Are We Really of One Accord?

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that, “where two or three are gathered together in my name…”, doesn’t just mean praying together.

The message bids us to think about the wisdom and implications of our prayers -(should they be granted?) Are we praying according to God’s will? If I’m praying for God to kill my enemy, and God has said, “if your enemy is hungry feed him, naked, clothe him”, etc., then I’m not praying according to his will, am I? That’s why some of my enemies have lived as long as they have. LOL

Being of one accord, doesn’t just mean us. It means we should also be in one accord with God’s will and His Word. If I am already a frazzled wife and mother, with my hands very full at the moment, for a group to pray for that promotion that will cost me more hours away from home, might not be such a good idea. I’m pretty sure God would much rather see a happy and thriving family than a broken one in the end, right? Yes, my dears, some of our lessons are learned the hard way, aren’t they?

All this causes me to stop and think a bit about things when someone asks me to pray with them for something. I must say here, that I am one who believes in short and sweet prayers. “God, regarding this thing, your will be done; and help me to understand it.” That’s me – now. When someone asks if I’d like them to pray for something with me, I usually say the same thing. Pray that God’s will be worked in my life, and that I will understand it. I’ve learned-and sometimes it was the hard way, that God does know best; and He really does work all things together for the good of those who love him. Did you see that word in there – “those?” Yeah, it isn’t always all about just you. Imagine that. LOL I am laughing at myself now, but boy, there were the days when I was so upset with my nose all out of joint…to think that God would have me connected with various different people and things and conditions that all needed to be lined up just so-according to His purpose and will…I mean, who does He think He is? God? Yeah, now you’re laughing too, aren’t you?

That does kind of take the heat off of us, though, doesn’t it? I mean, God’s will be done means God’s got the ball. If it falls someplace you don’t want it to, go talk to Him. He did say, ask and it shall be given you; so He’ll answer. Be careful what you pray for, and how you pray. Make sure everyone is in one accord with each other, and with God. “If we ask according to His will, it will be done.” (1 John 5:14)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 29, 2018, 12:59 p.m.

Why Does He Have to Beg?

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For all those wondering if i really, really wanted Jack Daniels laced gravy and hot cocoa, NO! I was actually trying to lighten the moment with humor, so I got into character (the poor beleaguered accidental lush), and got a little laughter going. Yes, I really did do the bit on Thanksgiving on the Catholic Charities campus. It was all in good fun, and I even got a couple of laughs. I no longer drink like that. I’m happy to say that these days, I’d smack someone upside the head with a drumstick before I turned to alcohol to deal with them. Well, I might let him or her have a drink…anesthesia, you know. LOL

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is at the door as a heavenly beggar. He stands perpetually at the door of our hearts, and longing to enter into our lives. This is a really powerful statement when I think of all the holiday suicides, the fights, the destruction of relationships, the disillusionment, and the chaos that the holidays bring with them. I think a better way to say that would be to say, “that we bring into the holidays.” I was surveying the gigantic mess on Main Street this morning. So many folks came out with food and other gifts for the homeless people there. But now there is garbage strewn and piled along the fence line of the campus, all down the sidewalks, and even in the street. It’s a heartbreaking reflection of the lack of self respect and the emptiness in people.s hearts, really. This is exactly what Jesus is begging us to let Him in for. You see, the Bible tells us to seek first the kingdom of Heaven, and to look to the LORD for He is our salvation. He saves us from ourselves, which is our greatest enemy.

We go though so much in this life. A lot of us don’t really get a good start. We also have scars from various events and circumstances we’ve found ourselves in. Let me tell you that life on the street is an event that can scar you deeply in spirit; especially when you witness some of the low living -and the arrogance of those who survive by victimizing others. As I surveyed the mess this morning-this question came to me: Why does He have to beg? What would prevent you from seeking Him out if you know He’s the answer to your problem? What would cause you to so adamantly disrespect yourself? Let me tell you, please, I asked myself those very same questions more than a couple times in my own life. They hit me again this morning, because it’s all the same. Liberation begins within. Who better to help you than the One who created you?

Jesus came that we might have life abundantly. Sleeping surrounded by garbage is not life; it’s flirting with disease and death. Creating raw sewage where one sleeps is not life; it’s flirting with disease and death. I’ve often heard, “nobody respects the homeless.” Ladies and gentlemen, even the homeless people deserve respect. Homeless people, if you want to be respected, be respect able. One becomes respect able by respecting oneself enough to do right-even when it’s a struggle to. (Yes, I do mean respect – able) Are you able to handle respect from others? Or are you so caught up on your past and they way someone treated you then that you can’t handle anything else now? There is One who can show you the way, because He is the Way. Why does He have to beg? Why do you ignore your own inner pleading for better? Why does your soul have to beg?

PS – It would be very helpful when you come to feed the homeless, for you to stay and collect up the garbage and then take care of disposing it as well. I’m sure you would find some willing helpers among them.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 25, 2018, 12:59 p.m.

The Conquering Power

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Today is Family Day here in Nevada. And, family can drive you crazy, right?! Especially on the holidays; am I right? So, today’s message fits the occasion perfectly.

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we walk in Jesus’ conquering power today. When I first read that statement, I didn’t realize its full impact. When I read the Gospels, and each time I read them, I see more and more clearly that Jesus wasn’t talking about winning over evil nearly as much as He was addressing the power to conquer ourselves.

“In the world you’ll have tribulation; but bee of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” There is evil in the world, yes. And Satan does prowl like a lion, waiting to pounce. But noting of the world can harm us spiritually if we can conquer ourselves. By that, I mean our fears, doubts, those negative things we hear that echo through all those years, the bitterness, the anger, the envy, the hatred…the list goes on and on.

“Love takes no offense.” That’s in 1Cor. 13. When we take no offense, offense cannot attach itself to us. Those things are all unclean spirits, or attitudes and thoughts we entertain, etc., that attach themselves to us through the disappointments, heartbreaks, perceived failures, betrayals, etc. It is these very spirits that we need to conquer.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Ciopyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 21, 2018, 3:45 p.m.

Radiating Joy Daily

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that our joy should be manifest, and that it should radiate from within us, and through all we do.

I really had to think about the meaning of this message, in light of the two scriptural references given. The first one is Matthew 5:15 -“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” This is what manifest joy means. Manifest joy is that joy that is seen in our service to others, in our work, in our other undertakings, and in our daily living. We have a standard that we’re expected to live up to, or to perform to. The joy we take in living and attaining that excellence (which is the standard), should, and does show. Therefore, if things aren’t looking so great, check your joy level. Nine times out of ten, you’ve probably lost sight of the cause for that joy, and the power of it. Then, check your attitude; because you’ve probably lost the gratitude that should be in it.

Matthew 5:16 is the next scripture referenced: “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and praise your Father in Heaven.” You see, joy in being brings joy in doing, and then radiates out to others. That joy is the joy that makes others realize there’s a difference about you. That joy is the joy that makes others wonder what you’ve got. That joy is the joy that attracts others to the Lord. I’m adding my own scriptural reference now. John 12:32 – “And I, when I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all people unto myself.” Jesus is that lamp on the stand. When they see Him all over you and your life, they’ll come too.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Hills of the Lord

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us to lift our eyes from the earthly to the divine. Psalm 121:12 is referenced…”I will lift my eyes to the mountains; from where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and Earth. (NIV)

When I think about lifting my eyes from what’s earthly and earthbound, I think about discipline, perseverance, patience, peace, and quietness of spirit in times of upheaval within. I did a study some years ago on high-mindedness. It had to do with this message of seeking the divine way, the joyful way, the more peaceful way. When we lift our eyes to what is divine and honorable, what brings dignity, or preserves dignity, we find those ways. When we find those ways, we truly can loosen the bonds that keep us tied to futility. As we do this, we find more powerful purpose(s) and a more purposeful power in all we do.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Unity Empowers Peace; Peace Empowers Unity

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Today’s message from God calling -A.J. Russell , reminds us that unity brings power of and to the Spirit. Matthew 18:20 is referenced by the message. “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

That’s an earth shattering statement when you think about it. It brings to mind Isaiah 45:22 -“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other.” It truly isn’t God’s will that any should perish, but that all should be saved and have eternal life after this life, and to have life abundantly here. (2 Peter 3:9, John 10:10) It is the wish of our Heavenly Father, and our Lord, Jesus Christ, that every soul on planet Earth have abundance of peace, joy, provision, love, mercy-all the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) The only way that can be accomplished is through unity of spirit, or purpose. Each one of us must let go of fear, envy, discord, hatred. (1 Corinthians 3:3) “You are still worldly. For where there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? Yes, we’ve forgotten our divine nature, which is created in the image and likeness of God, Himself.

God is in all and is all. That changes everything, doesn’t it? Why do we envy one another? We’re all honored and precious in His sight. Each of us are endowed with certain gifts, talents, etc., that make us -or should make us-treasures to our fellow man. And each of us has no reason to fear rejection from God based on anything another says about us, or does to us; no one controls your relationship with God but you!

Think what the world might accomplish in terms of healing, progress in every area of life, and the wonders of beauty that we might be privileged to experience. And all we have to do is live and let live. There is power for life, for love, for all men when we choose to let go of the fears, envy, doubts, and hatred-which is really another form of fear based on ignorance and/or confusion. Think how much more we could accomplish and how many more could be helped-and truly helped, if we even just became unified in the choice to live in peace and let others do the same. God knows the heart of every man. God knows who is His. (Matthew 12:30, Mark 9:40) Jesus said a house divided against itself will not stand. That is true regardless of what religion, faction, or sect, of what gender, or what other physical makeup that house is. Look at it from an individual vantage point-as a human being; an inhabitant of Earth. Peace empowers unity and the power of mankind. Unity empowers peace and the power of mankind.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 16, 2018, 10:45 a.m.

Every Day A Clean Slate

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Yes, they’re both me. Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to start each day with a clean slate. We’re told to forget the past failures-ours, and those of others who have failed us. The message goes hand in hand with my post on Psalm 3.

Starting with a clean slate doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop and think about where and how we went wrong when we fail. It means we need to use those discoveries as tools to correct ourselves with. They are merely that; tools, lessons for us to grow by. When I think about this message, I think about Romans 8:1 -“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That statement was a very powerful revelation for me, in terms of guilt, shame, self-doubt, and fear. When there is no condemnation, no judgment, the failure, error, sin, whatever you want to call it, is neutralized. That thing is robbed of its power to pull you down into shame, guilt, self loathing, self pity, self doubt, and anything else that comes with it.

A closer look at those things will show you that they are barbs or hooks designed to tear your flesh, or in the spirit, your strength, conviction, substance, and power from you. They are, in the spirit, exactly what that cat-o-nine-tails lash was on Jesus’ back when He was scourged. Do you remember that “the chastisement of our PEACE was laid on Him?” That peace is the very thing Satan wants to rob you of through those things. He knows that your peace is your power. “In repentance and rest (peace) is your salvation; in quietness and trust (peace) is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

Forgiveness is merely letting go of the offense, and not holding it against the offender, or over his/her head. This includes our self inflicted offenses. We do the same thing with these that we do with the other failures, etc. We use them as tools, learn from them, and move on. The longer you keep hold of an offense, the longer that offense has a hold on you. Let me tell you from personal experience, the devil will hold you forever if you want him to. Let go and let God put that thing to work for you. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. He gives us beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for tears-instead of mourning. (Isaiah 61:3)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Ever Emptying Vessel

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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.

You’re Not Waiting Alone

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Nor are you alone in that “failure.” Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that the waiting is the hardest part. The hardest lesson you’ll ever have to learn is waiting upon the Lord. He does absolutely nothing out of order, or at the wrong time. His timing is perfect. The problem is our patience level and our endurance level.

When you’re going through the storm, and you want to scream at Jesus, “Don’t you care that we’re perishing?!” Praise Him instead. You know what? He’s right there in the boat that’s being swamped by the waves. Thank Him for being there with you. “I will never leave or forsake you,” Jesus said. Then He added, “even unto the end of the age.” If the world’s still here, so is He. That means you’re going to be okay. He’s already got the whole thing under control and handled. You just have to wait for Him to hand it to you. To my dying day, I will be convinced that Jesus’, “Peace, be still,” was just as much spoken to the disciples as it was to the storm.

Psalm 42:5 asks the question, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” This is the attitude we need to take when the storms assail us. Think of Paul and Silas in the darkness of that prison. Still, they praised Him. Then the walls shook, the doors opened, and God showed Himself faithful, didn’t He?! There’s a miracle in every praise you lift. God grows on you, and in you, when you do. Going through something? Hush – and praise Him!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 30, 2018, 11:52 a.m.

Your Soul’s Feast

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Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that when we spend time with the Lord, whether in praise, prayer, or in His Word, we can enjoy a soul’s feast. the message tells us that today, right now, spending time with Jesus in intimate friendship is still possible, and also more sublime than if we’d been with Him on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

I am inclined to agree with that. I’ve never come away from praise, prayer, or spending time in His Word, and been disappointed. I’ve always found a spiritual feast for my soul in all three areas. John 14:12 comes to mind. Jesus tells the disciples they’ll do not only the works He does, but even greater things, because He’s going to the Father. He also said, “blessed is he who hasn’t seen but believes.” (John 20:29) I believe that because Jesus is in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit is with us, we are more aware, more keenly seeking and sensitive to the Holy Spirit; to the Lord’s voice in everything around us. We have the advantage, don’t we? I also am reminded of the birds and their songs and antics; daily I’m treated to them. I see the Lord’s smile and hear His laughter in them; feel His joy in His creation. Now, that’s a soul’s feast!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu