Learning To Desire Oneself Like That

It was a little chilly this morning. I think it’s almost time for those crocheted hats. “Brrrr,” said I.

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that when you don’t know the Lord, you have no idea what’s so appealing about Him. The world has done a pretty good job of making Him look like nothing. However, the longer you do know Jesus, the more beautiful He is to you-because you begin to see all the beauty of and in Him. Then, there’s nothing more to desire but that beauty; and that beauty is all one does desire.

Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, about a God who loves you so very much, that He created in you, the same outrageously awesome beauty that’s in Him. Oh, my God! “What is man/what am I, that you should be so mindful of me?!” The more of God’s Word, His promises, His ways, and His love, laughter, and peace you take into your heart, your mind, your soul, you life, the more of that beauty you begin to find in yourself.

Do you know that you are perfect already? Yes, you are. But, you are being perfected in spirit, because God wants those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. To desire nothing else, means to stay fixed and focused on manifesting that beauty within, in the world around us. “He had no form or comeliness that we should desire Him.” That says to me that the beauty within Him, His spirit, was so great that nobody even saw His body or shape, or His gorgeous face. That’s what I want to be like.

I want that beauty He’s put within me to grow and grow until it grows outwardly and overflows my life. We do that when we: 1. Accept ourselves just as we are now, at this very moment. 2. seek out and walk out/live out the Word and promises of God-actively. 3. Celebrate every day, who you are, and who you are becoming in Christ Jesus. We worship and adore the Lord; some of us, daily. Shouldn’t you love yourself at least as much? Yes, you should! “Love the LORD your God with all your might, mind, body, soul…and love your neighbor AS YOURSELF!” There’s really nothing more to be desired than that. “For the whole law is summed up in these two commandments.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Assurance Brings Peace & Vice Versa

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a survivor, I’m always looking out for new information and resources. I found this on the web this morning, at the Ananais Foundation. Help to end domestic violence

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, bids us to rest assured in God’s promises. Please note, I used the word “in.” There are phenomenal changes that happen within the heart of one who steps in, and immerses him or herself, in the promises. God’s Word is alive and filled with power. So, just as you wouldn’t only stick your big toe in the nice hot bath, after coming in from the freezing cold outside, you want to be up to your neck in God’s promises-at least up to your neck!

Quoting directly from the message: “Only when a soul attains this calm can there be true work done, and mind,and soul and body be strong to conquer and to bear.” The calm referred to is that “Be still and know that I am God,” calm. We have to stay in that knowledge; and sometimes we have to fight hard to do that. It’s worth it in the end. Whenever I think of being still and knowing that He’s God, I think about the woman who anointed Jesus’ head. When one of the disciples started berating her, Jesus put him in check. We have to learn to do that when things assail us; let Jesus (The Word made flesh, and dwelling among us) speak to them.

This is also a good message for anyone going through and trying to end the cycle of violence in your home. Only when you find peace within, can you manifest it in your relationships and in your life. God loves you like none other can. Let Him heal you and help you gain that calm and freedom from fear and rage.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Rich Within First

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Remembering victims and survivors of October 1, 2017 -Vegas Strong, and going on!

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that material prosperity is not wealth, but merely the outward manifestation of true wealth. True wealth is the love, knowledge, wisdom, peace, and joy of God within one’s heart. It is the realization of the greatest gift ever given man, which is the gift of salvation.

We prosper as our souls prosper. Therefore, we should always seek to enrich our souls; our heart, spirit, mind, and body. Yes, enriching one’s body is doing those things that are good for you, instead of detrimental to your physical health. I enriched my body just this morning when I turned down that extra bacon I was offered. See how the devil works-right through generous and well meaning people.

As we enrich all that is within, we manifest those treasures outwardly; and we we also begin to find more and more wealth within. Remember God is a good god. He blesses us richly-pressed down, shaken together, and running over, is His motto.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

As Your Days Are

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that God never gives us a call, a task, or even an errand or exercise, without giving us all we need to get it done. He give us wisdom, grace, mercy, strength, peace, and joy to overflowing. The message begins with, “As your days, so shall your strength be.” The scripture references is Psalm 90:12 -“Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

When I think of numbering my days, I think of the same stewardship that God ordained for us over all of His creation. The wise and faithful steward is the one who will be rewarded; not only then, but right here and now in his lifetime. For, as our days are, so will be our strength. We grow from lesson to lesson, from strength to strength, from glory to glory. (Psalm 84:7)

This is also true vice versa. As our strength is, so shall our day(s) be. That means I have to fill myself, my spirit with good, good things before I even get out of bed. It is why I usually pray-try to pray before I even get out of bed in the morning. It really does set the tone for your day; and it puts your focus where it should be-on your heritage as a child of God. Some folks tape a little list of affirmations from the Psalms to their mirrors, or the bathroom door, and recite those as they’re getting ready to go out the door. Yes, it really does work. Those words are alive and filled with the power of life, and they will erase and replace all those negative ones you’ve heard. Remember, the power of life and death is in your tongue. Speak life unto yourself and into your world-you have to live in it until you’re called home.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Staying on the Secret Path

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that for each of us, there is that one path that we alone walk with the Lord. It is on this path, that Jesus meets with us; just us. It is on this path, that all my lessons, all my epiphanies, all my battles in spirit are won. The path is strewn and bordered with everything that God has tailor-made just for you, or for me; each one of us individually.

It is on this path that we walk along the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha with our Lord. We learn strength in weakness, peace in the midst of war and hatred, order in the midst of chaos, joy in sorrow. To stay on this path means we have to realize our uniqueness to God, and in this world. We have to tune in to our own hearts, look to our Lord-because He knows us better than we know ourselves, and walk. Walk, looking down, but not in dejection or despair. Rather, walk looking down-and around you, seeking the pearls, the treasures, the joyful treats left just for us to find. They will never be on anyone else’s path; believe me. When we understand that truth, we become empowered to desire to stay on that secret path, and look less and less at any other way.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Divine Restraint is Channeled Power

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us of the importance of divine restraint. The message speaks to us of God’s restraint. His hand is not shortened that He cannot save. But we need to understand fully, His salvation; and salvation in general.

Divine restraint is channeled power. When we practice it, our power increases. Always, when we do act, though, we need to know what we’re trying to save. What are we trying to accomplish, and is it in line with God’s idea of salvation? It’s not His will that any should perish. Yet, He gave David the power to slay Goliath with one small stone.

I’ve had the experience of being saved the great heartache of being disappointed in myself for losing ground and self respect, because of divine restraint. Seriously, I literally had to pray for strength to restrain myself. God was right on the scene. He never fails us; never.

As we practice divine restraint, we learn to back up, to make sure we’re using the right weapon(s) {the battle to be won is in the spirit}, to make sure our aim (purpose/intent) is right on, and to make sure that our hearts are steady. How many times can you find, “fear not,” in the Bible? And Jesus did tell us to, “take heart.” That means steady yourself in the spirit, keep your focus on God’s love and will for you-and for all, and then fire. When we come against the enemy in that mode, we can say, “I come against you in the Name of the LORD!”

Finally, I have found that divine restraint works in every area of life; from the big disasters, right down to the icing on the cupcakes for school.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Greatest Among You…

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to be servants to one another. “I am among you as one who serves,” -the Word of the Lord via the message. In the Bible He put it this way: “Just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:28)

Jesus also said, in Matthew 20:26, “instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” It is so easy in today’s world, to become self serving…and not even realize it. I mean, we know there are things we need and want, but sometimes…That five minutes of the soap opera you missed because the little lady across the street wanted to chat for a few minutes, is it really going to kill you? No. We have a tendency to get caught up in our schedules and agendas to the point of rigidity. Do you know rigor mortis starts with the same three letters? Yeah, we sort of “die” to the world in the wrong way.

We have to keep remind ourselves of the joy to be found in service. Just sometimes, we need that reminder. There’s a three-fold joy in that. God is overjoyed with us, the person we’ve served has the joy of feeling cared for-and more importantly, about, and we have the joy of a couple of things too. We’ve experienced someone else’s joy that we caused. We’ve experienced the joy of overcoming that rigidity and self absorbed tendency; and the disconnection it brings with it. We’ve experienced the joy of taking back our power over time, emotions, etc. We have, and will time and time again, experience God’s joy in His creation; especially His two-legged creatures.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Freedom From Fear

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Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter, Amanda Rose Kesey. I’m wishing you the most wonderful day, filled with everything beautiful. May every wish come true today and always, and may God bless your life with everything good from His hand. I thank Him for you every day, Amanda.

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 is referenced: There is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He that fears has not been made perfect in love. Boy, that’s just what I need right now in my life. Thank you, Lord.

I find, as the years go by, that turning quickly to the Lord when fears assail me, helps tremendously. Torment definitely comes in with fear. Now, let me tell you a secret. That torment doesn’t stop when you turn to the Lord. The devil does work overtime. Remember Peter walking on the water? The wind and those waves are exactly what torment brings to feed the fear. Peter focused on them and went under. If you recall, though, he dove headlong into the water when he saw Jesus standing on the shore, later in the story. He was perfected in his knowledge of our Lord, and in his love for Jesus.

One of the reasons why we’re told to keep our eyes on the Lord, and not look left or right, is precisely to starve that fear and stall that torment out. You’ll still hear it whispering in your ear, trying to get hold on your heart and cause you to stumble, fall, or give up. It has the power even to kill. Sometimes those winds get loud, and the waves threaten to overpower even our will to live. The tormentor is trying to break our hold; to get us to turn loose of Jesus’ neck. But we have the authority and power to speak to the wind and the waves. “Peace, be still,” said Jesus; and the storm ceased. The storms will return. Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us. Something I learned about “walking on water,” is that that “peace be still,” was spoken just as much to the disciples as it was to the storm. We have to quiet ourselves within, set our faces to continue onward, and just walk anyway. “My master’s in the storm; I know He’ll save me. I love Jesus…I love Jesus…I love Jesus…I love Jesus!” -that’s a little part of a song I wrote some time ago. I sing it when the winds and waters rise.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Your Words Are Your Anointing

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us to learn from our Lord, regarding all things, and especially regarding our tongues. I’m smiling gratefully right now, because our Lord is a gracious, patient, and forgiving God. Thankfully, I get at things through the years and with practice.

John 6:68 reads: “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This is one of the scriptures referenced by the message. The other one is Matthew 16: 15-16. It reads: “But what about you? Whom do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, “you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” The King James version uses the word, “Christ,” which means the anointed One and His anointing. That’s a very powerful revelation. Jesus Christ is also called the Word of God. That means, when we speak as Jesus has taught us to speak, we are speaking with power. Our words are anointed according to our faith and obedience to our Lord. Words start within; in our hearts and minds-and vice versa. I say vice versa because we perceive with our minds, form opinions, and then those affect our hearts. We are, for the most part, emotional creatures. We don’t, and shouldn’t be, however, driven or ruled by our emotions.

The Bible tells us to guard our hearts above all things. That means I want to put good things in; and I want good things to come out. When we seek to honor one another, to honor and preserve the dignity of humanity, the divinity within us, we have to be mindful of God’s intent and purpose toward all. We are told to live peaceably with all if possible. But that doesn’t mean we need to make alliances with evil; we do have to respect it’s right to exist for the time being.

I began to notice a difference in my level of calm and collected, my ability to focus, my peace of mind, my attitude(s), and the level of my joy-even my energy, after I’d begun praying my little morning prayer daily. I’ll go to my grave believing the Holy Spirit was teaching me to be mindful of that “love your neighbor as yourself,” commandment through that prayer. I’ve seen changes in the atmosphere I”m in when I speak anointed words; speak positively, or at least neutrally-unemotionally and non-judgmentally. I’ve witnessed near fiascos do a 180 and end in celebration, simply because I changed my attitude and focus-from victim of the circumstances or event to lord of them-here to serve. Remember? Jesus did say, “I’ve not come to be served, but to serve.” When we seek to serve God and align our will with His, “for all”, we are more apt to set that guard, not only over our mouths, but our minds, hearts, eyes and ears as well. That empowers the anointing over all our lives.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He is Faithful and Just to Forgive Us

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must turn to God in every circumstance-especially when we have erred-that’s the meaning of the word sin-to err or to miss the mark. When we don’t do that, we end up living in a state of sinfulness. That stuff doesn’t come off of you without your confessing it, and making it right. That’s because Satan, the accuser of the brethren will grab hold of that, and use it to destroy you.

Even in our weakest moments, we can be assured that Jesus is right there with us; and He is for us. The Bible tells us that He is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess our sins to Him. Weakness, fear, doubt, envy, frustration…anything that causes us to misstep or to stop walking on our path, is a sin-because it can bring death and despondency if we don’t get it out of our heart. It’s a sort of mis-fire.

That brings us to that blessed assurance of God’s unfailing love. Yes, I did say unfailing. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love never fails, and that love conquers everything. That’s an awesome revelation about the power that we have over sin, or over anything that would bind us. Being bound up is a sin too, because we’re set free by the blood of Christ Jesus. Yes, the wages of sin are death. But Jesus conquered all sin on the cross. And our God is a loving, gracious, and faithful Father. When we turn to Him in our sin, our weakness, our fear, He’s not going to punish us, or degrade, belittle, or demean us. He’s going to forgive us and help us to overcome whatever it is that we’ve fallen to. Imagine a child afraid to tell his mommy or daddy that he spilt juice in his room…and then it’s discovered by mommy or daddy anyway (because God knows everything). Would you be angry at the child, or angry at yourself? Why was that child afraid to come to me for help, would be my question. God doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him; He loves us, and He wants us to be victorious; successful in life. “I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” -Jesus’ Words

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 23, 2018, 11:59 a.m.