Ah, Peace, Be Still!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are sure to go through some storms in life. We’re told that the enemy attacks the fortress, the stronghold, and not in the desert waste. (quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org)

In my study on Generational Curses, I’ve come across some examples of how Satan works his wiles on us. Adam and Eve are the first example of how Satan veils his true self. First, he veils the anti-Christ. He’s envious of us because we are created in God’s image and after His likeness, and Satan hates Jesus. Secondly. he veils the author of confusion/chaos regarding God’s word. Then, the liar tells Eve she won’t die if she eats from the tree. Next, Satan causes Eve to doubt God’s love for her; His intentions toward her. Satan is the author and director of fear; not God. God is love, and perfect love casts out fear. Finally, we have the deception that the tree will make her wise…Wisdom comes from God, not from a tree. Oh, oh! Next came the storm that had both Adam and Eve hiding and trembling in fear of God.

Can you see the waves coming to buffet the ship here? Yes, it does happen this way all the time. But, when we learn to recognize the one stirring up the storm(s), we can quickly ride the waves to shore. An added plus is that we have Jesus in the boat!

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

Wise Enough To Seek Him Still

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to make time to seek the Lord. The message tells us that all men seek Jesus; but not all know that it’s Him they seek.

He is the answer to all their hurting, sorrowing, confusion, and troubles. It’s our mission, and great privilege, to show them God’s love for them by our living, and our testimonies. But, if we want to live powerful lives for the Lord, we, ourselves, must not forget to seek Him. This is why we have the privilege of prayer; and remember that God walked with Adam and Eve daily in the garden of Eden. We also have the privilege and power of praise to bring us into God’s Presence. Jesus sought time alone with the Father often. We should follow His example until we are conscious of His Presence with us, and around us every minute. I found this wonderful old song, done by the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song often comes to mind when I think of where Jesus found me, and brought me from. I hope you are as blessed by it as I am.

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

In Love, It’s Not Suffering

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, remind us that, if we offer up our day’s events and happenings to the Lord, a blessing attends all we do. Then it becomes a sacrifice that is redemptive.

That’s the way God redeems the time. It’s the way we learn the joy in “suffering.” When I allow that 10 minutes of interruption of my schedule, to help that little neighbor lady get her cat out of the tree…If I just let God have that ten minutes, it becomes a gift to that little lady, and a sacrifice that’s acceptable to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:2) “and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.”

We so often think of service to the LORD/Lord as big campaigns, missions, and ministries. Truly, service to the LORD/Lord, is living daily in, for, and out of His love.

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

Saturday Silly-November 21, 2020

November is Aviation History Month. I love flying! I wanted to join the Air Force when I graduated from High School. Unfortunately, they weren’t allowing women to fly then. Nope; I did not join. When they did start letting women fly, I was a new mommy.

Of course, I did some research on aviation history, to share with you all. I found some fun facts on Aviation, listed in an article written by Steffan Kasula, in 2018. Boy, was I ever shocked when I found this little fact! Are you all ready for this? Okay, here goes. In 2015, there were 61,000 people airborne over the U.S. at any given hour. My goodness, I almost had a heart attack when I read that! I can’t believe all those pregnant women were flying around up there that close to delivery time!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

They’re All In Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need not waste time seeking answers to all the mysteries of the world; they’re all in Jesus. And, Jesus is in all of them.

We’re bid to seek Him; to seek to know Him more intimately. In that knowledge, we will find our Lord in all the mysteries of the world. When we see Him in those mysteries, they too, will be dispelled. In that knowledge, we will find that He has, and is, the answer to everything…every need, every gift, everything; and everyone, really. I hope you’ll read the message for yourselves at twolisteners.org – it’s powerful; and so exciting for us! Just think what kind of peace Jesus revealed in everything can bring; and what joy! That brings me to this song by Third Day. I will never tire of this one!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu