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

Say It To Yourself Say It To All Fear

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is a powerful one! It addresses freeing ourselves from fear. I hope you’ll read it for yourselves; it’s so awesome!

There is one statement in this message that is a powerful, powerful weapon against fear, or any other evil that the forces of evil might come at you with! Quoting directly from the message: “But I am Love because God is Love, and I and the Father are one.” Perfect love casts out fear. That’s why Jesus told us to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. Be perfected in God’s love; meaning, let God’s love fill you, overflow your being, and surround you completely, until nothing can shake your assurance that you are His child, and He is your Father…and that He loves you more than life itself! Today’s a great day to look up every scripture you can find about God’s love for you. Write them down and post them where you can see them daily. Speak them out loud, because faith comes by hearing. Speak them out loud and remind the forces of darkness who, and whose, you are!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Gifts Of The Quiet Times

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God does indeed redeem the time. Quoting directly from the message: “Your simple daily tasks done in My strength and Love will bring the consciousness of all your highest hopes.”

The message speaks of adding beautiful peace and joy to our golden years. But, when I thought about this, I thought of weariness that clings at times. I thought of disappointment and doubt in self, in my progress, even in the Lord, in those times I just could not understand that He was working all the while. There are many times it seems like not a prayer one is getting through, and not a thing one is being done about our complaints, our weariness, our frustration, etc. It’s in those times, that we need to seek that quiet time with Him, and get refreshed and strengthened.

I found a list of scriptures about being refreshed, renewed, and strengthened in spirit. I’m going to list them so you can look them up. Isaiah 40:31, my favorite: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 31:25, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 68:35, and Psalms 92:10. I’m sure there are so many more, but this is a pretty good start. These are the gifts of the quiet times. They empower us to just live our God’s will for us in His strength and love. When we do this, almost unconsciously we will rise, step by step, one step at a time, to new glories, and new triumphs.

Here’s Paul McClure with Waymaker. I hope you get stirred up in your spirit by this song-and remember, you’re not walking alone!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Speaks In The Stillness

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to, sometimes, just wait quietly before the Lord. We need quiet time with Him as much as a child needs quiet time with Mom or Dad. Do you remember holding your child to calm him/her down?

My oldest son would get over-stimulated and upset during big gatherings. I would have to take him to another room where it was quiet; just the two of us, and let him calm down and regain his composure. We all feel that need to walk away to a quiet place and just regroup at times. When I began to expect God to show up for morning coffee with me, He surprised me by doing just that. It’s my way of just getting in a little quiet time with my Heavenly Father, so that I can focus and get myself centered and ready to take the day on.

It’s amazing how much of a difference that few minutes makes. Spiritually, I feel more alert and stronger. That peace within, I know, is stronger because of that time. And, as I “see” my Father’s face, the love, compassion, joy, etc., those things rise up within as well. That time empowers our daily life with, and for, Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Stepping Into Christ

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is our Savior every day, in every way. The message speaks to us of our refuge, our sanctuary, God. He is where we need to flee to from everything that threatens to overwhelm us.

He is where we need to flee to from ourselves. I think of Peter whenever I read this message. Peter, walking on the water, Peter, falling into the water, Peter, crying out to the Lord, “Save me!” We’re bid, in the message to enter that Presence of God and absorb His Divinity. It is that Divinity that has overcome the world, because that Divinity created the world. That includes us. It isn’t just the world around us that can cause us trouble. The world in us, or the flesh nature, can be horribly wounding, confusing, and overwhelming to our Divine nature, our spirit. Thank God we have Jesus to save us from ourselves.

The one scripture that speaks so loudly to me on this, is “The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16) This is telling us that we have a license to sin. It says to us that Christ Jesus is our judge. Therefore, we need not fear the condemnation of men, nor worry about their opinions of us, how we rate with them, etc. We are freed from that in Christ Jesus. We’re also freed from self condemnation. It’s a journey; not a test. Nor is it a trial. The trial already happened in Jerusalem when they arrested the King of kings and condemned Him to death.

Realizing Christ’s mind is ours is a powerful revelation, and an awesomely electrifying surge of strength, spiritually. It means I can learn from Jesus, how He viewed the Heavenly Father, the world around Him, all the stuff He had to deal with and listen to, and do. Jesus is not just a meek and weak little lamb. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah! Kingly, regal, in authority; that’s Jesus, our Savior. He’s by no means a bully. But, He definitely knows who and whose He is, and what rights and responsibilities He has. He never wavered, never altered His order/way of dealing with things, etc. When we can do that….WOW!!!!! You can almost feel the bonds of the “world” and all its “stuff” fall off, and freedom bursting up from within. That’s how Jesus could tell us, “In the world you’ll have tribulation. But be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Thank you, Jason Upton for this awesome version of Freedom Reigns.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

And Destroy Them, He Will

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there is very real activity going on in the Spirit realm. That’s why Jesus made it possible for us to have the very real and powerful force of God’s love within our spirit. He is called the Holy Spirit. The message if a very powerful, sobering, and encouraging one. I hope you’ll read it for yourselves at twolisteners.org

“How could they (the forces of evil, the world, and even Jesus’ followers) know that my (Jesus’) spirit was free, unbroken, unharmed?” -quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org That’s a good question, isn’t it? There’s a powerful revelation about the separation of spirit and body. In (John 4:23), Jesus told the woman at the well that God wants those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. Everything happens in the spirit first. Just like wherever you let your mind wander, you’ll be sure to follow, the same happens in spirit – unless and until you allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct, teach, admonish, etc. you. (Matt. 2:41) tells us the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

How do we get and keep that unbroken, unharmed, and free spirit? We set our hearts and minds on the things above. (Colossians 3:1-3) Then, we make a decision to keep our focus on those things. Here’s a powerful statement about your authority and power over every tribulation, trial, and terror; over all the world: “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.” (John 3:31) Those are Jesus’ words. When we think in Godly terms, we can speak and act as our LORD/Lord would. There is no force of evil, not one, that can prevail against the Word of God! Even when, to the world, it looks like it’s all over for you, but the crying, God’s got you! Ultimately, it will always be God’s will that prevails-whether this time or some other time. What I mean by that is that God isn’t a bully, and He won’t force His will on you. But, sooner of later, He will make you see clearly that you aren’t in His will. And, He’ll be right there when you repent. As for the world, and the forces of evil, we needn’t worry about either one; because God’s in control. Jesus said, “In the world, you’ll have tribulation; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) As for the powers and authorities (principalities, hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places-in the spirit realm) “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15)

Happy Birthday, Joe! May your day be filled with all things wonderful!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Turn It Into Love

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that only love lasts. Only those things done in love will remain. If it isn’t inspired by love, then it is not of godly quality, we’re told.

The message references (1 Cor. 13:1) “f I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” That shakes things up a little every time I read it.

When I read the message, I thought of Jesus and the crippled man He healed. (Matthew 9:1-5) “Which is easier to say, “your sins are forgiven”, or “get up and walk?” Both got the man up on his feet, but one is inspired by love (mercy and grace) – the gift. The other is impersonal and uncaring; and, in that context and tone, demanding. Said the way the Lord, Jesus said it, it inspires hope, peace and courage, and faith. The message tells us that the true test of all our works is this: Is it inspired by love? I had occasion to pray and ask God to strengthen me in this area, just this morning. “Go first and learn what this means: “I desire mercy; and not sacrifice.” (Matt. 9:13)

It’s not easy, and getting harder and harder, to walk this way without faltering, isn’t it? The message bids us to turn out everything unloving in our hearts and lives, so that we might bear much fruit. That’s a two-fold statement. First, we are to strive to always be loving; to let our words and actions be inspired and measured by love. But, what goes in comes out. Therefore, we must also turn out everything that is in our heart, thought life, encounters with others, the television, etc., that is not loving. There are people you may need to spend less time with, there are things you may need to put away, and there are things you may need to change in order to keep unloving things out of your way. This even translates to our home environments and routines. All that negative stuff, and negative energy is distracting and destructive of peace; which is essential for love to thrive. We can get all caught up in hectic and half-hearted spirals of “living” if we’re not careful.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Doesn’t Need To Hear It…

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that your heart’s cry is heard over everything in Heaven. Is that an awesome revelation about God’s love? I have to say thank you for that! Thank you, Jesus!

When I think about this in terms of generational curses, I think of Jesus’ words, “But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21-22) What does that have to do with a voiceless cry? Well, when you see that child that just spilled the milk, or just set the toaster on fire, or just filled the tub with the entire box of detergent, and every piece of clothing he could get his beautiful little hands on, does your heart go out to him/her? How could you not be hurting for that frightened child, and want to rush in to save him/her? How could you not fall absolutely head over heels in love with that little helper, and praise him for his little heart?

God responds to us in exactly that way. He looks at our hearts, and He knows our hearts. He also knows that the enemy’s greatest weapon, and his favorite one, is fear. It is never God’s intention to inspire fear in us; never! When God speaks to us about punishment; it is because we are about to reap what we have sown. When God admonishes us, it is always with the intention of getting us to repent and correct our behavior. And, God is always right there, ready, and so very willing to help us get up and back into right standing; to overcome whatever it might be. The admonishment of the Lord, (Eph. 6:4) saves us from our fear and frustration, and empowers us with instruction and training, to overcome the obstacle between us and growth, or progress.

This works when you’re retraining that wounded child within you, as well. That ties in with those powers I talked about a couple of days ago -the power of laughter, patience, protectiveness, etc. God never sees us as failures. He always sees us as victorious; because, in Christ Jesus, we are-in everything!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

When He Comes Through Us

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to seek and strive to express Jesus’ divine love in every instance, every encounter, and in every way. In the message at twolisteners.org, He says, “I do not delay my second coming. My followers delay it.” This speaks of the second advent, when Jesus returns to Earth to claim His own.

When I read the message, and when I see Jesus’ love, compassion, peace, and power throughout the gospels, I see that second advent happening daily. First, when I surrender my will to the Lord, He can come and work His will in me. When that’s happened, Jesus can come and work His will-and His miracles through me. I recall an encounter I had with a little lady on the street one night as I was walking home. She and I had known each other for awhile, just in the daily passing among the homeless population. She turned as I neared her, and began screaming at me. I didn’t even hear what it was she screamed, but I asked her if she was alright. She seemed to recognize me then; that I was not a threat to her. Just that quickly, peace was restored to her. The compassion I learned from the Lord rose up in me in that instant, and came through me to restore that peace to her. You see, mercy seeks the reason; the cause. “Yeah, I’m alright, ” she said. I asked her if she needed some water, and handed her a bottle of it.

That encounter was an easy one because I knew she was not herself in that instant, so I didn’t feel threatened. But it works the same way when we do feel threatened, fearful, or unsure. If we allow the Lord to work in us, He can, and will work through us-and we can gain the victory. When I say victory, I have to tell you, I’ve come to learn that Jesus doesn’t just want victory for us. He wants it for us all; so victory should always include the other person. If it means being able to do nothing more than to speak blessing on that person or walk away and pray for him/her, then so be it. The victory is still both yours and theirs, and most of all, the Lord’s; because we obeyed, we planted a seed, and we interceded spiritually for that person. See, you’ve done much more than you thought you did, didn’t you?

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.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu