One Step At A Time

Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, reminds us that the way we walk is one of uncertain future and faltering steps.

The Way is, however, not one of uncertain future. Nor do God’s steps falter. We are bid to put all fear aside and trust Him wholly. “Know,” says the message. We are admonished to walk assured of God’s promises; that He is leading, and that He will reveal Himself and His will and way to us.

The key to walking in assurance and power is to walk one step at a time. I don’t worry about whether or not God’s going to wake me up on this side – because I know that whether here or there, I will be with Him; and He will be with me. He is with us always, knows the end from the beginning, and has already prepared the victory for us. We have but to walk it out. And, the reason we do that, is to learn our true identity in Christ Jesus, and to master that identity as kings and queens in the earth. When we keep that mindset, holding fast to the truths in the Word of God, it gets a little easier to walk in assurance. One day, you realize that you’re no longer even wondering about the future, because you already know God is your future.

Someone asked me recently what I thought of all the suffering I’ve done. I told them, “I see it all practice to help me as a queen. -“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 2:15) You see, Jesus came to serve; not to be served. That’s the mark of a great ruler; don’t you think?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

How To Work In Peace

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that disorder and chaos, within or round about us, does not foster effective and successful work. It also stifles and squashes creativity.

The way to work in peace is to have a peaceful work space and atmosphere. That means organization and clean work area(s). Making sure all needed materials are at hand, and organized, and work tools are at hand and ready to use is the next step. Sometimes you may even have to send calls to voicemail, so you can work uninterrupted. This is what God did for us in the Garden of Eden. He put everything needed there, and helped Adam put it in order (naming the animals is labeling everything).

Creating order and peace within is a little harder to do; especially when there are issues you’re dealing with. One of the challenges I had as a battered woman was keeping my mind on task, and not getting ahead of myself in the project I was working on. You’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop then, so your mind races over a million things all throughout your work time. Praise music, or music that soothes your soul and slows your mind down helps quite a bit. it’s also important to continue to increase your spirit in the Word of God, and in positive activities and things that give you energy and increase your self-confidence. As we grow in these, we’re filling up the empty spaces and replacing the negative thoughts and attitudes we’ve had in the past.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:12 ESV) This scripture comes to mind when I read this message. The “world” refers not only unbelievers. It’s also “your world”, and all the things that are going on in it; especially the negative and/or unsettling things. That’s why we’re told: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Make Every Day One Of Increase

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to run to God when our faith fails us. We are reminded of the man whose son had an evil spirit. He asked Jesus to help him, if He could. “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” That’s when the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:17-24)

There’s a passage in the message that gives us a little insight into faith. It tells us that as we get to know Jesus more and more, our faith grows. It works that way in any relationship. At the same time, as our faith grows, we are more aware of what we lack in the way of faith. We also become aware of more ways in which we fall short of walking in power. I’m talking about overcoming power and effectiveness.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10) This scripture speaks to me of the territory within. That’s where it all begins. Whenever there’s a revelation that leads us to repentance, to correction, to courage, etc., that territory within is enlarged. That territory within is the Kingdom of Heaven, or your heart for God. Spending time with God daily, and in His Word, helps to build the relationship with Him. This is where we can take that shortcoming, that thing that we just can’t get past, or even that thing we’re wanting to learn to do, and get the territory enlarged.

When we’re dealing with problem behavior, or other things we’re trying to overcome in ourselves, we surely don’t want to suffer any harm in the process, right? God is abounding in steadfast love; and His mercy and grace are always sufficient to accomplish the victory, without doing you harm. The pain we may feel actually comes from the flesh not wanting to go along with the Spirit. You know; the scale says skip the lasagna and go for the salad, so you do…and what comes by on the dessert cart? Tiramisu! “Jesus! You said this wouldn’t hurt!” “Oh, wait; Satan, get behind me!” “Sorry, Lord.” Now, you pray for the willpower to skip that dessert. Jesus sends it, you walk out triumphant, and the next time that Tiramisu comes to entice you, you’re not even phased. Ha!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Truly, There Is None Other

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there is no other name by which one can be saved. And, Jesus saves us every day. As I read the message, I thought about all the times my dad said, “Jesus!” -when something wasn’t going right. And then, it would go right. I’m stifling a giggle as I write this. I know He knew there’s a God; but I never saw him go to church except for christenings, weddings, and funerals.

We’re encouraged to say His Name often; and to speak it just out of love for Him, as well. I found out some time ago that when I speak Jesus’ Name, thinking about how much He loves me, and how much I love Him, everything within does change. There’s a peace that comes over me, the storm dissipates, and truly, I find myself on a rock that’s higher than the waves are.

Chris Tomlin does this song. It’s a great way to celebrate the Lord’s day. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Richest Girl In The World

…Is Daddy’s girl! Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to “lay up treasure in Heaven,” and to set our affections on those things. They are higher than anything we’ll ever find here. And, they are the ones that will endure forever.

My first treasure is my Jesus and my Heavenly Father! Then, there’s the privilege of communicating with them; the privilege of prayer. My children, grandchildren, family and friends are great treasures. I have some beautiful people in my life! There is the sun to warm me, the wind to cool me, the stars to count -because sheep can’t jump that high, the moon to dream over, the water to hydrate, wash, and entertain me. (I love to swim and fish) I know, I know-those are temporal things; but God sends them at exactly the right time, every time.

There are those few moments in the morning, as I’m saying my prayer…this warm hush comes over my spirit, and I can almost feel the Lord wrapping His arms around me. What a way to start the day! I could go on with this list, but it would never end. When I think about having to fight for every breath I took, and being able to breathe deeply now, I’m overcome with tears of gratitude. Healing and health are two great treasures. And, I’m not getting old; just older. See, already I’m winning that battle! LOL

I have the peace and joy of the Lord, within, and once everything gets down to a dull roar, round about me too. That’s the second most awesome thing to possess in this crazy world; the peace and joy of the Lord. Peace and joy in the Lord, all the time, is the most awesome! We walk by faith; and when you have that, you’ve got all you need.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Acceptance Changes Them

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to accept the trials that come our way. We are reminded that we cannot be destroyed; that God’s grace is sufficient for us. God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs, in every circumstance. That one’s easy to forget, isn’t it? Something that has helped me in the past, and continues to be a great help to me, is acceptance .

As I thought about acceptance in regard to this message, I saw it in a different light. It isn’t merely acceptance of the trials that matters. It is, first and foremost, acceptance of our new heritage in Christ Jesus, complete with all the authority, peace, power, etc. that comes with that heritage, that makes the difference. (2Co. 5:17) -“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” That acceptance changes the way we see those trials. It changes their size, first of all. Seeing them in light of who you are in Christ, is like looking through the other end of the binoculars. Remember the Israelites seeing themselves as grasshoppers in comparison to the Philistines? (Numbers 13:33)

Jesus showed us how to turn the binoculars around, so we see the truth. The truth is that nothing can separate us from the love of God, He is our beginning and our end, and in Him there is no end for us. (Romans 8:39) (Psalm 91) (John 11:26) Finally, there’s the last part of that scripture about God’s grace being sufficient for us…”for my power is made perfect (or perfected) in weakness. That weakness spoken of there is the laying down of our will, our attitude(s), thoughts and words, and our ways. Instead, we are to adhere to God’s will, His attitudes, thoughts and words, and His ways. (Jeremiah 29:11) (2 Co. 10:5) (Matt. 5:48) That changes the trial to an opportunity to win; just like Jesus does-every time…and, when He wins, we all do. Lord, help me to get this one down for good, please. Thank you.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Abide, Then, In Perfect Love

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to make our Lord, Jesus Christ the one abiding presence we are conscious of all the time. This means we need to abide, then, in perfect love; because that’s what Jesus is. God is love, and Jesus said when we see Him, we’ve seen the Father.

The message tells us that it is God’s eternal life flowing through us that is the miracle working power. Please read the message at twolisteners.org – it’s a powerful one. When we have that life eternal flowing through us, we have wholeness within; real life within. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3 -NIV) This spills over into every aspect of our lives, and touches the lives of others.

Fear is the greatest obstacle to remaining in this consciousness of God’s presence. Why? I believe it is because we do not know God personally. We try to be good Christians; but forget that we are Children of God. He’s our Daddy! As I’ve read, especially in the Psalms and Prophets, I’ve seen more and more clearly God’s heart for us. In Jeremiah 4:19 God says: “My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.” (BSB) That battle is the battle against fear and condemnation, against doubt, and detachment. Nothing can separate us from the love of God; but we can, and do stray-especially when we’ve done something wrong and are afraid. But Jesus said, “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1John 4:18-NIV) Being made perfect in love includes knowing our Heavenly Father’s deep, deep, steadfast, and awesome love for us! The more intimately you know Him as Father-I call Him Daddy-the less fear you will have in your life! The more, peace, joy, and power you will gain.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Preparing The Soil

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to spend more time preparing the soil. Jeremiah 4:3 tells us to break up our fallow ground and don’t sow among thorns.

There are two things that come to mind when I read this scripture. First, fallow ground is unplowed. That means the seed won’t get into the soil because the ground is unpenetrable. If the seed doesn’t get into the soil, it doesn’t get the nourishment required for it to take root and grow. It will just lie on the surface of the ground and be blown away by the wind, or scorched by the sun. It’s important to create the right environment; one that will promote growth and success. This works in every aspect of life; breaking generational curses included. Secondly, we’re told not to sow among thorns. Those thorns represent nay-sayers, or unbelievers, those that keep pulling us back into destructive ways and things, etc. This, also, is very important when we’re breaking generational curses off, and/or breaking bonds of addictions and dysfunctions.

When we spend time preparing the soil, we’re sure to reap the blessings we were ordained to reap.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Faith Is Also Its Own Reward

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of God’s promise that our faith will be rewarded.

As I read the message, in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic and everything that’s been affected by it, I must say some thank yous. Thank you, Lord, for keeping us in the palm of your hands; first of all. Thank you, to all those who keep right on giving, right on caring about the rest of the world, and right on doing your best to help everyone get through this thing. I’ll never be able to express how much I appreciate you, and how deeply grateful I am to you.

I also think about Noah, Abraham, Moses…and our Lord, Jesus. What awesome faith they showed us! I’m always blown away when I think about Jesus; about the strength of His faith; and His love. He could have called the whole thing off at any given point in time. But He didn’t. And when I think about that, I think about the times I’ve trudged onward. I don’t know how I got through any of it, except by God’s grace strengthening my faith as I went along. The Bible does say we reap what we sow, right? Yeah, that little faith seed becomes a beautiful and majestic tree over the years, doesn’t it? Faith is its own reward. Isn’t it cool how God works all that stuff out so perfectly?!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu