Tag: Wealth

Generations Behind You

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 112. It gives us a picture of just how much our faithfulness and obedience to God means to our children and grandchildren…and even theirs. Generations behind us can be blessed by our faithfulness and obedience. The psalm is a short one, so I posted the whole thing.

“Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!”

Boy, am I humbled reading this! And, boy, am I grateful when I read this; for those in the generations ahead of me, who were faithful and obedient. Thank you, LORD/Lord, for my grandmother! Thank you, Oma, for teaching me about God’s love, and for showing me His love in you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, June 26, 2021, 1:16 p.m.

The Poverty Of The Poor

Today’s message comes from Psalms and Proverbs 10. Psalm 10 is another list of the devices of wickedness and evil. We are warned about how evil lurks and slinks into our paths.

Proverbs 10 is a list of the blessings of wisdom; with some wise admonitions thrown in. Verse 15 of this proverb catches my eye. “The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.” What?! Didn’t Jesus say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Yes, He did. But, (3John 1:2) tells us: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” You cannot give what you do not have. That’s why everything begins with receiving, and within. ” (Matthew 3:4-23) – Verse 19 “When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the poverty of the poor. Being poor in spirit actually describes humility meekness; or willingness to learn and take guidance. Some things included in the list of poverty of spirit, or lack of and in spirit, include: courage, truth, instruction, discipline, knowledge, wisdom, diligence, perseverance, patience. Yes, lack of the desire to learn, to grow also fits in here. The wealth of that rich man, by the way, is a fortified city that evil cannot prevail against. He gets the knowledge, instruction, and guidance he needs regarding whatever he has his heart set on, so he achieves his goals, etc. He knows his God, and seeks God early; in other words, before the boat’s sinking.

Thank you, Hillsong, for this beautiful song!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, January 14, 2021, 12:39 p.m.

Yes, But Spend It Wisely

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that money is meant to be used. Like everything else, we get to choose how we use it. We, as children of God, are encouraged to give, give, and give some more; keeping ever an “empty vessel.” This should be our attitude in regard to all the wealth we have; not just about money.

First, let me say this about money: Money is not the wealth. The wealth is the wisdom and integrity with which we use the money. I believe, in being encouraged to keep an empty vessel for God to use, we’re being told to always be ready for God to use us. Don’t get so filled up with yourself and all your stuff that you have going on, that God doesn’t fit in there. You don’t want things to be so tight that God can’t get a plan in edgewise, right? Yeah. That means budget some of that money especially for doing God’s work. That takes us a little beyond the tithe, which is for use in the upkeep of God’s House. God wants to reach every heart He can, and He has told us that His plans are to prosper us. When He prospers us, we are better able to prosper the Kingdom of Heaven, by reaching out to others. Think of that business idea you’ve got. When that comes to fruition, think of the jobs you can create, the people you can help, and the people that might be reached for God…all because of your obedience and faithfulness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 31, 2020, 12:38 p.m.

Feeling That Feeling

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to feel the plenty in God’s Kingdom. We are assured that the storehouses of God are filled to overflowing with all of God’s goodness. – For us!

We’re told to walk by faith, not by sight. So, that feeling of plenty is really not a feeling, but a knowing. It is a matter of changing one’s thinking from supplication to thanksgiving. I believe that when we do that, we begin to grow, not only in faith, but in relationship with God. We begin to see that there is much more to God’s supply than material blessing. There is wisdom, courage, creativity, delight, humility, inspiration, joy, knowledge, laughter, love, passion, patience, peace, power, rest, security, steadfastness, strength, talents, understanding, zeal, or excitement. This is all WEALTH! And, see how wealthy you really are?! Yeah! God’s really, really good! My whole being was changed, merely as a result of giving thanks to God each morning, instead of a to-do list. Not that we shouldn’t make our requests known to God, but we should also-and this ties in with yesterday’s post-settle it in our hearts that it’s a done deal. God answered in the beginning! When we can accept that it’s already been done for us, we can start each day with a grateful heart, and the assurance that God’s got us covered.

This is an old one, but such a good one! Thank you, Michael English and the Gatiher Family.

You Cannot Serve Both

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to ask ourselves whether we are serving God, or serving money/riches. Mammon, it is called in the Bible.

As I read the message, I recalled a conversation I had recently, about someone being refused a meal because they wouldn’t give up their personal information and register. They were told the reason was that if they didn’t register, the church couldn’t get paid for the meal by the government. Jesus tells us, in Matt. 6:24, that we cannot serve both God and money. Either we will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. This is very true. We prove it. I don’t think there’s a Christian that hasn’t experienced this conflict in one way or another. And, the love of money will definitely cause conflict in your life. With it comes debt, deceit, stress, all kinds of stumbling blocks.

Some of us who have held down two, and sometimes three jobs, just to make ends meet, know what a cruel Lord money can be. Work, work, work; and there’s still nothing left over, and still no chance of getting ahead. Some of us have fallen into the prestige and power trap. We sold ourselves to the “up and coming crowd;” the “Haves.” Some of us got caught up in the money trap because we tried to replace our self respect and/or dignity with stuff, stuff, and more stuff. We have to be very careful with our attitudes about money/mammon, because mammon is a very sneaky adversary. I say that, because the spirit behind it and the world’s ideas of wealth, are at work for the powers, principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavens. In reality, it is only sidewalk. It’s what the streets in Heaven are paved with.

Solomon said that money answers everything. It does. It pays the rent, puts food on the table, fills the car with gas, etc. But, money is to serve us; not vice versa. Keeping our attitudes about it in line with God’s Word, and practicing good stewardship/management, are the keys to staying free of bondage to it. There’s also that checklist of things like pride, fear, greed, and the like, to reckon with. We can easily fall into the money trap by way of these.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 8, 2020, 12:19 p.m.

Practicing The Presence Of It

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is a good God.  He is also eager to share His Goodness, and all good things, with us.  We are bid to taste and trust that goodness, and to hold fast to it, even in times of trouble.

When I read about God sharing His Goodness with us, I think about things like the fruits of the Spirit-because God is Spirit.  I also think about His love for us.  He gave His only begotten Son to save us.  That’s a pretty extravagant gift; don’t you think?

So, in order for me to experience and grow in trust, or faith, and intimacy with God, I must practice the presence of His Goodness.  I must receive it within myself; cultivate it in my life, my home, my relationships, etc.

That means, first, I recognize that I am worth dying for.  I am worthy of the best.  That means I will make good choices for myself, I’ll go the extra mile-(put that vase of flowers on the dinner table, or light that candle, etc.).  I will also be deliberate about creating my spaces, my surroundings, when possible.  Look at the way God created the planet, the Garden of Eden, etc.  The Bible says God devises ways to restore us to Himself.  That’s a clue on how we ought to view our relationships with one another.  We’re also told that God blesses us richly, and adds no sorrow to it.  (Proverbs 10:22)  -“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”  I like the Berean Study Bible version; it says the blessing of the LORD “enriches…”

When we seek to enrich our daily living experiences, even something like just a meal, we can turn it into a feast for the soul.  God seeks those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth.  It stands to reason then, that God would love to enrich our soul, our spirit.  When we seek to do the same to others, life takes on a much more beautiful hue.  As we practice the goodness of God within, and bring it out around us, trust that God’s Goodness is always present becomes solidified.  Before you know it, nothing can shake it.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 19, 2019, 2:59 p.m.

 

Every Day Is A New One

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God does, indeed, make all things new.

That might not fully hit you until you take a minute to think about those days you finally got there, it finally all came together, it went right this time!  “Behold, I make all things new,” said the Lord.  When I thought about that, and all those times, I realized I’m a new me every day, too.

What I mean is that, even though I’m the same person, I’m growing and gaining strength, patience, wisdom, all kinds of stuff.  So, really, I’m not the same as I was yesterday.  Today, I’m even better than I was yesterday.  You might not notice it at first, but it’s true.

The message speaks of becoming free of poverty and worry/fear.  That makes me think of Jesus’ words about worshiping God in spirit and in truth.  I also think about His question: “If the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness?”  We are rich or poor in power, according to our poverty or wealth of spirit.  “As a man thinks, so is he,” is a very powerful truth.  If I’m new every day, even better than I was yesterday, perhaps I can do today, what I could not do yesterday.  Don’t give up!  Get a little newer, better-with your attitude, your patience, your perseverance, your love and joy of, and in life.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, August 20, 2019, 4:p.m.

An Attitude of Plentitude

win_20170116_14_42_20_pro-2

I just did a short Bible study in Proverbs, then read today’s message from God Calling, and want to share this with you all.  Bonus day-Saturday Silly, plus a message.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us not to become hoarders, to let money flow freely out as it comes in, and to develop an attitude of trust in God’s provision of all things for us.  We are to cultivate an attitude of plentitude/plenitude.  Yes, both spellings are correct.  The word means abundance.  Jesus said, “I’ve come that they might have life and have it abundantly.”

There are some radically differing viewpoints on this.  Some take this to mean that they need not worry about anything at all-including gainful employment. After all, Jesus said not to worry about these things, but seek first the kingdom of Heaven, right?  Except that if you look at the kingdom of Heaven, it is not one of inaction.  There are specific jobs for specific people (angels, for one thing), and it is all about the progress toward God’s will being done.  The Proverbs are full of admonitions to work toward our well-being and satisfaction of our needs.  And in Genesis, God ordained Adam and Eve to keep the Garden and be stewards of the Earth and all the creatures on it.  Then, after the fall, He said that Adam would work, earning his keep by the “sweat of his brow.”  No, I don’t believe this was a curse God put on Adam.  I believe Adam did take that curse upon himself when he disobeyed God.  I believe those were the natural consequences of their actions in the natural.  At any rate, nothing gets done without effort being put forth and time being invested.

The attitude of plenitude, is one that comes from trusting God to provide for us.  He knows the rent needs to be paid, He knows the bills are due, and He knows the cupboard needs to be filled.  So, seeking first the kingdom of Heaven in regard to this thing, is trusting God’s Word and His promise to provide.  Then, it is acting according to His standard, which includes responsibility and integrity.  So, tithes are paid, rent, bills and groceries are taken care of, provision for future needs is made, etc.  No, saving is not hoarding.

Hoarding is refusing to part with anything, or even something in particular, for whatever reason, when we really don’t need it.  That reason is usually fear based; and always emotional in nature.  “I worked for this; why should I give it up to them?”  “They never even thank me for anything I do for them, or give them!”  Get the picture?  The Bible tells us, though, that love does not change based on someone else’s actions.  Love perseveres.  Seeking first the kingdom of Heaven, then, in this regard, is to grit your teeth and do what’s right; the kind thing, the loving thing, and give it-be it your time, your attention, your help, or some material thing that’s needed-anyway-because that’s what God says to do.  We aren’t moved by our personal feelings, or the local gossip, or by fear of what others will think or say of us if we do help that person.  We are love-God in action; His hands on and in the earth.  When we cultivate and maintain this attitude, blessing flows back onto us; especially spiritually.  And, spiritually is where we do want to prosper, because we prosper as our souls prosper.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, January 5, 2019, 12:36 p.m.

The Ever Emptying Vessel

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are blessed to be a blessing.  “Keep ever an empty vessel for me to fill,” bids the Lord.

Keeping in mind that God wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth, I thought of Psalm 23:5 -“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil.  My cup overflows.”  There’s also Matthew 12:35, where Jesus teaches that, “the good man out of the good stored up in him, brings out good things.”  We are the vessels that God fills with His love, peace, joy, truth, and every other good thing, and through which His blessings flow out to others.

The message speaks specifically about money.  We’re cautioned against hording it, and told to use our wealth for Heaven’s sake.  We are to bless others with all we receive from God.  Wealth is not just money, though.  Wealth is every revelation God gives us.  It is the health we have, the lesson we’ve learned, the joy we experienced, all things that touch our hearts or stimulate our minds and bless us.  The new recipe I came up with is a form of wealth.  It’s something I can share with others.  The extra half day off I have is wealth; and I can use it to clean up the yard for the little elderly couple next door, or something like that.  And, yes, sometimes we do need to spend some of that wealth on ourselves as well.  An afternoon spa treatment, hair color and condition, facial, etc., is just what the doctor ordered sometimes-especially around the holidays.

The point is that we’re not to be afraid to give of what we have if it’s really needed.  God sees, and He has our backs.  We are to be good stewards, however.  Planning and saving for retirement, college funds for our children, and such things are good stewardship.  We are to manage our wealth in such a way that we don’t need to burden anyone.  But we must also keep in mind the parable about the rich farmer who died with storehouses full of food.  In the end, the wealth went to others anyway.  There is a difference between good stewardship and a miserly heart.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu                                                                                                Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 2, 2018, 12:31 p.m.