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

He’s Working On It! -And On You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus does hear, and does answer! The problem is that our timing is not perfect; His is.

As I read the message, I thought of one day when I was married. My husband was late getting home. I got a little worried about whether or not he was alright. I could have gotten angry at him for keeping me waiting, for making me worry, but I didn’t. I just prayed that he was alright, and waited. Sure enough, a little while longer, and he came driving up. He’d stopped at the store to pick up some snacks and a movie he thought we’d all enjoy together. See, he was working on being a good hubby and dad.

When we don’t see things happening, it doesn’t mean they aren’t cared about, or aren’t being worked out by the Lord. It means we need to ask for more faith to trust Him, so that He can work them into the best outcome for us. Every time I read this message, I am reminded of how many times I freaked out, gave up, and gave in to the temptation to do it in my own strength – only to regret it later. I can laugh at myself now…and I can only imagine how Jesus must have laughed when it all finally did come together, and He saw my face. Thank you, Lord, for your patience!

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Not By Might, By His Power

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus’ miracle working power is very much present with us today. We are encouraged to remember that when we trust Him completely, and leave the timing to Him, whatever the need may be, will be met.

When I read this message, I think about working so hard to make things happen. I didn’t realize back then that I was taking the reigns out of Jesus’ hands in doing that. The Bible tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That’s a good reminder to me that I need to let up and just let go; especially when things don’t look like they’re going anywhere.

Looks can be deceiving, and trust me, I learned this some time ago: Jesus is always working. As a matter of fact, He already worked whatever that need is out-a long time ago. What He’s working on now, in regard to that need, is you. He’s working on your heart, your perseverance, your faith, and your determination to keep your joy.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He’s In The Darkness

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to hold fast to our love for, and faith in, Jesus, our Lord. He’s in all the dark places we’ll ever encounter. If you think about it, He’s even in the darkness in our world. If He wasn’t, this really would be Hell on Earth, and we’d never survive it spiritually!

When I read this message, I’m reminded of Peter in prison, when the angel came and woke him up. He must have been a little groggy from sleep, because it seems the angel even had to tell him to dress and put his shoes and cloak on. See, Jesus makes sure every tiny detail is taken care of. The chains even fell off of Peter, and the prison gate opened for them all by itself. When Peter came to himself, he realized this was all really happening-and not just a vision. He said, Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me. (Acts 12:6-11) We are bid, by our Lord, to have that same knowledge; that same trust. We are bid to have full confidence in Him. That will bring us, not only faith, but great joy. Whenever I read that story about Peter, I can just see Peter stum-bumbling around that cell, trying to get dressed and out of there…and trying to figure out what was happening, I have to laugh. See, when I’m groggy from sleep, I’m a stum-bumbler too.

In another account, this one about Paul and Silas, we can see the Lord at work again. (Acts 16:19-30) By the time Jesus was finished here, the jailer got saved. Yay! See how our faith seed brings the fruit of the joy of, and in, the Lord? Paul and Silas just praised the Lord in their dark cell. Suddenly, things began to happen. God’s love is also His light for us. When we hold fast to that love, we will always find the light in the darkness; in any darkness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Oh, How He Loves Us, Indeed!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, admonishes us to trust God wholly; to know that there is nothing He cannot do. Upon reading the message, I thought I’d share a few scriptures with you. They all show us God’s heart for us. They are all God speaking to us.

“How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.” (Hosea 11:8 ESV)

“So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest. Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering. Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.” (Isaiah 16:9-11 BSB)

The Bible is filled with scriptures that show us God’s heart for us. He is such a loving and wonderful Father! I hope you’ll read through the Psalms and the Prophets and find as many as you can! Meantime, David Crowder said it so well with this wonderful song. This song always just grabs me!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Be Assured; You Are Blessed

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are, indeed, blessed by our Heavenly Father. Quoting directly from the message at twolisteners.org: “Assurance is the calm born of a deep certainty in Me, in my Promise, in my power to save and keep.” We are bid to gain this calm, and to hold fast to it always. Psalm 46:10 is referenced: “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” When I read that, I see that nothing can separate me from the love of God; and nothing can stand against Him. And, God will be exalted in my body, or in me, when I allow Him to be. God cannot do anything in you, or for you, until you trust Him to. When we turn to God to strengthen our faith in Him, and that calm returns, the work can begin and be done. I am reminded of the boy with the unclean spirit, whose father cried to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

I broke that verse (Psalm 46:10 down word by word, once. It changed my whole perspective of who I am in Christ Jesus, and the power I do have in His Name, His Word, in Him. “Be perfect therefore, as you Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48) Still -“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37) And – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah (32:27) Know – “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” That – That God! -The One who is truth, life, and the way. The One who does have your best interests at heart! I Am – He’s not I Was, He is everyday, all day long! God -There are numerous scriptures that attest to this. But, the one that empowers us the most is this one: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)

I hope you’ll be encouraged to look up every scripture about God’s love, His promises, His power, His fierce protectiveness over us. I hope you’ll write them down and speak them out loud, if you have to, every time you have to. The Word of God is alive, and every time you speak it, it will accomplish what God would have it to accomplish – IN YOU…IN YOUR LIFE.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Walk In That Promise

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is the only source of supply. Everything else is a resource. We are bid to hold fast to that truth, and to trust and walk in God’s promises. Isaiah 45:22 is referenced; but I found some verses that outline that promise to provide for us.

(Isaiah 45:1-3) Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” *(Yes, we are anointed, and He has grasped our right hand.)

By this, we can clearly see that no nation, nor any king can stand against our God. He goes before us to open doors and prevent access from being cut off to us. That means you’re going to get where you need to be to be helped. He levels the exalted places; which are not only places that may try to keep us out (the exclusives), but also included are the thoughts and attitudes of others, and ourselves, that would prevent us from getting our needs met. Doors of bronze and bars of iron keep us in and out. Doors of bronze represent judgment against us. Bars of Iron represent imprisonment; in a certain class, or place (keeping you in your place), and in certain mindsets. (lack of self esteem, lack of education, etc.) God will illuminate truth for us, and reveal whatever information we may need to get where we need to be, are called to be, want to be. Yes, even our wants are of concern to Him. (Psalm 37:4) “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When we see God as the source of all we need, and seek Him for all we need, God reveals Himself and all we need to know, in order to receive what we need.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Work At Resting

Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, bids us to come unto Him; and to stay with Him. The Lord’s presence, you see, is our Sabbath rest. The Sabbath is holy to the LORD/Lord; and that holiness surrounds us as we rest in Him.

It is in the resting in the presence of the LORD/Lord, that power comes to us. “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) “…in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) My life changed completely, when I learned to just walk in that rest. I learned to stay there at all costs. No, things still don’t always go right; yes, I still get angry, frustrated, upset, etc. But, I can, and do, go right back into that rest immediately, or asap, when I do lose it. It’s a matter of working at it, until we get it so right the devil can’t pull us out anymore. It’s just like that seventy times seven forgiveness thing – in other words, “do it until it comes naturally to you.”

Happy Birthday, my love! My first baby girl is celebrating her 40th birthday today. May your day be blessed with all the love, joy, laughter, and beautiful memories your heart can hold…and then some. And may I tell you, you are my “and them some!” Love you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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

And I will Give You Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that our strength lies in quietness and trust. (Isaiah 30:15) Today’s message is the one that came into my daily prayer. “Thank you, Lord, for the peace to find strength within myself; and for the strength to seek your peace in my life.” All it takes is just a few minutes in God’s Presence and that peace comes flooding in.

I hope this song will bless you as much as it does me. Thank you, Paul Wilbur. What a beautiful job you did with this!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu