Turn It Into Love

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that only love lasts. Only those things done in love will remain. If it isn’t inspired by love, then it is not of godly quality, we’re told.

The message references (1 Cor. 13:1) “f I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” That shakes things up a little every time I read it.

When I read the message, I thought of Jesus and the crippled man He healed. (Matthew 9:1-5) “Which is easier to say, “your sins are forgiven”, or “get up and walk?” Both got the man up on his feet, but one is inspired by love (mercy and grace) – the gift. The other is impersonal and uncaring; and, in that context and tone, demanding. Said the way the Lord, Jesus said it, it inspires hope, peace and courage, and faith. The message tells us that the true test of all our works is this: Is it inspired by love? I had occasion to pray and ask God to strengthen me in this area, just this morning. “Go first and learn what this means: “I desire mercy; and not sacrifice.” (Matt. 9:13)

It’s not easy, and getting harder and harder, to walk this way without faltering, isn’t it? The message bids us to turn out everything unloving in our hearts and lives, so that we might bear much fruit. That’s a two-fold statement. First, we are to strive to always be loving; to let our words and actions be inspired and measured by love. But, what goes in comes out. Therefore, we must also turn out everything that is in our heart, thought life, encounters with others, the television, etc., that is not loving. There are people you may need to spend less time with, there are things you may need to put away, and there are things you may need to change in order to keep unloving things out of your way. This even translates to our home environments and routines. All that negative stuff, and negative energy is distracting and destructive of peace; which is essential for love to thrive. We can get all caught up in hectic and half-hearted spirals of “living” if we’re not careful.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Sometimes You Have To Lay Down

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when things aren’t going right, we need to look up to the Creator and His creation. (Psalm 121:1-2) is referenced by the message. I also like (Psalm 89:11) – “The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.”

There’s one more scriptural reference that goes with the message. (James 4:10) – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” The message bids us to train ourselves to look further than the end of our nose; ever further. This helps us to build greater vision; vision that can make things happen. When I think about that, I think about a pebble thrown into a pond. The ripples go outward from the point of impact (you); not inward. Each ripple outward is a little larger. This can happen when we share what the LORD/Lord blesses us with-be it knowledge, inspiration, revelation, admonition, whatever. It’s important to keep in mind that we are not just trudging through life here. Jesus said, “I’ve come to destroy the works of the devil;” and again, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” We are to be like Him; doing whatever we can to dispel evil and bring life abundantly, wherever we can.

When I thought about building greater vision, by looking further and further outward, I had to lay down. Remember when you were a child and laid out on the lawn? You were looking up at the sky, and you could see such a great expanse of it, right? Stand up and look straight up, and see how much of it your eyes can take in. Not very much, I found out. But when I lay down flat on my back, I can see from straight up over my head, to the horizon, to the tips of my toes. And I can see everything in that panorama….and so much more. God always has more for us than we expect. We often miss it, because our vision is limited. Sometimes, especially when things aren’t going right, you just have to lay down to get up.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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 Doesn’t Need To Hear It…

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that your heart’s cry is heard over everything in Heaven. Is that an awesome revelation about God’s love? I have to say thank you for that! Thank you, Jesus!

When I think about this in terms of generational curses, I think of Jesus’ words, “But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21-22) What does that have to do with a voiceless cry? Well, when you see that child that just spilled the milk, or just set the toaster on fire, or just filled the tub with the entire box of detergent, and every piece of clothing he could get his beautiful little hands on, does your heart go out to him/her? How could you not be hurting for that frightened child, and want to rush in to save him/her? How could you not fall absolutely head over heels in love with that little helper, and praise him for his little heart?

God responds to us in exactly that way. He looks at our hearts, and He knows our hearts. He also knows that the enemy’s greatest weapon, and his favorite one, is fear. It is never God’s intention to inspire fear in us; never! When God speaks to us about punishment; it is because we are about to reap what we have sown. When God admonishes us, it is always with the intention of getting us to repent and correct our behavior. And, God is always right there, ready, and so very willing to help us get up and back into right standing; to overcome whatever it might be. The admonishment of the Lord, (Eph. 6:4) saves us from our fear and frustration, and empowers us with instruction and training, to overcome the obstacle between us and growth, or progress.

This works when you’re retraining that wounded child within you, as well. That ties in with those powers I talked about a couple of days ago -the power of laughter, patience, protectiveness, etc. God never sees us as failures. He always sees us as victorious; because, in Christ Jesus, we are-in everything!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It Helps Us To See Their Hearts

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J Russell, reminds us that we must not dwell on our failures, or those of others who have failed us. Philippians3:13-14 is referenced by the message. That scripture tells us that we are to forget those things which are behind us, and press on to the the goal that lies ahead. That’s the Kingdom of Heaven; it’s the freedom we have in, and through, Christ Jesus.

This message builds a little on yesterday’s post. When we become able to see ourselves the way God sees us, and love ourselves the way He loves us, we will be able to better see the hearts of those who have failed us. My mother was a vicious drunk. When she started drinking, people found places to go, or tip-toed as if walking on eggshells. She had her favorite “sparring partners,” (aka) also known as victims) too. There were words that stuck with me for years, pain that brought blinding tears to my eyes with each remembrance of past hurts, and a whole lot of confusion, as well.

Let me tell you what Jesus did for me, in regard to all that. He helped me to see myself, my connections, my failures and falls through His Eyes. That’s the Holy Spirit empowering us by shedding God’s love abroad in our hearts, to help us see ourselves the way He does. Then, as I began to heal from my own failures, I was able to get past my mother’s failures. I was able to put both behind me. Recently, I had occasion to think about my mother. There was not a night I worked late, that Mom didn’t leave dinner warming in the oven for me. There were times she sneaked into my room when I was sick, to check on me-during my teens, and when I was an adult. And, when she talked about me to others, I was a jewel in her crown of motherhood. She was always proud of me; those people have told me.

Whenever I read the story of the woman at the well, I think about my Mom, and myself. That woman asked Jesus is He was greater than Jacob, whose well He was sitting at. Jacob, who drank from that well, as did his sons, and their sons, and so on, and so on…Jesus told her, “Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I will give him will never thirst. The water I give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) Generational curses come through the Jacob’s wells in our lives. The wellspring of God’s Word, of His love, and His peace, breaks the generational curses off of us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Can Clear The Blockages

I said that to say this…

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that self kills power. When we operate in the wrong spirit, we block the Holy Spirit. Operating in the wrong spirit includes things like anger, fear, frustration, greed –this includes those attention grabbers, etc. This is all the flesh trying to be in control.

I anagrammed the word “SELFISH” once. It comes to this: FLESH IS – SELFISH, or SELFISH – IS FLESH. I recall many holidays spent sort of like Sadie’s Granny…family gatherings are the perfect setup for the flesh to get in the way of the spirit. In terms of generational curses, they’re also the perfect excuse for the addict, the alcoholic, the people pleaser, the person who just can’t be pleased, the fixer, and the martyr; just to name a few. The stage is set as soon as the invitations go out, and the “play” begins as soon as the first guest walks through the door.

When we let God work in us, and through us, we can begin to see how all the players are connected. We can begin to see the connections we, as individuals have to the alcohol, the drugs, the fear, the frustration, etc. God’s love empowers us to overcome the fear of seeing the truth(s) within. When we can do that, we overcome the fear of seeing the truths in our little world(s). The connections can be clearly seen.

I used to drink to excess out of anger, frustration, and pain. Of course, I never saw the connections between my excessive use of alcohol and the consequences of losing control. I saw those things as separate events-before I was able to look at the truth. When we become able to see the truth(s) and make the connections between our emotions, our behaviors, and the consequences, changes can begin to happen. We become empowered to recognize triggers (emotions), make better choices (behaviors), and have better consequences (peace, progress, power). Don’t forget the joy, joy, joy! That’s what life should be; joyous, even in the midst of the storms.

When we can come to the point where the Holy Spirit can flow through us, we can truly become powerful forces to help others rise up out of those pits of generational curses. I’ve been able, for some time now, to laugh at the spirit of those old “drunken sweet potato” holidays. But before I was able to make the connections, there were a lot of tears, and some horrendous encounters with my flesh.

Happy Birthday, Katrina! I hope your day was blessed with all things beautiful. I know it’s coming a day late for you, but I’m going to try to get back on track with this stuff.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

God In Action = Powerful You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when we let God work through us, we can be truly powerful, and/or effectual. This message expands a little on yesterday’s message. I hope you’ll read them both for yourselves at twolisteners.org

We’re bid to remember that there is no such thing as a lost day in the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s because growth is counted in terms of little victories won, little truths realized, little confidences in Him, and in ourselves attained. We may not see it right away, and we may not see some things God has accomplished through us until we get to Heaven. God sees it all. That’s what matters. And, I assure you, He sees to it that the one, or ones, who do need to see it, do. All we need to do is allow Him to lead us.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Casey! I hope your day was blessed with everything wonderful! Thanks for being one of my “babies,” Baby! -And I’m sorry I didn’t remember to put this on yesterday’s post; It’s that working a day ahead thing.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

When He Comes Through Us

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to seek and strive to express Jesus’ divine love in every instance, every encounter, and in every way. In the message at twolisteners.org, He says, “I do not delay my second coming. My followers delay it.” This speaks of the second advent, when Jesus returns to Earth to claim His own.

When I read the message, and when I see Jesus’ love, compassion, peace, and power throughout the gospels, I see that second advent happening daily. First, when I surrender my will to the Lord, He can come and work His will in me. When that’s happened, Jesus can come and work His will-and His miracles through me. I recall an encounter I had with a little lady on the street one night as I was walking home. She and I had known each other for awhile, just in the daily passing among the homeless population. She turned as I neared her, and began screaming at me. I didn’t even hear what it was she screamed, but I asked her if she was alright. She seemed to recognize me then; that I was not a threat to her. Just that quickly, peace was restored to her. The compassion I learned from the Lord rose up in me in that instant, and came through me to restore that peace to her. You see, mercy seeks the reason; the cause. “Yeah, I’m alright, ” she said. I asked her if she needed some water, and handed her a bottle of it.

That encounter was an easy one because I knew she was not herself in that instant, so I didn’t feel threatened. But it works the same way when we do feel threatened, fearful, or unsure. If we allow the Lord to work in us, He can, and will work through us-and we can gain the victory. When I say victory, I have to tell you, I’ve come to learn that Jesus doesn’t just want victory for us. He wants it for us all; so victory should always include the other person. If it means being able to do nothing more than to speak blessing on that person or walk away and pray for him/her, then so be it. The victory is still both yours and theirs, and most of all, the Lord’s; because we obeyed, we planted a seed, and we interceded spiritually for that person. See, you’ve done much more than you thought you did, didn’t you?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

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

It’s A Tool & Pavement

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that money is merely a tool, and pavement. (Ecclesiastes 10:19) “Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.” The streets of Heaven are pure gold. (Rev. 21:21) “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”

We are bid not to count monetary gain as success. True success, we’re told, is the measure of God’s will and God’s mind that we are able to convey to others. It is the measure of God’s will working in our lives, that others are able to see, that makes us successful for, and in, the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:20) That’s a clue to you…add up all the praying you did for someone today, all the praise and thanksgiving you did, all the little niceties, patience exercised when the little old lady shuffled into the store so slowly in front of you with that shopping cart-and you smiled and said, “God bless you,” etc. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much treasure you’re laying up in Heaven.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu