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!

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Stir Yourself Up Before The Enemy

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 9. Psalm 9 is an awesome way to stir yourself up right in the midst of adversity; right in the height of the storm. Our enemies are fear, doubt, shame, guilt, dejection, etc. It is with these things that the enemy strikes us, and through them, that he binds us. I believe that the crown of thorns they pushed into Jesus’ head, represents a hedged in mind. Then, your hands are helpless, and your feet lame. You can’t do anything, and can’t go anywhere except where the enemy wants to take you; which is Hell-here on Earth, and then in eternity. I love verse 6 of this psalm: “The enemy has come to eternal ruin…” Jesus did that through His death and resurrection. “…the very memory of them has vanished.” The longer you walk whatever it is, out with the LORD/Lord, and according to His Word and Ways, the weaker the power of that sin, that dysfunctional mindset, that fear, etc., becomes. Pretty soon, it’s all gone! Hallelujah! I have no more thoughts of smoking, and no more thoughts of running to drown my sorrows, frustrations, etc., in alcohol. The “triggers” have been rendered powerless by, and through, God’s love. Verse 9 assures us that we are never forsaken by God; He is a stronghold in times of trouble, and especially in oppression-be it physical, mental, or spiritual. Verses 10-14 tell us that God lifts us up from the gates of death. Every bitter end is a death. But, thanks to Jesus, through His resurrection, we have a hope of a new beginning. When one door closes, another opens. Some bitter ends include divorce, loss of another kind, perceived failures-dreams, goals, etc. God lifts us to the next level – even from those. Verse 16 tells us the wicked are ensnared by the work of their own hands. This is why we’re told not to lean on our own understanding. We live what we learn, and we learn what we live. Let’s live with, and for, God.

Proverbs 9 speaks of the seven pillars of wisdom. I came up with these: 1. Honor the LORD 2. Receive instruction/take it to heart 3. Increase in learning 4. Obtain guidance/seek the LORD/Lord 5. Treasure God’s commandments 6. Walk in integrity 7. Hold fast to steadfast love and faithfulness – He is faithful and has promised never to forsake us or leave us. And He loves always, and anyway. We should too! He is love…so should we BE. Jesus said, “be perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” When we surround ourselves with these pillars, and stay within their boundaries, we can overcome the world.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Today I Have Begotten You

Today’s message comes from Psalm 2 and Proverbs 2. I hope you’ll feel closer to the LORD/Lord when you finish with it. See how much the Father loves us.

Psalm 2:7-9 tells us: “I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Is that awesome?! This is David speaking by the Spirit. He was speaking of Jesus and you and me. Jesus is the One who gave us the power to become God’s children in His Name. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” (John 1:12-13)

Proverbs 2:1-5 tells us: “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” One must accept the offer Christ gives us, and receive Him in our hearts. Jesus taught about receiving God’s Word into our hearts and applying them, in Matthew 13:3-9. Proverbs 2:6-15 explains to us why we need God’s wisdom to live by. We are kings and queens in the Earth, and if we are to rule over our lives according to God’s Word, we need His wisdom to overcome the evil and darkness Satan has brought to the earth. Jesus called him the “ruler of this world.” –The world that does not know Christ Jesus, or has rejected Him; that is. It’s also the world that we may have grown up in, or may have gotten ourselves into. With God’s love and His wisdom, we can overcome all three. Here’s Red Letters by David Crowder. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me-every time I hear it. If you don’t know Jesus, you don’t know what you’re missing! He loves you so very much! Don’t stay in that darkness; call out to Him and come out into the sunshine of His love, His peace, His joy! He loves yo, and so do I!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Believes In You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is not willing that any should perish. We are reminded that Jesus never gives up on us. He is the “Heavenly Beggar, in His great humility, always knocking at the door of your heart. And, let me tell you, Jesus can and will be there the instant you call on Him. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them. And, He will take you into His arms and make you His when you come. “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,…” (John 1:12)

Even after you’ve been saved, Jesus never pushes Himself on you. He knows each heart, and He has perfect timing, and the perfect way to reach you. I’ve been chastised so gently by the Lord. And then there was one time I asked, “Lord why don’t I feel your presence? Why aren’t you talking to me?” The answer thudded in my heart: “When’s the last time you came and talked to me?” Not that Jesus was trying to teach me a lesson. But let me tell you, the Holy Spirit will surely reveal your heart to you. I’d been into this, “it’s all about me” attitude with the Lord.

As children of God, we are commissioned to preach the Gospel, and lead others to Jesus. I’ve learned something over the years; from my own life experiences, as well as from witnessing to others. I’ve also picked up some revealing little nuggets just from listening to people talk about God. One of the most important things is that people don’t want to hear about how to get to Heaven, nearly as much as they want to know how to get out of their Hell (s). Heaven is, for the unbeliever, much too far away for them to “waste time” thinking about right now. “Give me something that I can use, and right now,” is pretty much what their attitude is. One of the best salvation sermons you can preach is about what Jesus has done for you. The woman at the well did just that, and a town full of folks got saved. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves, or what to say. For at that time, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

I was in a discussion about whether or not God exists, one time. The man kept saying He didn’t believe in God; and rather snidely. I wasn’t arguing with Him about it. I did give Him my testimony of some things Jesus has done in my life, and of the power of God displayed in my life. Still, he said, “I do not believe in God!” I said, “That’s okay. He believes in you. Remember that when you need to.” Then I walked away. “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) That’s the scripture that came to mind as I was leaving. Sometimes, it’s only ours to sow the seed. The Word of God is alive and filled with power; and it will accomplish that for which it was sent. So, just be still, and know that He is God, He has perfect timing, and He will save whom He will save. You’ve done your part.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Glory In Everything & Every Way

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the glory of the Lord is the beauty of His Character. It is this, reflected to our surroundings, that gives everything a dazzling beauty. It brings glory to everything, in every way.

Some time ago, the Lord put into my heart to share my experiences and thoughts from this little devotional (God Calling) in a blog. With that, He led me to a scripture. (Matthew 10:8) “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” That’s why I have this blog; that’s why I post to it daily-and will, until He says it’s a wrap. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this blog has helped my growth as a Child of God! I can’t believe the difference between where I used to be in my faith, and where I am now. I still have some struggles, but all in all, I’m more and more into the Lord, and striving to be more and more like the Lord, than I am like the world.

There was another time, as I found myself in that spiritual desert, that He led me to this scripture: “I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.” The closer I got to Him, the more flowed in, and through me. I began to write poetry, songs, stories…I got my creative spirit back, and began to design and to create recipes…I gloried more and more in everything I found to do, and in every way imaginable. My little conversations with some of the birds around town bring me such joy! They are just one way in which the beauty, love, and joy of the Lord are revealed to me. It’s a joy to wake up each day-even now, on the sidewalk. I hope this song will lift you and keep you soaring all day long. Thank you, Steven Curtis Chapman.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Believe, And You Will See

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is always with us. We are encouraged to seek Him daily. But, we’re reminded that the joy of His Presence is not realized through our efforts. Rather, it is like Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe and have not seen.”

In a recent Bible study discussion, I said that a lot of people don’t realize that when we pick up the Bible, we are taking Jesus by the hand; literally. He is the Word of God, made flesh. Jesus is a real person. We’re encouraged by the message to speak His Name often. We’re also reminded that He really doesn’t need any summoning. Rather, we need to become and remain aware of His Presence with us. Jesus said, “Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. Ask, and you will receive.” By this, we can be sure that when we open our hearts to Him, and set our hearts on Him, we will see Him. Of course, that seeing is actually realizing His Presence with us, and in most everything around us. As I wrote this post, I thought of the song, “Something about that Name.” I hope it helps you to realize His Presence there with you, as it does me every time I hear it or sing it. Thank you, Gaither Family.

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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.

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Make Them Empowering Ones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is negativity, fear inspiring things and words, and harshness that create distance between us and God, and us and others.

Spirit knows no distance in terms of miles, because Spirit can transcend any number of miles instantly. An example of this is those greeting cards we send and receive. Don’t you almost feel the hugs and kisses from those loved ones when you receive them? And isn’t your heart aglow with love and joy when you send them? See? You’re transcending the miles.

The way we change negative thoughts, words, attitudes, is to replace them with love inspired ones. God always seeks to empower us to overcome adversity, fear, impossibility. We need to do the same. We’re told to lift one another up and encourage each other. When we do this, we truly can overcome the world, just as Jesus did. The trick is to stop and think first. I’m so weak in this area sometimes! But, thank the Lord, He’s patient, and empowering. He always leads me to the right scriptures and gets me back on track. When it isn’t an “in the heat of the moment thing,” I’ve been making lists. I write down what I’m feeling, thinking, what my attitude is. Then I write down the opposites, or the empowering attitude, feeling, or thoughts. How do I bring love and life into this? I ask myself that question, and go from there. God always shows me the way. I’m reminded of the little boy with the few fishes and loaves. He put them in Jesus’ hands, and thousands were fed. That’s a powerful revelation about how much of an impact we can make, too.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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)

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The Foretaste of Divinity

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s standard is the only standard we are to strive to live by, and up to.

Isaiah 53 comes to mind when I read the message. It speaks of Jesus Christ, our Lord. He is the firstborn of many. That many includes you and I…because, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12-13) (ESV)

Isaiah 53:2 is a powerful revelation about how God can take you, from the dry ground of living under a generational curse, or under sin, and cause you to be the root of a new generation. A new generation under the love and admonition, and walking in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that awesome?! You can have a better life; your children, and their children…generations after them, can have better lives. Isaiah 53:11 is a confirmation of that: “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” (ESV) That means God can take all that turmoil and pain within you, and give you His knowledge. That will give you the power to help others to stand and walk uprightly (in power and authority). That’s what it means to “bear the iniquities” of others. We help them to overcome the adversities and barriers that keep them from living successfully.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu