The Path Of Faith

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 97. It is a psalm of praise, extolling the LORD’s power and goodness toward us. There are a couple of revelations in this psalm that will inspire us to turn quickly to the LORD; and they also empower our peace in the midst of the storms. I’m reading from the ESV.

Verse 5 is where we’ll begin: “The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.” This is a revelation of how powerless all those trials and tribulations are before God. I cannot recall one instance in which I, even casually, said, “God, help me…”, or “Lord, I need your help with this,” etc., that God didn’t come through. -Not a single one. Things didn’t always work out immediately, and sometimes they didn’t work out the way I thought I wanted them to, but God never failed me. “Ask and you shall receive,” Jesus said; and you always will. Where we miss it, is in those few minutes that we should be breathing deeply and quieting our spirit. It is in the stillness that God speaks. This is where the inspirations, the ideas, the strength, and the courage come. The mountains do melt like wax, and that wax polishes the path of faith.

Verse 11 is the next little revelation to us: “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” This is that gentle wave of inspiration, ideas, strength, and courage that comes to us as we look to the LORD/Lord. That’s the light that is sown for us. Being upright in heart is not just about being obedient, being righteous. It is about standing in expectation before the LORD. It was sown. It will produce; because the Word of God is alive and active, and accomplishes that for which He sends it. There is a boldness implied here, of one who knows who, and whose he/she is, and steps into his/her right/rightful place. We don’t have to whine, plead, or beg. We simply have to ask and believe that it’s ours; because it is. We have the right, as children of God to approach the throne of grace boldly; just like Jesus.

I hope you ‘ll read the entire psalm, because it’s another good one for stirring up your faith.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Sorrow Leads To Joy

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, speaks to us of Jesus’ suffering. He was despised, rejected, even by His own, betrayed, beaten, mocked, spat on, and crucified. So each one of us are, or will be, in various ways during our lifetime. Spiritually, that’s a given for every single child of God. Satan does not like us; and he will set out to destroy everyone who becomes a child of God.

We are bid not to measure things by the world’s standards, the world’s valuations; but by Heaven’s standard. That standard is love. (1 Cor. 13) We’re told to see the mob, the jeering, mocking, the cruelty of the guards and the Pharisees, the fear of the disciples-especially Peter. There’s a beautiful revelation in those accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It’s summed up in Proverbs 4:18, which is referenced with yesterday’s message. “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Jesus is that glimmer of light in the darkest darkness. The Kingdom of Heaven shines before us to give us hope all throughout the dark night, until that sun, and the Son/son, is fully risen.

In spite of, and because of, all that Jesus willingly gave up for us, when it looked like the battle had been won by Satan, Jesus rose from the tomb! He, then, ascended to the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Whatever we go through, we have the same hope; for the future when Jesus comes to take us home. But also, for the very next instant when Jesus takes over and brings us to the victory over the adversity. There is NO tomb that you cannot rise up out of! This is one of my most favorite songs ever! Thank you, Dallas Holm! This is SO AWESOME!!

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

Quicker To Turn To Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, assures us that God does not intend for trials and difficulties to arrest our progress. Rather, God uses them to increase our speed.

When I first read this message, I was a little confused; to be honest. Reason being, is that God does not do things in a hurry! He has perfect timing. He also knows how discombobulated I get when I’m rushed. I discovered, through trial and error -(keeping it real), that the increase in speed is meant for our turning to Him in those times of difficulties. God is talking about the little difficulties in daily living, in this message. We’re admonished that we must never let any difficulty conquer us. Rather, we must conquer it.

We’re bid to call on new forces and use new powers in those times. What are those forces? Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. They’re all we need. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign and in control of it all. Jesus gave us His Name, and made known to us everything the Father has given Him. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, sent especially to teach, lead, guide, convict, and comfort us. What more could a girl ask for, eh? What more could a man ask for, for that matter.

There’s always a new power to be discovered within. In the message, we’re told to call them into action; and speedily. You might not think of these as powers, but they really are powerful weapons and/or tools in the spirit. There is the power of prayer, praise &worship, sacrifice – you know, when you give up that Prime Rib dinner so the kids can enjoy Pizza out, during their sleepover party. There’s the power of laughter; which keeps your little sis alive after she spits a wad of bubblegum into your hair-in the middle of the Tokyo airport, in front of about a half troop of soldiers who will be on the same plane as your flying on. LOL

(Luke 21:28) “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” When we lift our heads, we can see a little higher up, and a little farther out. (Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” When we speedily turn to the Lord, and do things His way, calling those powers into action, we can see the pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy…and the most excellent way to handle things. (1 Cor 12:31) “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” -And that would be love.

Jodi, I will get this thing back on track. Happy Belated Birthday! I hope your day was blessed with everything wonderful!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Giving Comes From Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give all we can, in every way we can. We are to imitate the greatest giver(s) of all time; Jesus, and our heavenly Father, who gave His own son for us.

Jeremiah is the prophet I’m currently reading for my study on generational curses. Chapter 30:18-22 speaks to me of what a great giver God is. It shows how mindful He is of us, our needs, our trials and tribulations. This is how we should think when we are presented with opportunities to give. After all, we are blessed in order that we might bless others as well. Jesus said, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As you read these verses, we can see God’s heart is to lift up, to rebuild/restore dignity, joy, and peace, to prosper a soul, and to honor humanity, as it was designed by God. That leader spoken of is Jesus Christ, our Lord. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When I think about that in light of everything we face in the world, and how much of a difference one kind word, even a smile, or a helping hand can make for someone…I am inclined to bow before the Lord first, at every opportunity, and ask Him just to do it through me.

I’m also so grateful for all those beautiful people who give in almost every step they take. You are an inspiration to me when I want to just give up and throw in the towel. Thank you, all!

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

They’re Stepping Stones

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that those downfalls, those sorrows, those turbulent and tumultuous events, even the catastrophic events that happen in our lives, are all stepping stones, or safety lines.

It may not seem like it, but all those things can serve to draw us or draw us back to the Lord’s side. They’re like those road signs-great big arrows that say, “This way to…” -hopefully, the exit, right? Yeah, I can’t even count how many of those things I’ve seen. Fortunately, I finally learned to heed them. You still have to go through, but you know with God, you’re going to get through!

They’re not tests and trials that God puts us through. They really aren’t. They’re actually tests and trials that God gets us through. He’s not the tempter. But Jesus did say, “in the world you’ll have tribulation.” He overcame the world; so we can be confident that we can overcome. And each time we overcome, it brings us closer to the Lord. It gives us new and better understanding of Him. It strengthens our faith and our courage to walk in faith.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

That Kingdom Is Yours Here Too

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“Behold, the Kingdom of Heaven/God is within you…”

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we will have trials and tribulations…but we are still kings and queens in the Earth, even then. The message bids us to accept the trials and tribulations, and to step into the kingdom that’s been prepared for us-even in the midst of them.

I don’t know how many times I’d read that same message before I finally caught that. That Kingdom has been prepared for us, right here on Earth too. Jesus, although He came in human form, was still God. He was King of kings when He was making His way through the birth canal. He was Lord of Lords hanging on that cross, and dying on that cross. If He wasn’t, He wouldn’t have risen from the grave.

Just as Jesus defeated, even death, we can defeat every dead thing in our lives. We can defeat death; break it off of our families, our marriages, our own souls. “Behold, the Kingdom of Heaven/God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) Nobody can take it away from you! No trial, no tribulation, no sickness, no death can take if from you! That’s what Jesus did for us, even long before He died on the cross. Just think, you were a king or queen in the making, from the very beginning!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu