Oh, That Touch

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that our Lord is ever present with us. We are reminded that His touch brings, not only healing, but guidance, and comfort. It isn’t just healing, guidance, and comfort that that touch brings us. Sometimes, I feel that touch as I’m doing my Bible study. I always come away with a wonderful little nugget of truth that empowers my walk with Him. I hope you’ll read the message for yourselves at twolisteners.org

That little nugget of truth came through that touch recently. I was doing my study on generational curses, and was led to Genesis 2:15-17. I believe, since we are created in God’s image, after His likeness, we already have the knowledge of both good and evil within us. (Genesis 1:26-27) We just didn’t have the wisdom we needed in regard to good and evil. Remember God walked and talked with them in the cool of the day. So, it is possible that Satan thought he’d get a head-start on destruction.

One of the keys to overcoming generational curses is mastering the knowledge of good and evil. It is not the knowledge of good and evil that will kill you. It is eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil that will either kill you, or bring you life. Eating the fruit of the knowledge of good will destroy your fleshly, worldly, and evil tendencies. It will also destroy the fallout, or spiritual damage to you caused by the evil in the world around you. Likewise, eating the fruit of the knowledge of evil will destroy good in your life, and even the desire in you, to do good.

Example: You see someone homeless on the street. You’ve just purchased breakfast, and got a two for one deal. The fruit of the knowledge of good is your desire to offer this person the other breakfast. (compassion) You do (partaking of the fruit), and a little faith and hope comes alive in that person. (There’s somebody who does care) The other example: The scenario is the same. Only this time, you think about being able to sleep in, and having this extra breakfast tomorrow morning. You won’t have to stop for it on the way to work. (Self, Selfish) You do not offer it to that person, but go on your way (partaking of the fruit of evil) Not that thinking about yourself is evil, but when you see a person who’s homeless and obviously hungry, and you do have enough…isn’t ignoring that and walking away what Satan would do?

That little “touch” made me realize how much easier choosing is when we see exactly what it is being offered us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It All Goes Together

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to dwell in God’s Presence. We’re told to dig deep into the soil of the Kingdom. This message ties in with the one for Saturday, August 8th, and with my post on Friday’s message. All three go together.

Friday’s message speaks of getting to know God intimately to dispel fear and doubt within. Saturday’s message – read it at twolisteners.org- bids us to empty ourselves to ensure constant fresh supply. This is so important when we’re finding ourselves stressed, anxious, angry, anything that’s contrary to the Divine Nature within us. Immediately emptying ourselves of all that negative emotion and replacing it with truth from the Word of God, and what we know of God’s love and grace toward us, is critical. This is the way we remain in His Presence.

Do you know what Satan’s goal in the Garden of Eden was? It was to separate Adam and Eve from the presence of God-and from the security there is in His presence. That’s why we’re told to dig deep into the soil of the Kingdom…you’ll find treasure upon treasure, strength upon strength, glory upon glory, until your faith is unshakable! You will think, feel, and act like the king or queen you are ordained to be. *Remember what the King of kings said, though: “I have not come to be served, but to serve.” And remember Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, so that he could rule over his people wisely and justly.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

What You Need For It Is There

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God gives us everything we need for every task He assigns to us. We are bid to “face each difficulty sure that the wisdom and strength will be given you for it. Claim it.”

Wisdom is found all through the scriptures. Two of my favorite books are the Psalms and Proverbs. But, if you read carefully, you can learn tremendously awesome things from every book in the Bible. And, it is like that field the man found a pearl in; filled with all kinds of treasure. It’s truly worth every minute you set aside, so you can spend time digging up all the good things in that field.

Psalm 90:12 is referenced by the message: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Numbering our days is good stewardship. It has to do with scheduling; budgeting our time so that we have time to spend with the Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Connecting The Steps To The Summit

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to take our eyes off the problems, long enough to see how they’re leading us to the goals.

Each day brings with it little irritations, little chances to give up, little difficulties to excuse doubt. The list goes on and on. We’re not to pay too much attention to those little things. We’re not to allow them to throw us off track, that is. We are to connect them to the goal we’re trying to reach. The ultimate goal is to maintain our authority over our circumstances, and to remember we are kings and queens in the earth. We rule; the circumstances don’t. They shouldn’t, anyway.

The way we connect those little things to the goals, is by building a stairway leading upward to the goals. We do this when we see those little irritations, difficulties, etc., as opportunities to practice our authority wisely. Remember Solomon? He asked God for wisdom. He wanted to rule over his world wisely. That attitude, or mindset, changes us immediately from being victims of the circumstances, to being masters over them. *We practice this best when we slow down long enough to remain in the driver’s seat. All that rushing, rushing, rushing, can throw you right into the rumble seat, if you don’t watch out.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Every Day Is A New One

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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

Until It Becomes The Air You Breathe

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Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, bids us to seek God, to commune with Him, and to dwell with Him. We are bid to dig deep into the soil of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I always pray before I read my Bible. I always have. The reason I bring it up is because I can’t imagine not doing that. But, I remember how much effort it took back in the beginning, to get into the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would get distracted by outside noise, totally thrown off by someone talking as I’m trying to praise the Lord, things like that. Sometimes it would be so hard to stay focused on even my prayers, let alone my Bible study. I’ve learned those are some of the enemy’s tricks and ploys. I’m glad I pressed on. I want to encourage you today – whoever you may be, not to give up. If it takes you three hours of praise music, do them. If you have to start your prayer over ten times, do it. Don’t let the distraction win, by causing you to stop your pursuit of the Lord’s Presence. It is all worth it in the end. The more time you spend in His Presence, the more treasures you find in the soil of the Kingdom (His Word), and vice versa. The more wisdom, peace, truth, love, that you find in that Kingdom soil, the bolder you get about going to the Lord. The easier it is to be in His Presence…just like the little child he scooped up and took onto His lap. He did say we must become as trusting and free as children are, didn’t He?

My song choice is and oldie but goody called The Air I Breathe:

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Joy Nobody Can Take Away

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the joy of the Lord is with us as surely as He is. We’re told that our thoughtfulness and kindness toward others is as sure a sign of true discipleship as joy is. When I set my focus on these messages and the lessons in them some years ago, I began to discover that joy is as multi-faceted as everything else about God is.

There is a quiet joy that settles on you as you’re rocking your little one to sleep. There is a confident joy that encircles you as you survey your clean kitchen, or that finally finished project. There’s an exuberant joy that wells up within as your gift is well received by its recipient. The same thing happens when you hear the exclamations of delight when that apple pie you baked for the clan is found on the counter. There is a deep and almost inaudible hum of joy that stays with you through the long hours of toil over something, through the seemingly endless moments of waiting for the doctor’s report, and through all the mocking, all the heartache, all the tears. That’s the joy of the Lord; no one can take it from us. Try it for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how multi-faceted the joy in your life really is. It reminds me of a beautiful prism in the sunlight.

Joy, you see, is not a feeling. Joy is a state of being, a condition. You hear people talk about how healthy someone is, or what awesome shape they’re in. They are healthy and in shape because they have chosen to be. They’ve done things that empower and protect their health and fitness. Joy is cultivated, developed, and sustained by choice. The way we keep our joy ongoing, is by focusing on everything that we do have, everything positive in our lives, and by our gratitude for those things. When you think you can’t think of a single thing to be happy or joyful about, think again. It’s all up to us whether or not joy remains through the tough times.

Here’s the greatest and best reassurance that our joy is permanently endowed upon us. God never will fail you! God’s love will never leave you-you can leave it, but it will never leave you. He is our strong tower, a refuge in times of trouble, and He cannot fail us -even if He wanted to. He sends his rain on the just and the unjust. Doesn’t that make you want to shout for joy? He can chide us, or admonish us and correct us, but He can’t fail us. Love never fails, and He’s love. See, it’s really not that bad after all, is it? God loves you and so do I.

*That rain for us includes the latter rain of the Holy Spirit.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, December 15, 2018, 2:29 p.m.

His Guidance Is In His Word

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is our perpetual guide. We have His ongoing guidance with us always. Therefore, we should not have to operate under the worries, strife, anxieties, and general stress that the “world” does. We can move and operate with confidence and in peace of mind. “In quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

The message bids us to wait for God’s guidance in every step; to wait to be shown the way. As I read this, I can recall praying, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting…and then finally, just going ahead on my own, because nothing fell out of the sky. Nor was there a voice coming from a burning bush. Usually, I ended up regretting my decision, my choice. One time I got really frustrated and asked God, “why did you not show me what I’m supposed to do?!” “I did show you, and I even made sure it was written down for you, little madam.” -came the answer. What?! I didn’t see any flying scroll! And I never saw any , “eenie, meanie, tekel, do not go out with that jerk,” on the wall either. But, I did see that scripture in the Bible that says, “don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” And there was that thing about not keeping company with those set on doing evil, or those who love wickedness.

Oh, wow! “Yes, dear, I want you to wait to act until you know and are sure you have my guidance down right.” You see, it’s always there. It’s been there since the very beginning. He told Adam and Eve not to eat from that tree. When God says wait for my guidance, He means wait to choose, or decide, and wait to act until you have checked and double-checked and strengthened your spirit. Remember Jesus in the wilderness? “It is written,” He replied to the devil. Obviously, He referred back to the scriptures. Of course, He was reminding the devil what the Word says, because Jesus is the Word. The Bible tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16) Waiting doesn’t entail doing nothing until something falls out of the sky and hits us on the head; or God Himself shows up to show us the way. He already came, and He is the way. That leaves us with no excuses either, for not seeking or turning to that Word and acting accordingly. 1 John 1:3 is referenced by the message: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” It is the perfect illustration of this message.

Sometimes God does send a special message via dream or some sign; but rarely. Most often, if you look within, and look at the Word of God, you’ll see He’s already pointed us in the direction we’re to go.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, December 12, 2018, 4:34 p.m.

Greater Works Than These…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, assures us that our search, as every man’s search for Jesus, will be rewarded. This is true whether you’ve been a believer for a hundred years and are seeking time with the Lord, or whether you’re a soul in search of whatever it is that might end your suffering. Every soul longs for love. Not every soul knows that love is God; that God is that love.

“Why be surrounded by multitudes if the multitudes were not really desiring to learn from, and to follow, Me? Follow the Christ into the quiet places of prayer.” This is a direct quote from the message. As I read it, and think over my own life, to include my life since I got saved and began to witness to others, I have to agree. First of all, Jesus never chased anyone to church. He never chased anybody to the cross at Calvary. He didn’t even preach to the two thieves hanging there with Him. He didn’t preach to the crippled man that He healed, or to the blind man whose sight He restored. He simply healed them and encouraged them. “Take heart, your sins are forgiven you.” (destroying the works of the devil, who is the accuser of the brethren.) “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (In answer to that same question: “are you really God’s child?” -yeah, the devil again.) The blind man called Jesus the “son of David” and said, “have mercy on me.” In both cases, Jesus was sought out by those desiring to be healed.

That’s a powerful statement. Read it again. Jesus was sought out by them. I’m not saying we shouldn’t preach the gospel; we were commissioned to preach it by our Lord. I am saying we need to be discerning in how and when we preach it to anyone. The Bible tells us to “break up your fallow ground and don’t sow among thorns.” (Jeremiah 4:3) Sometimes, a more powerful testimony can be given without a single word being spoken. The way one lives their life, your faith in the Lord, and more importantly, your joy in the Lord, all tell. These things witness about God’s goodness toward us. This causes others to seek Him. (John 12:32) “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.” He’s lifted every time you get back up and keep going. He’s lifted every time you praise Him in spite of the turmoil around you, or the woes that assail you. He’s lifted every time you seek Him out in prayer. He’s lifted every time you whisper a prayer -for yourself, or for someone else. He’s lifted through your faith and love, and joy in Him. You may not see some of your rewards until you get to Heaven, but believe me, your reward is assured.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, December 8, 2019, 3:37 p.m.

Traveling With Jesus

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Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter until the full light of day. ”

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is “step by step and stage by stage” that we rise upward. Proverbs 4:18 is referenced by the message. when i read the scripture, I am reminded of Romans 3:10, which tells us: “As it is written, none is righteous; no, not one.” When I think about that, it brings me to the conclusion that my righteousness is in Christ Jesus-which we all should know; right? Therefore, the righteous one spoken of in Proverbs 4:18 must be Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; our King.

I started reading a book about Sikhism today. I’m only finished with two chapters so far, but already I have experienced some enlightenment about the unity of mankind. In our Bible, we learn that all are one and created by The One. (Ephesians 4:5 & 6) This belief is the same in Sikhism. There is one Divine One; one God, and all human beings are equal, as is ordained by Him. (Gal. 3:28) Amazing, isn’t it? We’re not the only ones who believe in the unity and dignity of mankind. See what seeking will get you? That same proverb (Proverbs 4: 5 & 7) bids us to get wisdom and understanding at all costs.

That brightness on the path, is not only in regard to our fellow man. Let me tell you how long I walked that path before I overcame some of those old habits, old ways of thinking, old weaknesses, the fears and doubts, and some other stuff too. And let me tell you how beautiful each passing year is, as I continue to walk that path. It is the path of the Righteous One; and He is my righteousness. Each year is more beautiful than the previous one-even the moments that aren’t so good to go through. I’ve always found once I gotten through those, that I have come away from those moments with some new treasure (revelation, strength, consolation, etc.). Jesus said, “I’ve come that they might have life and have it to the full/more abundantly.” (John 10:10) That’s what this walk is about-each one of us, personally, with our Lord. So each one of us can have that fullness of life-because it is in that fullness, that we overflow and bring life to others. And the path does get brighter and brighter. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Thank you, Jesus.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu