A Freewill Offering Of Prayer

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to pray for a situation to be righted, or for a person to be changed-immediately as an adversity is occurring. We’re told that it’s our responsibility.

I never really thought about it like this before, but it’s just like stepping in between the bully on the playground and your brother or sister. Only the fight is in the Spirit, isn’t it? Hosea 14:2 (NIV) says it this way: “Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Isaiah 58:12 (ESV) tells us, “your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” When I think of this, I have to rejoice; especially in today’s hurting world. We have the power to change the tide for someone in a future generation, just by praying for someone. That brings me to what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt. 5:9 -NIV)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

And The Miracle Is…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is an encouragement to abide in God’s Presence, and be joyful. The message speaks to us about miracle of being able to do the greater works that Jesus said we would do, because He went to the Father. So what, really, is the miracle?

The miracle is God’s power manifest in, and working through us. The miracle is that there is always hope-even if all you’ve got is a prayer. The miracle is that we are unlimited in creativity. You can make a molehill out of somebody’s mountain, with a little creative thinking. You can make a mountain out of a molehill-or a feast for a crowd-out of a few fishes and loaves, when you’re working with God. The miracle starts with switching your brain train over to possibility thinking. Always looking for the possibilities, teaches us to no limit ourselves or God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Child Within

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must become as little children to enter the kingdom of Heaven. “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

As I said before, I’ve been studying about generational curses and how to overcome them. Humankind has lived under a generational curse since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. In studying this out, I discovered just how much God really is in control. You see, in putting enmity between Eve’s seed (man) and Satan’s seed (unclean spirits and demons), God insured that we would be able to see the truth behind the lie. We can see the devil and the lie for exactly what they are; evil, and meant to destroy us.

Generational curses happen as a result of disobedience to God, or removal or displacement of a standard and/or boundary. “Thou shall…and Thou shall not…” When this happens, we end up with sin that rules over us. We have addictions, abuse, co-dependency, and dysfunction. We are not getting the truth that empowers us to live successfully. Thankfully, God has made it possible for us to become His children, and to re-raise, or be resurrected by Him. This is what it means to bring up a child under the admonition of the LORD/Lord. That child is the child within; your spirit. You see, it isn’t your flesh that suffers the damage of faulty and flawed parenting -not usually, anyway. It is your spirit. I read a passage just today: The LORD reigns; He is robed in majesty. The LORD is robed; He has put on strength as His belt.” (ESV) When I read this, I thought of that voice saying, “Go get me that belt!” That stuff was meant to break the bad spirit(s) off of us. But, most of the time, it breaks our spirit, doesn’t it? Remember Jesus said that the Father has given Him everything; and He, Jesus, has given it to us, in turn. That means you can read that passage of scripture this way: “I reign, I am robed in majesty. I have put on strength as my belt.” The admonition of the Lord strengthens us in our spirit, so that we can reign as kings and queens in life. The first step is to be born again.

You can do that by asking Jesus to come into your heart and be Lord of your life. If you don’t know the LORD/Lord, now’s the time – today’s the day of salvation. And Jesus will save you everyday; from all the old stuff that would hold you back or trip you up.

Pray this prayer: Lord Jesus, please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins; I renounce them all right now. I want to become a child of God, and learn to walk according to His Word and in His Way. Please make me yours from this moment on.

I encourage you to find a believer to pray with you, and I’ll be praying for you. Today can be the best day of your life; the turning point to a better life -everyday.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Until The Aroma Permeates Your Life

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we can sing, even in the darkness, just like Paul and Barnabas did. We are bid to stay strong, be of good cheer, and be courageous. We’re bid to turn to the Lord, always, even in the darkness. I would say, especially in the darkness.

Mark 14:3 is referenced by the message: “While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” I hope you’ll read the message @ twolisteners.org, because it’s awesome. When I read the message, I thought about “monster spray.” Monster spray was my perfume. I sprayed it in the kids’ closets to keep the monsters away at night.

When that woman poured that Spikenard perfume on Jesus’ head, I bet the whole room was filled with the aroma. That stuff was the very best gift the woman had to give. Our trust and love for Him, is the very best gift we can give Jesus, and our Heavenly Father. When we turn to the Lord, praise the Lord, pray to the Lord, and walk with the Lord, we are getting that perfume, that aroma, all over us. Remember when Mom hugged you and you could smell her perfume on you? That’s what faith does for us. That living with the Lord infuses our lives with that same aroma. That aroma brings joy, peace, comfort, power, and love, doesn’t it? Yes, it does; just like Mom’s did. Just like the monster spray did.

When that aroma fills your life, it permeates even the darkness. It’s our favorite scent; but it is to the forces of evil, like the scent of a snake to a rodent. The aroma of the Lord’s love and presence is an awesome thing. You can’t smell it with your nose, really. But you sure can pick up that scent, ever so faintly, in your spirit. And, it really does dispel the power of the darkness to disarm fear and doubt.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Turning To Him Empowers It All…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must turn to God, or seek Him, before we can become aware of His Presence with us. Jesus said, “seek first, therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven”…and everything else will be added unto you. I don’t believe He was speaking just of material needs.

Whatever situation we may find ourselves in, when we first seek God’s face, God’s will, His grace and purpose, maybe even His mercy, in it, we will find the key that unlocks the whole thing for us. I knew a man who lost his legs in an auto accident. He was very bitter for some time. He’d lost his whole life, as far as he was concerned. A friend of his talked him into attending church with him once, and the man’s life began to change. The next thing you know, the man was on the slopes, skiing. He never skied when he had legs. He competes regularly in quad competitions of all kinds. He’s made new friends, discovered new interests and talents he never knew he had. He’s got a whole new life, and it’s even better than before.

One of the reasons the Lord’s prayer says, “give us this day our daily bread, is that we need that reminder to look for God in every day, all throughout the day. Jesus is the bread come down from Heaven. Bread is food. Jesus feeds our spirit all day long when we let Him. We have a continual feast when God’s in the “pantry” of our soul. Seeking God in it, is seeking the good in it, or bringing the good into it. We are, after all, His hands in the earth. When we do this, every part of our lives is empowered to bring glory to us, to others, and especially, to God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Other Version

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So, I there I was, in the ladies room at the courthouse, when I heard this lady singing, what I thought, at first, was Blessed Assurance. But she sang, “Triple insurance, the Countach is mine…I’m a rich woman, because you crossed the line…I got your mansion, the boat, and the car…Oh, thank you, Jesus, it’s been a good day so far…” I almost laughed out loud, but I managed not too.

I don’t think she knew I was in there, because she went on to pray. “Thank you, Lord, for blessing me so richly today. But, Lord, when you said blessings would overtake me, I sure didn’t think you meant that guy would almost run right over the top of me in that intersection. I’m just glad I had the car in park, or I might have rear ended someone too. I almost choked on my handbag! It was the only thing I could find to stuff in my mouth, so she wouldn’t hear me laughing. OMG!!!!!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Life Changes With This Daily Reminder

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is in quietness and trust that we find our strength. Some years ago, God gave me a daily prayer. One part of it is, “Thank you, Lord, for the peace to find strength within, and for the strength to seek your peace in my life.” God has promised us, both peace and strength. That strength is His power, which is made perfect in our weakness.

My life began to change when I began to pray that prayer, along with the Lord’s Prayer, daily. In terms of peace and strength, I can’t even begin to tell you how much anxiety left my life. I KNOW that I Know, that I Know this: Fear and anxiety are powerless in my life. Strength is just automatically there, it seems. Very rarely do I have to ask for it. What a beautiful freedom this is! Praying this daily reminds me there’s something I have within that’s powerful. It also reminds me that I have that power, or strength within, to actively seek God’s peace in any situation, at any time, for any reason. It reminds me that I am in authority over the circumstances; not vice versa. Make it a point, daily, to remind yourself that God’s peace and power are yours. Nobody can take them away from you, and nothing can overcome either one of them. I encourage you to visit the twolisteners.org website and read the message for yourself. Each message in the book, “God Calling,” reinforces scripture found in the Bible, and vice versa.

I chose this song by Chris Tomlin to remind us what an awesome God we serve; and what an awesome God serves us.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – September 14, 2019

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The husband woke up with a start as his wife poked him in the ribs, almost shouting, “Honey, it’s time; the baby’s coming.” As soon as he was dressed, and the “delivery day,” suitcase was in the car, along with mommy and baby, they headed for the hospital. How exciting!

About 3 1/2 hours later, the labor pains increased in intensity. Mommy was already tired of this ordeal. “Oh, I wish this baby would hurry up and get here already,” she said. “Where’s your faith,” asked Daddy. “Hang in there, Honey; God’s got perfect timing,” he said. She gritted her teeth, moaned, and squeezed Daddy’s hand as hard as she could when the next pain came.. “Ouch,” exclaimed Daddy. “Do you have to squeeze that hard?” Mommy wasn’t impressed with Daddy’s attitude. You promised you’d be here for me, Honey,” Mommy said. “Remember, we’re in this together.” “I know, I know,” said Daddy. “I just need a little break. Think I’ll go get some coffee, if you don’t mind.” Then Daddy realized that he’d forgotten his wallet. “Honey, do you have any cash on you? I forgot my wallet in the rush to get here,” said Daddy. Mommy, still a little miffed, and very much in pain, replied, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have, in Jesus’ Name, I give to you.” Daddy doubled over instantly, and dropped to his knees, clutching his tummy. There he was, in pain as that stomach flu hit him and caused those awful cramps. Daddy woke up from his dream with a start. He looked at Mommy, who was sound asleep and smiling. “Lord,” Daddy prayed, “please don’t let me forget my wallet when it’s time…and please help me be a good helper in the delivery room.” LOL

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is about when faith fails. It’s a good one, and I hope you’ll check it out at twolisteners.org. When I read it, I thought of Peter trying to walk on the water…and later, healing a crippled man with those very words: Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have, in Jesus’ Name, I give to you. That inspired this little story. I wish I’d thought of that when I was having my babies…I’m kidding, their dad was awesome in the delivery room.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Walking In Love Is A Twofold Thing

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to walk in God’s Love. We sometimes forget that this is a twofold thing, and that we must put first things first.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30&31) We all do our best to walk in love toward our fellow man. We pray for them, we give where and what we can, we try to lift others up, etc. But, we don’t often really think about exactly what that second greatest commandment says-about loving ourselves.

That’s step one in regard to this commandment. The most important part of loving yourself, is to love the LORD/Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But, do you know that you are also to walk in His love toward you? We don’t really give that a lot of thought; because we’re usually busy trying to do good things, to do the right things, etc. That’s one of the reasons we get weary and suffer from burnout.

I couldn’t believe how much my life changed-for the better-when I made time every day, just to be with Jesus. Just to bask in His love for me wipes the whole world away from my spirit. It fills me with such strength, with peace, and with joy. There is a joy that nobody can take away from you. It’s the joy of knowing how very loved and cherished you are by God Himself. Yes, God Himself loves and cherishes us. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 8. It tells us about God’s love for us. Sometimes, it still leaves me awestruck. I encourage you to make a little time each day, just to be with the Lord. Read about His love for us. Listen to the praise music that tells us of His love. Just bask in the knowledge, the peace and joy, of being a child of God Most High. Then, walk in that knowledge, staying mindful of it always as you go along. It makes the second part of that commandment so much easier! It also makes loving yourself, being good to yourself, and making better choices for yourself easier.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He’s Really Good With Tangles

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus can do what seems to be the impossible. We are reminded that it is in quietness and trust that our strength lies. We’re also promised that from the second we put it into God’s Hands, the working out, the cure, the victory is being brought forth.

When I read this message, I think back to the one that was illustrated by a skein of yarn in Mother’s hands. I had to laugh, recalling how often my skein of yarn would get tangled, and I’d have to work that tangle out before I could go on with my project. When you’re a child, you usually have to take those tangled things to Mom or Dad. But there’s never any doubt in your mind that they can fix it, is there? That’s the way we’re supposed to trust God. I’ve had occasions to pray, and then stand silently and trust God. You know what? God always speaks back with His Word. There’s always the assurance and the reassurance-that He hears, He sees, and He’s on it!

That being silent, and the being still-meaning, don’t put one end of that skein in His hands, and then run off with the other end in hand, and try to fix it yourself…that’s the toughest thing to do sometimes. “Just be still and know that I am God.” And, you’re still His child. And, He’s still in control-not only of your life, but of all life, and all of life. That means God’s got His Eye, and hand, on the trouble, the trouble-maker, AND, on every single reason to doubt, to fear, to give up, to let go. Take that, you tangle!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu