Whatever You Ask In My Name

Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4 are the focus of today’s message. Psalm 4 is actually a prayer of King David. Verse three tells us to “know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself;” and He hears when we call to Him. I love verses 7 and 8: “You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” This is how we deal with doubt, fear, confusion, etc. We go to the Word of God, and we stir ourselves up and strengthen our spirit through His Word. Jesus said to Satan: “It is written!” God’s word is alive an active, and filled with power. (Hebrews 4:12)

Proverbs 4 is actually a father admonishing his sons regarding gaining Godly knowledge and wisdom. We’re enlightened about the wicked and evil-doers (this includes the powers and principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places). We are encouraged to avoid being swayed by them and their ways, and to stay on the right paths. “Make level paths for your feet,” we’re admonished. (Proverbs 4:26) This all works for daughters, by the way. LOL Isn’t it almost as if the LORD, Himself is speaking to us. Actually, He is; because all scripture is God-breathed, or inspired by God, Himself. Once again, thank you, Casting Crowns. I’ll never get tired of this song, either.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

In You And For You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we can be certain God is working in us, and for us. We are reminded that victory depends on work and prayer. When we pray with certainty of His promises, His will for us, and His love for us, we are empowered to work to achieve the success and victory. I chose this song by Casting Crowns to go with this message.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Gifts Of The Quiet Times

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God does indeed redeem the time. Quoting directly from the message: “Your simple daily tasks done in My strength and Love will bring the consciousness of all your highest hopes.”

The message speaks of adding beautiful peace and joy to our golden years. But, when I thought about this, I thought of weariness that clings at times. I thought of disappointment and doubt in self, in my progress, even in the Lord, in those times I just could not understand that He was working all the while. There are many times it seems like not a prayer one is getting through, and not a thing one is being done about our complaints, our weariness, our frustration, etc. It’s in those times, that we need to seek that quiet time with Him, and get refreshed and strengthened.

I found a list of scriptures about being refreshed, renewed, and strengthened in spirit. I’m going to list them so you can look them up. Isaiah 40:31, my favorite: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 31:25, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 68:35, and Psalms 92:10. I’m sure there are so many more, but this is a pretty good start. These are the gifts of the quiet times. They empower us to just live our God’s will for us in His strength and love. When we do this, almost unconsciously we will rise, step by step, one step at a time, to new glories, and new triumphs.

Here’s Paul McClure with Waymaker. I hope you get stirred up in your spirit by this song-and remember, you’re not walking alone!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Wise Enough To Seek Him Still

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to make time to seek the Lord. The message tells us that all men seek Jesus; but not all know that it’s Him they seek.

He is the answer to all their hurting, sorrowing, confusion, and troubles. It’s our mission, and great privilege, to show them God’s love for them by our living, and our testimonies. But, if we want to live powerful lives for the Lord, we, ourselves, must not forget to seek Him. This is why we have the privilege of prayer; and remember that God walked with Adam and Eve daily in the garden of Eden. We also have the privilege and power of praise to bring us into God’s Presence. Jesus sought time alone with the Father often. We should follow His example until we are conscious of His Presence with us, and around us every minute. I found this wonderful old song, done by the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song often comes to mind when I think of where Jesus found me, and brought me from. I hope you are as blessed by it as I am.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Greatest Gifts

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that spiritual giving-of thought, prayer, comfort, love, compassion, etc., is the first level of giving we must attain to. Giving of these spiritual things (they’re needs everyone has), is the very best we can give. These gifts come from within us, as the Holy Spirit has shed His love abroad in our hearts. It’s only after we understand this giving, and practicing it comes as naturally as breathing comes to us, that we can truly understand what giving on the material plane is and does. Material blessings are temporal and temporary. Spiritual blessing is everlasting, and has everlasting effects, on both giver and receiver. “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:19-20)

As I’ve been practicing giving on the higher plane, I have realized more readily and powerfully, the presence and working of the Holy Spirit within and round about me. It’s such an awesome thing; and so strengthening.

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

Beautiful, Baby, Just Beautiful!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that true beauty is that beauty of character and spirit. I hope you’ll read the message at twolisteners.org for yourselves – it’s a great checkpoint; especially as we’ go into the holidays, when everyone wants to look beautiful.

My prayer for the world on this Thanksgiving Day, is that we all remember every day is a day to give thanks to the LORD/Lord. And, that daily thanksgiving brings that glow of being cared for and oh, so very, very loved by the King of kings, Himself; and by our Heavenly Father. He’s beautiful, and in Him so are we…and so is life. I hope this blesses you as much as it does me every time I hear it. Jason Upton, thank you so much for this awesome, awesome album!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Quicker To Turn To Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, assures us that God does not intend for trials and difficulties to arrest our progress. Rather, God uses them to increase our speed.

When I first read this message, I was a little confused; to be honest. Reason being, is that God does not do things in a hurry! He has perfect timing. He also knows how discombobulated I get when I’m rushed. I discovered, through trial and error -(keeping it real), that the increase in speed is meant for our turning to Him in those times of difficulties. God is talking about the little difficulties in daily living, in this message. We’re admonished that we must never let any difficulty conquer us. Rather, we must conquer it.

We’re bid to call on new forces and use new powers in those times. What are those forces? Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. They’re all we need. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign and in control of it all. Jesus gave us His Name, and made known to us everything the Father has given Him. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, sent especially to teach, lead, guide, convict, and comfort us. What more could a girl ask for, eh? What more could a man ask for, for that matter.

There’s always a new power to be discovered within. In the message, we’re told to call them into action; and speedily. You might not think of these as powers, but they really are powerful weapons and/or tools in the spirit. There is the power of prayer, praise &worship, sacrifice – you know, when you give up that Prime Rib dinner so the kids can enjoy Pizza out, during their sleepover party. There’s the power of laughter; which keeps your little sis alive after she spits a wad of bubblegum into your hair-in the middle of the Tokyo airport, in front of about a half troop of soldiers who will be on the same plane as your flying on. LOL

(Luke 21:28) “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” When we lift our heads, we can see a little higher up, and a little farther out. (Philippians 4:8) “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.” When we speedily turn to the Lord, and do things His way, calling those powers into action, we can see the pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy…and the most excellent way to handle things. (1 Cor 12:31) “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” -And that would be love.

Jodi, I will get this thing back on track. Happy Belated Birthday! I hope your day was blessed with everything wonderful!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Let It Play Within All Day Long

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is the prayer of faith that rises to God’s ears. The real prayer, we’re told, is the one that celebrates God’s love for us, and our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org “The prayer of real faith is the prayer of joy.”

Some days are tougher than others to get through. Something that has been of such a great help to me on those days, is to hear, and stir up that beautiful praise within throughout the day. I sing it, I hear it in my mind…all day long. The lord inhabits the praises of His people; and this is one of those songs that just explodes strength within. I hope you’re reminded of, and blessed by this on your next tough day. Thank you, Third Day; you make that walk so much easier and more beautiful for us all.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Feast Like There’s No Tomorrow

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to keep a listening ear bent toward the LORD/Lord. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Those are Jesus’ words.

It is when Jesus is on the scene, that the feasting begins. This message reminds me of the hours I spent in Bible study after I first came back to the Lord. During my baby girl’s nap time I would just feast on God’s Word. I always tell people it was just as if I were sitting at Jesus’ feet, like Mary did when He visited the home of Lazarus.

This is the reason that we are to seek out time alone to study God’s Word. It’s the reason we have the privilege of prayer, and the joy of praise. It’s through these that we are able to gain more and more intimate knowledge of our LORD/Lord. It’s through that intimate knowledge that our relationship with Him grows.

This is one of my favorites by Mr. Ray Boltz. When I first heard this, what an absolute FEAST my torn and tattered soul did partake of. Thank you, Mr. Boltz. And, thank you, Jesus, for loving me so.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu