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

Maybe He’s Doin’ You A Favor

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 30. Psalm 30 is King David singing to the LORD. The whole thing is beautiful! (Psalm 30:6-7)”As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” (ESV) This one really caught my attention. I’ve had three or four of those mountains in my life. There’s a twofold revelation here. First, we can get so caught up in our success(es) that we forget who got us there. “King/Queen of the hill, I am.” You’re already in trouble the minute you think it. I know; you think God would say, “Oh, yeah?” He doesn’t. God says, “Oh, no!” He knows what you’re in for. The devil loves to knock you down. That’s where the second revelation comes in. “By your favor,” O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong.” Oh, oh; what happened to my mountain? My high place just turned into a desert wilderness! It’s a mountain of sand! And here comes the storm! “God, why did you let that happen? God, can you hear me down here?! GOD, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! GOD, HELP ME!” “Yes, my child, I am listening. Now you’ve got it right.” (Matthew 5:1-14) (ESV)

Proverbs 30:1-9 reinforce Psalm 30. It’s almost like a small recap of Job. “I’ve learned my lesson, and I’ll just shut up and praise you now, LORD/Lord.” LOL Proverbs 30:7-9 go on with a short request by Agur, of the LORD. Then the rest of the proverb gives us some observations Agur has made. He ends with a bit of wise advice.

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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

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful break…I know I did. Sometimes, you don’t realize how much you need a break until you get one. At any rate, Inspirations is back for another year; God willing.

I’ve been studying Psalms and Proverbs during my generational curses study. I thought I’d share some of what I’ve learned from them. The Bible is filled with stories of good kings who were followed by bad ones, and vice versa. Generational curses can affect anyone of us at any time, because we’re all under the original curse brought by Adam and Eve. I’m actually studying, and learning about parenting according to the admonition of the LORD/Lord.

We don’t really think much about it, but God is the absolute best parent anybody can have. When I began to deal with my issues according to God’s Word, I became able to actually make the right changes. I’m going to start with Psalm 1 and Proverbs 1.

Psalms 1:1-3 tells us: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

Sometimes the counsel of the wicked is the things we learned and habits we adopted in our own families, growing up. If you had parents who were alcoholics, drug addicts, or perhaps suffered from depression or some other mental illness, you probably were exposed to “counsel of the wicked,” to sin and maybe even scoffing-if you’re parents were non-believers and maybe hostile to Christianity. The key phrase in this scripture is: “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” This is what keeps us on the right paths, what teaches us the right ways, and what shows us when we’re going wrong. The promise is that we will prosper, or have success, in everything we do.

In Proverbs 1:1-7, we get the reason why we want to study God’s Word, and learn from Him, how to raise our children. When you grow up wounded within, you need to be the parent to that wounded child, and allow God to raise you up. That means you deal with the child within, the way God does; in the admonition of the LORD/Lord. The first thing I did was to study 1 Corinthians 13 – Love is…because God is love. I think this fits the message perfectly. Thank you, Chris Tomlin, for this beautiful song.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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

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Yes, But Spend It Wisely

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that money is meant to be used. Like everything else, we get to choose how we use it. We, as children of God, are encouraged to give, give, and give some more; keeping ever an “empty vessel.” This should be our attitude in regard to all the wealth we have; not just about money.

First, let me say this about money: Money is not the wealth. The wealth is the wisdom and integrity with which we use the money. I believe, in being encouraged to keep an empty vessel for God to use, we’re being told to always be ready for God to use us. Don’t get so filled up with yourself and all your stuff that you have going on, that God doesn’t fit in there. You don’t want things to be so tight that God can’t get a plan in edgewise, right? Yeah. That means budget some of that money especially for doing God’s work. That takes us a little beyond the tithe, which is for use in the upkeep of God’s House. God wants to reach every heart He can, and He has told us that His plans are to prosper us. When He prospers us, we are better able to prosper the Kingdom of Heaven, by reaching out to others. Think of that business idea you’ve got. When that comes to fruition, think of the jobs you can create, the people you can help, and the people that might be reached for God…all because of your obedience and faithfulness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Giving Comes From Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give all we can, in every way we can. We are to imitate the greatest giver(s) of all time; Jesus, and our heavenly Father, who gave His own son for us.

Jeremiah is the prophet I’m currently reading for my study on generational curses. Chapter 30:18-22 speaks to me of what a great giver God is. It shows how mindful He is of us, our needs, our trials and tribulations. This is how we should think when we are presented with opportunities to give. After all, we are blessed in order that we might bless others as well. Jesus said, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As you read these verses, we can see God’s heart is to lift up, to rebuild/restore dignity, joy, and peace, to prosper a soul, and to honor humanity, as it was designed by God. That leader spoken of is Jesus Christ, our Lord. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When I think about that in light of everything we face in the world, and how much of a difference one kind word, even a smile, or a helping hand can make for someone…I am inclined to bow before the Lord first, at every opportunity, and ask Him just to do it through me.

I’m also so grateful for all those beautiful people who give in almost every step they take. You are an inspiration to me when I want to just give up and throw in the towel. Thank you, all!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, What A Joy It Is

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to put our lives into God’s hands and trust Him.

Learning to trust His will for us is not an easy thing. He has promised that His will is to prospers us, and not to harm us. I have seen, more and more, God’s will for us, in learning God’s ways with us. You see, the first step in overcoming your past, truly is to be born again. Jesus said so. When you’re born again, you become God’s baby. So, let God raise that baby.

In studying God’s Word, and learning His ways with us, we can apply those to the way in which we deal with ourselves. An example is the spilt milk. You might have had parents that got angry and yelled at you, and imputed wickedness to you – “You’re always making messes!” God’s way is much different. He sees your heart, fearful and trembling inside you, and probably ashamed for being clumsy (self-condemnation). God rushes in to save you from that fear and condemnation. He says, “That’s okay; accidents happen. Let’s clean it up.” Now, He’s helping you to clean up the spilt milk. And, when it’s over, you get a pat on the back and a high five for it. The Bible tells us that God lifts us up and sets us in a broad place. That means you have room to grow; like you just did. God empowers us to come boldly to Him for help. He empowers us to walk uprightly before Him, by making things right, or setting things aright again. He builds our spirit up-always! Isn’t that awesome?! And the more we live in His ways with us, the stronger we become within. The stronger we become within, the stronger our walk in His Way becomes.

Love you from Café du Mondieu