Guided Into Awesome Things

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God has already worked it all out. You have but to trust Him, and let Him guide you to, and through it all. Since I finally got this settled in my spirit, I have such freedom from anxiety, such peace in living; no matter what’s going on or what’s assailing me. This is when you know you’re letting the Holy Spirit work in and through you.

When we stick to what God says He has planned for us (plans to prosper, and not to harm us), we have a destination, or state of mind to focus on, and strive toward. No matter where you find yourself emotionally, if you look toward that point, you will regain your balance, peace, and energy. It’s like looking at the directional board at a mall…You are here…and there’s where you want to be…and here are the steps/ here’s the way to get there.

That perpetual guidance the message speaks of, brings to us the peace and power to create, and be creative. I have dreamed up, and created some of the most amazing things; and I know I never would have, had I not stopped the frenzied efforts to get somewhere on my own steam, and just let God lead me and guide me. Proverbs 16:33 tells us: “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” This principle works in every aspect and area of life, if you let it. I hope you’ll read the entire message for yourselves at twolisteners.org

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

There’s Your Sabbath Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that those everlasting arms are always open to us. They are our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27) (2 Samuel 22:33) (Proverbs 18:10)

When I think of the arms of Jesus, I think of the Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 4. I want to enter in as often as I can. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, made exactly that possible. That’s why in Hebrews 4:16, Paul says: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

We can approach boldly when we remember Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

Incidentally, I did a study on the Sabbath principle not too long ago. The Christian church deems Sunday to be the first day of the week, and the Lord’s Day, according to first fruits principle. Jesus is the Alpha. The work week usually runs from Monday through Saturday; which makes Sunday the seventh day, or Sabbath day. Jesus is also the Omega. But, here’s something awesome. Jesus made the Sabbath rest personal to each one of us. He knew this was necessary. Can you imagine if all the hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc., were closed on the Sabbath Day? It’s not about a day, folks. It’s about a Savior who wants to have personal and intimate time with you, to refresh, restore, recharge you. It’s about a Savior who wants to reveal Himself, more and more, to you personally.

**I am not trying to get anyone to change the way of their faith, or argue about calendars, principles, of creeds.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Set If Before Your Face

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is the truth in God’s Word, received into our hearts and firmly stood on, that brings us out and up to victory. Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed comes to mind. (Matt. 13:3-9)

This principle needs to be applied to every situation we’re dealing with. Dig into the Word of God, both new and old testaments, and write down those that apply to what you’re feeling. Put them on the bathroom mirror, tuck them into your bag, keep them in your desk drawer at work. God told the Israelites this in regard to the Law in Deuteronomy 6:8-9. Read them aloud until you feel your feet back on solid ground in your faith, instead of feeling like you’re being buffeted by the wind and waves under you. I assure you, this is the way to overcome that difficulty. It not only stirs you up and strengthens your spirit; it also puts the forces of evil on notice and reminds them who the real authority is!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Are You Surprised Yet?

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to do everything as if unto the Lord. Keeping that in mind, would I grumble, complain, pout, etc., about having to do something for Jesus? Yes, I do have to say ashamedly, there have been some times when I did just that. One time, I even really cursed Him out. That’s why I thank God each and every day for His mercy and grace toward me.

The message bids us to bow to God’s will and wishes gladly, and not in resignation. Rather, bow, with the knowledge that this thing is going to end up so awesomely for you. The Bible tells us that all the promises of God are yes and amen. That tells me that God has something good for me at the end of this. And, God, Himself, has promised us that He has plans to prosper us, and not to harm us. So we can expect “glad surprises”, to quote the message directly. How could you not smile about that?!

As I read the message, I think about daily prayers, chores, workloads, extra tasks when things go wrong, etc. Do you know, it takes just as much effort to do it joyfully as it does to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. Personally, I believe it takes more effort to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. I have found, over the years, that joyfulness and positive energy, somehow lighten the loads, and speed up the doing. Things get done much more quickly, and the whole atmosphere is beautiful. When we put these principles into practice in our daily living, our growth in them, spiritually, is awesome. That’s what God wants for us; abundant life here, and abundant power in the spirit-because the two go hand in hand.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

For, Which is Easier to Say – and Do

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that what we do and say are seeds sown. Not only are they seeds sown into the hearts and lives of others, but also into our own hearts. I hope you will all visit twolisteners.org and read the whole message; it’s powerful. I want to concentrate on this one statement from the message that really impacted me. “Always seek to understand others and you cannot fail to love them.”

As I read this message today, I thought of 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” When I think about making God’s Word personal, in regards to this scripture, it means that sin is covered to my eyes as well. The twofold message is that God’s love covers our sins, –daily. However, He doesn’t impute wickedness to us; meaning He looks for the best in us. He looks at, and weighs the heart. That’s what seeking to understand is about. So, when we apply that scripture to any situation, we are empowered by love to look past the sin and see the heart of the person. Love also seeks truth, because love tells the truth-always. Therefore, we look at the truth of the circumstances, the situation.

I’m using women in shorts as an example because that seems to be a big problem, and a serious error in perception to some men. In fact, I heard a comment last evening about me “showing out.” All I was doing was sitting in the shade, reading my book. My shorts were entirely appropriate-not “booty shorts,” or the like. First of all, the truth is that it’s very hot, sometimes dangerously so, outside. Secondly, not every woman wearing shorts is looking to sell herself sexually; not all of us are advertising services. Thirdly, why is your mind in the devil’s playground? If you were really walking in the Spirit, your mind wouldn’t even be in the devil’s playground and thinking about sexual services or the like. Sex belongs between a man and his wife. I’m not your wife; why are you thinking about me sexually? Take some responsibility for yourself, and stop trying to pass the buck, Sir. Get your mind where it belongs. You don’t have to stand in the judgment for anybody but yourself. You can’t stand there for me because you’re a sinner too. And, for the record, Jesus already did stand; for both of us.

Here’s how the second part of that love cover works for us: Love also covers your own eyes in the face of sin, so that you can see -and admit- the truth, apply this truth, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” and not sin, yourself. When we practice this principle, we are empowering love, and love conquers all sin. I’ve had to check myself more than once, I’m ashamed to say, in regard to this principle. But, thank God, He is a loving and merciful Father, and His mercies are new every morning.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu