Your Story’s Just Beginning!

Happy Resurrection Sunday! And Happy Easter, one and all! I spent all day Friday thinking about the disciples and the women with Jesus, waiting, holding their breath, unsure and afraid. Peter, especially, was on my mind. This song by Casting Crowns come to mind as I did. Peter was probably sure he was a complete failure to the Lord. I can almost hear the enemy taunting him. But Jesus has a surprise for the enemy, didn’t He? Yes! Peter’s story was really just beginning. Thanks to what our Lord, Jesus did for us on Calvary, and then in Hell when he stripped Satan of his power, and the keys to death and hell…in front of all the principalities and powers…everybody’s story was just beginning. Your story really is just beginning when you come to the Lord. He takes everything behind you, and paves the road ahead of you with it. That’s the road to glory; His, and yours! “Today, when you hear His Voice, don’t harden your hearts.” (Isaiah 40:10) “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.“

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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.

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Put Some Meat On Your Bones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that spiritual strength and power comes to us through doing God’s Will. We are bid to make it our daily goal. It’s one of the reasons I do this blog. I have seen major changes in the way I deal with just daily living, just by doing this blog. My knowledge of, and relationship with the Lord have grown. Some of the things I’ve come away from and come away with surprise me-pleasantly, of course.

I hear people talk about wanting to “know God’s Will for them.” The best way to do that is to pray and ask Him what it is. Then, pay attention; because the Holy Spirit always leads, guides, and prompts us. Another thing that can be helpful is to look at the things that you’re passionate about, the things that you love to do, and the things that really interest you. God puts those things in us; and He does that for a reason. Something that helped me early on was to read about God’s heart for us, and to read what Jesus had to say about His purpose for being here on Earth. He also gave us the order to preach the Gospel, and said, “it’s enough for a servant to be like his Master.” He came to destroy the works of the devil, and to help us to have life more abundantly-real life. Something to remember is that ministry is so much more than those big revivals and miracle crusades, etc. Ministry can be something as simple as taking someone a meal, giving someone a ride, speaking an encouraging word to someone. When we put it in proper perspective, ministry the way God sees it, is living a life of love and caring for one another.

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The Torn Veils

Today’s (12/06/20) message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the way to conquer temptation is to see it as temptation.

As I read this message, I thought about Jesus, Satan, and three veils. I did a study on the veils recently. One veil is the one Satan wraps sin in, or covers our eyes with, to obscure the truth. He did this with Eve in the garden of Eden, when he told her that God knew she would be like Him when she ate of the fruit. Eve was already like God. She was created in His image; after His likeness. (Genesis 3:5) Jesus unveils our eyes so that we can see, not only the truth about the sin, but the truth about how to overcome it. (Luke 4:18) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed..” Through Him we have recovery of sight. When the temple veil was torn, it became possible for us to realize God’s glory, or divine nature, power, and authority, and ours, in Christ Jesus. Before that, God had to veil our faces so that we would not die when we saw His glory. (Exodus 33:17-22) (Luke 24:26) “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Heb. 12:1-2) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:18-29)

Temptation always comes with a veil. It will wrap the sin to make it appealing, and will obscure your vision, so you can’t see the truth clearly. I’m not talking about that 3 cookie break while you’re on your diet. Although, if you’re not careful, that can lead you right down to bondage. But, you’d be surprised how much you can learn about your enemy (Satan) when you look more closely at what’s behind the veil.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Learning To Wait

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the waiting is the hardest part. I just had that little talk with Jesus this morning. I was praying and surveying some situations, and I said, “Lord, I need an acre of land. Jesus, please!” I could almost hear His laughter. That’s when He reminded me that He’s the boss; and that he knows better and has better timing than I do. Now, He’s hearing my laughter as I’m loving Him for confirming that little reminder of this lesson this morning.

Getting into the habit of just reminding myself of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, will, and power, helped me so much in this waiting area. It’s something I used to have to do quite often. After awhile, it gets you to the point where you can just say, “Never the less, Lord, not my will, but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)

This message ties in with yesterday’s message about true success, and with my post from Oct. 28th, about looking for, or at, the glad surprises (the candy bar) in God’s pocket. Together, all three give us a clearer picture of God’s love for us, and empower us to learn the value of waiting on Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It’s A Tool & Pavement

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that money is merely a tool, and pavement. (Ecclesiastes 10:19) “Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.” The streets of Heaven are pure gold. (Rev. 21:21) “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”

We are bid not to count monetary gain as success. True success, we’re told, is the measure of God’s will and God’s mind that we are able to convey to others. It is the measure of God’s will working in our lives, that others are able to see, that makes us successful for, and in, the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:20) That’s a clue to you…add up all the praying you did for someone today, all the praise and thanksgiving you did, all the little niceties, patience exercised when the little old lady shuffled into the store so slowly in front of you with that shopping cart-and you smiled and said, “God bless you,” etc. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much treasure you’re laying up in Heaven.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Look For The Candy Bar

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to look for the glad surprises as we walk with Him. This, we’re told, is the way a child bows to the one who loves him/her.

When I read the message, I’m reminded of my daughter at age three. She spied a candy bar in Grandpa’s shirt pocket one day, and asked him for it. Grandpa was not above spoiling little ones a bit. He took to hiding one in his pocket every few days. He’d make sure it was peeking out when he came in. Her little face got so bright it could have lit up the whole house. Those little glad surprises brought Grandpa just as much joy as they did my daughter.

We need to have that attitude with God. He says, “I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you, and not to harm you.” It takes a little practice, but if you stick with it, you can do it. Look for the candy bar whenever you say, “Not my will, but yours, Lord.” There’s always a treat in the end, isn’t there? Yeah. And, I’m so glad Jesus doesn’t say, “You of little faith; why did you doubt me?” I’m pretty sure He knows we do enough of that ourselves…I do, anyway.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – October 3, 2020

“Boy, this COVID thing is really starting to get on my nerves,” said my friend. “The masks, especially; I’m just fed up with it all,”she continued. “Cheer up,” I replied, “it’s not forever, and it’s not really that bad, is it?” She rolled her eyes and said, “Oh, yeah? You know my husband’s on a bowling league, right? The other night, the league got together for pizza and pics . My husband had complained to me, earlier in the day, about feeling a little neglected by me. Well, he and I both needed to use the restroom. As he came out of the men’s room, I patted his behind lightly and said, “Ooh, you little hottie, I can’t wait to get you home tonight.” Imagine my surprise when Judge Broderson lowered his mask and said, “My dear, that’s a lovely proposition; but I don’t think you’re hubby would like that very much.”

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Are You Surprised Yet?

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to do everything as if unto the Lord. Keeping that in mind, would I grumble, complain, pout, etc., about having to do something for Jesus? Yes, I do have to say ashamedly, there have been some times when I did just that. One time, I even really cursed Him out. That’s why I thank God each and every day for His mercy and grace toward me.

The message bids us to bow to God’s will and wishes gladly, and not in resignation. Rather, bow, with the knowledge that this thing is going to end up so awesomely for you. The Bible tells us that all the promises of God are yes and amen. That tells me that God has something good for me at the end of this. And, God, Himself, has promised us that He has plans to prosper us, and not to harm us. So we can expect “glad surprises”, to quote the message directly. How could you not smile about that?!

As I read the message, I think about daily prayers, chores, workloads, extra tasks when things go wrong, etc. Do you know, it takes just as much effort to do it joyfully as it does to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. Personally, I believe it takes more effort to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. I have found, over the years, that joyfulness and positive energy, somehow lighten the loads, and speed up the doing. Things get done much more quickly, and the whole atmosphere is beautiful. When we put these principles into practice in our daily living, our growth in them, spiritually, is awesome. That’s what God wants for us; abundant life here, and abundant power in the spirit-because the two go hand in hand.

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Perfecting It All

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are works in progress. We are told to strive for perfection, by taking inventory at least weekly. We are to check our attitudes, character, shortfalls, weaknesses, etc. We’re also to look at that in regard to everything about our lives; from housework, or homemaking, to even self care. Now, here’s a surprise. You already are perfect in God’s eyes. (John 17:22) You’re precious and honored in His sight.

When Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect,” we all skip over that word, “Be,” and we start frantically doing. Did you forget that God sees Jesus when He looks at us? Yes, He sees Jesus’ righteousness, Jesus’ love, Jesus’ compassion, mercy, etc. He attributes perfection to us the instant we come to Him. (Hebrews 12:1-24) is a wonderful piece that speaks to us regarding this. Verse thirteen tells us to make level paths for our feet. This is what that inventory is about. You check for any place, anything, that can be improved upon-even, and especially within. The outward often manifests where the inward (spirit) is…be it depressed, anger, sloth, confusion, etc. When we deal with those things, and include discipline and perseverance to correct them and the outward situations created by them, things change. This is called progress, which is the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Cor. 3:18, in the New Living Translation Bible says it this way: “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Also, Psalm 84:7 tells us we go from strength to strength until we appear before God in glory.

Sadly, I must tell you that we are all “only human.” This is to say we are subject to fatigue, depression, laziness, confusion; all those things that clog up the spirit within, and weigh us down. God knows that, though. He’s given us the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. We can go boldly to the throne to confess and to get help. He doesn’t love us any less at any given point in time-not one second of our lives! You are already perfect in His eyes. His love, grace, and mercy are going to help us manifest that-in this life. As we manifest that glory to glory progression, it becomes the testimony that draws others to Him; and to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu