Faith Is Also Its Own Reward

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of God’s promise that our faith will be rewarded.

As I read the message, in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic and everything that’s been affected by it, I must say some thank yous. Thank you, Lord, for keeping us in the palm of your hands; first of all. Thank you, to all those who keep right on giving, right on caring about the rest of the world, and right on doing your best to help everyone get through this thing. I’ll never be able to express how much I appreciate you, and how deeply grateful I am to you.

I also think about Noah, Abraham, Moses…and our Lord, Jesus. What awesome faith they showed us! I’m always blown away when I think about Jesus; about the strength of His faith; and His love. He could have called the whole thing off at any given point in time. But He didn’t. And when I think about that, I think about the times I’ve trudged onward. I don’t know how I got through any of it, except by God’s grace strengthening my faith as I went along. The Bible does say we reap what we sow, right? Yeah, that little faith seed becomes a beautiful and majestic tree over the years, doesn’t it? Faith is its own reward. Isn’t it cool how God works all that stuff out so perfectly?!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

What Praise Unlocks

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there is an order to all things; even approaching God. The message bids us to seek first something we can be thankful for-even in distresses, and then praise God for it…then approach boldly with your cry for help.

I learned some time ago to just live in a state of thankfulness. Even in the darkest moment, the most outrageous distress, the most dire circumstance, you still have at least one thing to be thankful for. That one thing is God. If that’s all you can see that you have to be thankful for, so be it. Thank Him for being Who He Is. The instant you do that, the floodgates open, and the blessing flows. Worry, doubt, fear, anger, bitterness, resentment all dam up that flow. Praise breaks up the “log jam.” Praise unlocks the door of the storehouse where your treasures are kept. The next thing you know, the darkness is dispelled, the fear is gone, the shame and distress are both disarmed, and you know where, exactly you’re going. “First right with Me, then righted in the eyes of men, too.”

Psalm 26:6-7 is referenced by the message: “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.” There is a powerful revelation in this scripture. Washing your hands in innocence suggests that you aren’t going to allow a spirit of shame or fear to stop you from going to God’s. When we proclaim aloud God’s praise and tell of His wonderful deeds, we are putting the forces of darkness on notice that we’re standing on God’s promises and His Word – “It is written!” We are also stirring our own spirits up by recounting our victories in Christ, and our state of blessedness through Him. “I am a child of God Most High; and an heir with Christ Jesus!” Hallelujah!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Cannot Fail You

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God has promised to provide all we need, every time we need, no matter what we need. (No, I’m not talking about that cold beer, the weed, speed, and what have you. He will provide a way for you to free yourself from the bondage of those things, because He loves you, though.

The Bible tells us that all God’s promises are yes and amen. The message tells us that Jesus, as our Lord, is sworn to protect and provide for us. It took me some time to learn this lesson. When we ask, it is promised that we will receive. However, God uses many channels, God knows what we need most (Father knows best, you know). God also has perfect timing. When I figured that out I realized that I was, either not ready to handle what I was asking for, being averted from a disappointment or disaster, or I was looking in the wrong places for it. Have you ever looked all over the house for your glasses, only to find them on your nose? Yeah, that would be me, if I had to wear them all the time.

The message tells us that we need only a grateful spirit and loving heart to unlock the vastness of God’s provision. I’m not just speaking of material needs. I’m also, and especially speaking of spiritual needs. I think those are even more critical to us, to our success in life. If you’re spirit is lacking in any way, that lack manifests itself in every part of your life. I’m not talking about religious things, here. I’m talking about your confidence, your knowledge, your peace within, your tenacity, your joy and love-of you, of your life, and of life in general.

Sometimes I make a little list of things I’m grateful for. I used to do that daily. Now, I do it when I’m needing a little lift, or when it’s something special that touches me. But, I do start my day with Thank you, Jesus. I have found that the prayers for this or for that, have become fewer, and the supply-especially in spirit, has become greater and greater. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you,
if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. … ” (Deuteronomy 28:22)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu