remnant left to deal with the evil. That remnant will be those who perhaps heard the gospel and came to believe when the church disappeared into thin air. As I think about that time to come, and the present darkness we live in now, I’m inclined to bow my head and pray even harder for those who will be left here. I’m also finding myself so very grateful for those who taught me about Jesus; from my grandmother, to the Sunday school teachers, Summer Bible Camp teachers, pastors, etc., and most of all, Jesus, Himself. Just think, if He hadn’t come and talked to us…If He’d only come and died for us…what we would be missing in terms of love, peace, power, and joy.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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

Only You Know The Answer

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 13. In this one, King David is asking some questions. Psalms 13:1 asks the question: “How long, O, LORD? Will you forget me forever? (Isaiah 49:16) God tells us: “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. *When you think about your soul being a city, this applies; God’s speaking of Zion. The next question is “How long will you hide your face from me? God says, “How long will you keep your eyes closed and your back turned to me?” (Ezekiel 12:22) Now we’re getting into that pity party…”How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?” God’s answer: “How long do you want to?” (John 5:6) And, here comes the finger-pointing, blame game, excuses, excuses…”How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” God’s answer: “How long will you bow to him?” He’s been condemned (John 16:11), and He can, and will be driven out (John 12:31) You know the answer to that one, because you have, in Jesus’ Name, authority over him. The above answers are all TRUTH.

Now, King David prays, “Consider and answer me, O LORD, my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, ‘”I have prevailed over him.”‘ We know the answer to that one too, don’t we? Yes! Read (Luke 6:46-49) and (Isaiah 61) This is the WAY.

Oh, wait! What’s the last verse in this Psalm? “But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” That’s right; it’s a done deal! Sing to the LORD a new song. We don’t sing dirges, we sing Praises! And, Hallelujah! This is LIFE!
Proverbs 13:4 tells us that the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. So seek God and delve into His Word. Proverbs 13:9 tells us that the wicked will lose their light and be left in darkness. So, don’t fret yourself over them. Seek God and praise Him because you know who wins in the end. Proverbs 13:17 tells us the faithful messenger brings healing. Is God’s Word a faithful messenger? Finally, Proverbs 13:24 tell us that the rod of reproof is crucial. God’s rod of reproof, corrects us, showing us our error, and how to do it right. We are disciplined, or discipled to seek God and learn from Him, the truth, the way, and the life.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Poverty Of The Poor

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 10. Psalm 10 is another list of the devices of wickedness and evil. We are warned about how evil lurks and slinks into our paths.

Proverbs 10 is a list of the blessings of wisdom; with some wise admonitions thrown in. Verse 15 of this proverb catches my eye. “The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.” What?! Didn’t Jesus say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Yes, He did. But, (3John 1:2) tells us: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” You cannot give what you do not have. That’s why everything begins with receiving, and within. ” (Matthew 3:4-23) – Verse 19 “When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the poverty of the poor. Being poor in spirit actually describes humility meekness; or willingness to learn and take guidance. Some things included in the list of poverty of spirit, or lack of and in spirit, include: courage, truth, instruction, discipline, knowledge, wisdom, diligence, perseverance, patience. Yes, lack of the desire to learn, to grow also fits in here. The wealth of that rich man, by the way, is a fortified city that evil cannot prevail against. He gets the knowledge, instruction, and guidance he needs regarding whatever he has his heart set on, so he achieves his goals, etc. He knows his God, and seeks God early; in other words, before the boat’s sinking.

Thank you, Hillsong, for this beautiful song!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Great Commission

I hope you’ll read today’s message from God Calling at twolisteners.org If you don’t know the Lord, your finding this page is not accidental. I pray that you come to know Jesus Christ, the Lord. I would not even be alive today, were it not for Jesus! Just ask Him to come into your heart and make you His. Then get a Bible, read some of the messages at twolisteners.org, and find some Christian fellowship. God loves you; and so do we!

Thank you, David Crowder, for this beautiful song! It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Put Some Meat On Your Bones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that spiritual strength and power comes to us through doing God’s Will. We are bid to make it our daily goal. It’s one of the reasons I do this blog. I have seen major changes in the way I deal with just daily living, just by doing this blog. My knowledge of, and relationship with the Lord have grown. Some of the things I’ve come away from and come away with surprise me-pleasantly, of course.

I hear people talk about wanting to “know God’s Will for them.” The best way to do that is to pray and ask Him what it is. Then, pay attention; because the Holy Spirit always leads, guides, and prompts us. Another thing that can be helpful is to look at the things that you’re passionate about, the things that you love to do, and the things that really interest you. God puts those things in us; and He does that for a reason. Something that helped me early on was to read about God’s heart for us, and to read what Jesus had to say about His purpose for being here on Earth. He also gave us the order to preach the Gospel, and said, “it’s enough for a servant to be like his Master.” He came to destroy the works of the devil, and to help us to have life more abundantly-real life. Something to remember is that ministry is so much more than those big revivals and miracle crusades, etc. Ministry can be something as simple as taking someone a meal, giving someone a ride, speaking an encouraging word to someone. When we put it in proper perspective, ministry the way God sees it, is living a life of love and caring for one another.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

More Than A Feeling

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that where our hearts go, our hands must follow. We’re told that pity, sympathy, concern, all mean nothing if they’re not accompanied by action. So, even if all one can do is pray for a situation to be remedied, or a need to be met, one must do it.

Jesus taught that Divine Sympathy includes responsibility. He also said that a servant is not above his/her master; especially in Spiritual matters. This is the message in the washing of the disciples’ feet, in Jesus’ compassion for the hurting, in everything Jesus did-and still does today. Yes, He does supply every need, meet us with arms wide open when we’re hurting, scared, or weary. What He teaches us to do, He has done, and does Himself; the message tells us. “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19) You may not see what your prayer for someone accomplishes in their life, but you will see what it does in yours. Your faith will grow, your relationship with the Lord will grow, and your joy and peace will overflow.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu