You’ve Got That Xtra Something, Baby!

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to be, and can be, generous givers. Kingly givers, we’re told we can be.

The scripture referenced in the message is: “For the bread of God is He who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33) When I read this scripture, I think about Jesus’ words about seeking, knocking, asking. If we live in the Presence of the Holy Spirit, which we do, we’re living in Heaven, essentially. We are of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus also said we would do greater works because He is at the Father’s side. That means to me, that I can give life to the world. That tells me, then, that the message to me is that I can be a kingly giver, being generous in thought as well as deed. Generous in giving all I am and all I have.

When I translate this to daily living it works out like this: I can seek and find ways to give just a little more than is required or expected. Along with that sack lunch, I can give a handshake, a smile, a hug, an encouraging word, etc. Who doesn’t love those little encouraging notes you find in that brown bag? It also means I can go the extra mile at work, or at church, or somewhere else in the community. I can stay and help that co-worker finish his/her project, so everybody gets to go home at a reasonable time…but the work is also finished. Little things like that are acts of kindness and little shows of a big heart, a big person, and even more importantly, a big God. That is what it’s all about. This is also illustrated quite nicely in the stories about Jesus feeding the crowds with just a little. See, it’s not what you have. It’s what you do with what you have. And, Baby, one of the greatest gifts the world can have, while you’re in it, is YOU!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Make Sure It Serves You

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that a life with God is one of continuous service. We are to serve God, are to serve others as if serving Him, and we are to strive to serve the cause of Christ Jesus in everything we do.

What we don’t often think about is whether or not certain things serve us. We often get ourselves into situations that end up having us serving them. When I speak of this, I’m talking about bad situations, things that aren’t really good for us, people who really don’t have our best interests at heart. These situations serve to enslave us; distract us from our life with God. Those things that aren’t good for us serve to put us into bondage to them if we’re not careful. Those people are usually using us for their own interests and ends. Paul said, “all things are lawful, but not all are helpful.” (1 Cor. 10:23) We are to be mastered by none but The Master, Himself.

That scripture goes on to say that not all things edify, or build up. We are to build one another up, and we are to build ourselves up, as well. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” That’s in the 10 Commandments. Therefore, I need to survey the situations, the things presented and offered to me, and the people I involve myself with. Then, I can best measure the distance I want to keep between myself and them. When we do this, we’re also serving God by setting an example and bringing encouragement to others who see us. We are building up the weak, the fearful, the shy, etc., and shining a light for the lost to see. “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Rest in Work, Work to Rest

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that forced, or tired work never shows the best within us. We’re told that it is wrong to force work.

As I think about the message, I think about all the times Jesus withdrew to be alone. I’m sure He needed rest from all the activity, the stress of dealing with the haters, and of the upcoming events that He knew He would have center stage in.

Our lives are no different. We have all kinds of acitivity going on around us all the time. We’re involved in all kinds of activities. We deal with haters, nay-sayers, doubt, and fatigue at any given point in time, too. It’s stressful. We have upcoming events like deadlines, finals, presentations, etc. The spot-lights will be on us then, won’t they? That’s stressful too. It can be, anyway. It can make the projects, the problems, and the prospects seem overwhelming.

That’s when we need to step back and recharge. We need to work, then, at resting in quietness and confidence; strengths we’ve already gained. We need to draw on our knowledge of who and whose we are, and all the gifts and talents He’s given us. He never calls us to do anything without empowering us to do it. When we work to rest in those truths, and in the peace of confidence in Him, and in ourselves, the tables turn in our favor. We are rewarded then, with restful work. No flurry, hurry, worry, etc. Just a peaceful and restful soul at work. I’m smiling now, because of Jesus’ words: “Come to me all ye, who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Also, “Greater things than these shall you do because I go to my Father in Heaven.” I know, that’s taken a little out of context; but, it’s true. He does go to the Father and intercedes for us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Perfecting It All

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are works in progress. We are told to strive for perfection, by taking inventory at least weekly. We are to check our attitudes, character, shortfalls, weaknesses, etc. We’re also to look at that in regard to everything about our lives; from housework, or homemaking, to even self care. Now, here’s a surprise. You already are perfect in God’s eyes. (John 17:22) You’re precious and honored in His sight.

When Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect,” we all skip over that word, “Be,” and we start frantically doing. Did you forget that God sees Jesus when He looks at us? Yes, He sees Jesus’ righteousness, Jesus’ love, Jesus’ compassion, mercy, etc. He attributes perfection to us the instant we come to Him. (Hebrews 12:1-24) is a wonderful piece that speaks to us regarding this. Verse thirteen tells us to make level paths for our feet. This is what that inventory is about. You check for any place, anything, that can be improved upon-even, and especially within. The outward often manifests where the inward (spirit) is…be it depressed, anger, sloth, confusion, etc. When we deal with those things, and include discipline and perseverance to correct them and the outward situations created by them, things change. This is called progress, which is the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Cor. 3:18, in the New Living Translation Bible says it this way: “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Also, Psalm 84:7 tells us we go from strength to strength until we appear before God in glory.

Sadly, I must tell you that we are all “only human.” This is to say we are subject to fatigue, depression, laziness, confusion; all those things that clog up the spirit within, and weigh us down. God knows that, though. He’s given us the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. We can go boldly to the throne to confess and to get help. He doesn’t love us any less at any given point in time-not one second of our lives! You are already perfect in His eyes. His love, grace, and mercy are going to help us manifest that-in this life. As we manifest that glory to glory progression, it becomes the testimony that draws others to Him; and to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Their Need;Your Call-That Call, Your Need

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the need is the call. Jesus has promised always to be with us, so we can be sure that He’s going to be there to answer the call. Our need is also His call.

I want to explore the need and the call a little more today. First of all, obviously, when we see a need, we are called to meet the need somehow. God is a provider. Jesus has promised that when we ask anything in His Name, it shall be done for us. Even without material provision, we can answer the call. That call creates our need for the Lord’s presence, guidance, power. God hears prayer, and we have the church community to go to for assistance. That’s part of what the church is here for; we are, after all, the body of Christ in the earth.

Now, I want to address a need you might have, that is your personal call. It may be a call to turn back to God. It might be a call to further your education. It can be anything that you may need to do, or need to stop doing, in order to better your life. We’re usually pretty good at hearing the need that tells us we need to do something to further advance ourselves, right? I heard it when I was going through my first separation from my husband, and realized I couldn’t feed three children on minimum wages. But, oh, those little calls…the one that comes when you need to call in sick because you’re too hungover to work. Then there’s that one that comes when boyfriend/girlfriend blows you off and you see him/her later with someone else. OMG! I sure loved my blinders and earplugs in that one. I had another call when my belly was trying to roll off my knees. Ignoring those calls is called denial. That is usually based in fear. We’re afraid of change, of failure, of vulnerability, etc. Those calls are wake-up calls that tell us we need to take better care of ourselves. We need to respect ourselves more, we need to love ourselves more, etc. Jesus said, “I’ve come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” It’s crucial for us to answer those calls, because through them, we are spared a lot of heartache, and we are empowering that abundant life. I know-it sure doesn’t feel that way when we’re going through that stuff. But, it is all worth it in the end…and the new beginning. Thank God for new beginnings.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Greater Works

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of Jesus” words: “Greater works than these shall you do, because I go to my Father.”

As I read the message, I thought about Jesus’ words to the woman at the well. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” The issues of life flow from the heart. The good man, out of the good stored up in his heart, brings forth good things; and the evil man, out of the evil stored up in his heart, brings forth evil. When you add this truth from Romans 12:21 to the mix, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” you can see where the greater works need to be done. Your body is just your vehicle. Actually, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God breathed His life into every single soul that ever has, does now, and ever will, walk this earth. That tells me something about what I need to put into the hungry, the hurting, all I minister to.

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” This is from Luke 7:28. It ties in with the truth part. I see so many Christians trying to “look” perfect, or perfected. You see them in every church. But let me tell you something about humility. It takes a courageous person to tell the truth on himself, or herself. And, you have to humble yourself to do that when, really, what the world expects, is that your life is perfect because your’e a Christian. It must be, right? I mean, God’s supposed to be good, isn’t He? What about all that blessing stuff, Lady? Oh, yes, dear, God just happens to be the One who got me through all that ugly stuff, all that hurt, fear, anger, etc., etc., etc., But I am a work in progress; and will be till the day I arrive at those pearly gates. Do you know why John the Baptist didn’t have any problem with sin? He didn’t live with anybody; he was alone in the wilderness. It was just him and God. See, when he came to town, he started shouting and telling people the truth about themselves, didn’t he? LOL

Seriously, though, John preached repentance from sin, and baptism. Jesus came to show us how to walk after God. He gave us back our authority over sin-or, the author of sin. But, we are still in the world. He said we would have tribulation here in the world. He also said, “be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, though. That’s why we’re told to put on the full armor of God. We need to lift one another’s spirits, bear one another’s burdens, share one another’s concerns. As I’m writing this paragraph, I’m thinking about the disciples in the boat during the storm. You know what? There was only one boat. That tells me we’re all in the same boat. When one team member gets tired or discouraged, the whole rest of the team encourages and cheers that one on. They minister to that one’s spirit. That’s where the greater works are done.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Lining Your Desires Up With God’s

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God uses our desires to accomplish His desires.

This is why we are gifted in different ways, talented in different areas, etc. The Bible tells us that God gives us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 37:4) He uses those desires to accomplish His will and His desires for us. He uses those desires to bless others through us. Think about how many people doctors and nurses, policemen, firefighters, and rescue workers bless through their professions. That’s just one example. Look around, and you’ll find out that everybody has a call on their life; and they’re gifted and talented in ways that will empower them to answer it.

Here’s the key to lining up your desires with God’s: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Col. 3:23) Psalm 37:5 tells us to “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (KJV) When we begin to look at different things that touch our hearts, ways in which we are gifted and talented, and things we seem to just have a knack for, we have a list of “desires.” The next step is to seek ways to use them to bless others, and to serve the Lord/LORD with. The next thing you know, your desires are lined up with God’s, and some awesome things can happen-in your life, and in the lives of others.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Praise God For His Goodness!

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Here’s the song for the day! This one works perfectly with today’s message. When we get this attitude to stay in our awareness throughout the day, we’re sure to remain in that Sabbath Rest in His Presence. Bethel Music does such an awesome job here!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Binding Up the Broken Hearts

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we prosper as our souls prosper.

Psalm 147:3 tells us of the Lord: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This is what Jesus was talking about when He asked which is easier to say-“take up your mat and walk,” or “your sins are forgiven you.” The first one suggests condemnation and “do this.” (sober up, get a job, etc.) The other says, “You’re ok, I love you, and I’m here to help you.” That first statement is the reason addicts, alcoholics, sex addicts, workaholics, etc., relapse.

Those addictions are not just bondages, they are symptoms of deep wounds that someone is trying to bandage. You can bandage a wound, but if you don’t clean the debris out, it will get infected and fester. Infection eats its way inward to the entire system. Pretty soon, it’s deadly. People have lost limbs and life from wounds that weren’t cared for properly. When it comes to changing your life, this principle is the one that will work. We have to cleanse the wounds that have broken our hearts.

Vitamin C is a great thing. It helps our bodies to heal, restoring our cells and tissue, even nerves…everything, really. The Spiritual Vitamin C is Compassion, Caring, Correction without Condemnation, and sound and trustworthy Counsel. Also, we need the right Companionship. When these are brought into play in a person’s life things can begin to change because as the debris is cleaned from those heart wounds, he/she begins to recognize the soul. Some people have been so battered and beaten down in and by their life that they don’t even know they have a soul; let alone its beauty, divinity, or power. We need to remember this, and especially when we’re ministering to hurting people. It’s also a great thing to focus on when we’re finding ourselves feeling as if we’ve fallen short, or we’re trying to deal with a personal flaw.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyrght by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, May 14, 2019, 12:26 p.m.

Business or Busy-ness?

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there’s a difference between business and busy-ness. God can’t work through our busy-ness. He can, when we get quiet and allow Him to, take care of business through us.

He can also help us take care of business. The message bids us to pray as we go from task to task, and to just work quietly, in faith. I’ve found that the more I have to get done, the more stuff comes up to interrupt, or to distract, etc. On those days, I start out including in my morning prayer the request for God to help me get it done. The rest is a matter of staying focused, disciplining myself to stay on task, etc. I found that making a check list really does help. I also found that a little quiet break helps tremendously too.

I have to thank God daily that we have the mind of Christ. I remember when I’d go in circles around my house, and feel like I didn’t get anything done. I’m one of those people who will see a hundred other things that need to be done, while I’m trying to get that one done. And even with my little list, there are times when I really have to work at sticking with that list. I am a chronic multi-tasker, and it really gets the best of me at times. That’s when I find that retreating for just a few minutes and quieting my mind and soul helps.

The principle holds true whether we’re at work or at home, dealing with family, or ministering to multitudes. In quietness and trust we find our strength. Yes, that’s in the Bible. That strength comes in the form of focus, energy, clarity of mind, peace of mind, and even joy. When we’re operating with all these things working for us, we truly are more powerful and effective.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu