Is It Really “No?”

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that all the promises of God are yes and amen. (2 Corinthians 1:20) That means that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Just because it isn’t happening right now, or just yet, doesn’t mean we should give up on it.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) Is referenced in the message. As I’ve said before, it’s not always all about you because it is all about us. God has perfect timing, perfectly pure motives, and perfect aim and reach. So, if you’re ready to give up, don’t! Look again, listen again, read it again, and see if you didn’t miss something along the way. You just may have, and now is a great opportunity to get that thing-whatever it is. That’s called gleaning, by the way. Speaking from personal experience, God’s used the same exact scripture to speak to me in several different situations. Now, this does not apply if you’re plans are for evil; I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone. God will hedge you in to save you from yourself. I’m speaking from personal experience there too. Okay, ’nuff siad. Have a beautiful day, know that God is with you, and He’s for you…so don’t give up!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Harmony Within, Harmony Without

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when things aren’t going so great, it’s usually because of some disharmony within. I’ve posted the link to the website, so you can read it for yourselves. I’ve addressed the principles of harmony and power that are outlined in the message. https://www.twolisteners.org

“The difficulties of life are caused by disharmony in the individual. There is no discord in My Kingdom, only a something unconquered in My disciples. The rule of My Kingdom is perfect order, perfect harmony, perfect supply, perfect love, perfect honesty, perfect obedience — all power, all conquest, all success.”

Perfect order results when we organize things to work best for everyone involved. This also results when we are disciplined to put things where they belong, throw trash away right away, pick up after ourselves right away, make the bed first thing, etc. There is no set standard because the order must be set to accommodate each person’s need.

Perfect harmony comes when perfect order becomes the priority for everyone. We all work together to keep order. Sometimes that means doing dishes for someone who’s unable to for whatever reason, etc. The priority isn’t “making sure everyone does his/her share. It is making sure order is maintained. Remember fighting over chores as a kid? “I did the dishes yesterday; why does she get out of doing them?” – etc. However, fairness is also part of keeping order, so we must strive for that too.

Perfect supply comes from God. He always either gives it to you, or gives you a way to get it, or get it done.

Perfect love is that which says, “I’ll do your dishes for you so you can finish your science project that’s due tomorrow.” Not having to be asked, but anticipating the other’s need; being mindful that we’re all in it together.

Perfect honesty, with oneself, and with others is essential to keeping all the rest going.

Perfect obedience is obedience to God’s Word and His Ways. Pretty much, that means, “do unto others as you want them to do unto you.”

All power, all conquest, all success comes from adhering to the above principles, even when it hurts, even when you’re tired, even when…even then…anyway!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 26, 2019, 11:07 a.m.

There’s Always an Opportunity

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is God who sets the appointments and makes the opportunities for us. We are bid never to doubt or fear, and to stop everything until we have that doubt or fear in check.

“Times of withdrawal for rest always precede fresh miracle-working. Learn of Me. To accept the limitations of human flesh is to be subject, except as far as sin is concerned, to the same conditions as man.” Quoting directly from the book, and this is what I want to address today.

Jesus often withdrew to a lonely place, or to be alone. This is where and when we get spiritual renewing, refilling, refreshing. The revelation, and it’s a powerful one, is in the statement about accepting the limitations of human flesh, and being subject to the same conditions as man. We live and walk in the Spirit. For us to accept the limitations of human flesh, then, is defeating to us. Some of those limitations come in the form of impatience, bad temper, gluttony, pride, sloth, etc. We cannot allow these to rule over us. However, we have to accept that they are part of the human condition, when we’re dealing with others. Yes, we are as vulnerable as others to those kinds of limitations. Sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on our maturity in Christ Jesus.

The conditions that we are subject to, are the conditions that the physical being is subject to here on Earth. We need food, water, air, rest. We age (some of us more slowly than others -LOL), we’re vulnerable to illness and injury, etc. Our bodies are mere vehicles that we use to get around in down here. Just like a car, they need fuel, they need to be kept clean, and they can get banged up and suffer wear and tear. We need to take good care of ourselves.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” is quoted in the message. No, it doesn’t mean you have to do everything. It does mean that when God asks you to do something, He also provides everything you need to get it done. It also means that when you are stymied, feeling a little overwhelmed, or tired, etc., -those human limitations, right? – God can and will show you a way to get through it. Again, my example is the unexpected dinner guests and the roast. When it was made into stir fry, there was more than enough to go around. God’s a whiz in the kitchen. And that was an opportunity to bless someone, and to minister to them, and to bring them God. There’s always an opportunity if you let God lead you, and just live your faith out.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Love Never Fails

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that love is very powerful. To give someone love is to give them God. To show someone love is to show them divinity in humanity; the divine within man.

Romans 13:10 is referenced: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” We are encouraged not to feel as if we must try to help them (I have to do something!) Rather, we are to love them, showering little joys on them, building them up in spirit, encouraging them in their weak moments, etc. In doing this, we’re told, they must be helped. When I read it, I thought of 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter. Love never fails, and love conquers all. It covers a multitude of sins.

When I think about that covering, I think, not of my own sins, but of the sins others commit against me. I thank God for my grandmother daily; it’s a perpetual prayer of gratitude. I know what her love and her example of love and faith meant to my life. I would probably not be here today if I had not had them to look to. Just like Jesus’ love, His shedding his own blood for us, covers our sins, the love we receive from others, covers the sins, or the wounds from sins others have committed against us. That’s a powerful revelation about the importance of love. There is no higher power, and no more powerful medicine than love. Always seeking to do good to others, and never seeking to harm them, is a powerful way of life. We are then, truly, surrounded by a goodwill, as with a shield. The Bible does tell us that we reap what we sow. Choosing to live loving, empowers us to love living. The message tells us that if we all could learn this lesson, there would be no dark days.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 17, 2019, 3:18 p.m.

Loving Those We Serve

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is actually titled, “Love Your Servants.” We’re bid to love those we train, those who work with us, and those who serve us. There’s really a dual message here.

First, this is a revelation into the humble heart of Jesus, who said to us, “I didn’t come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:25-28) He was speaking to us about the way we exercise our authority, and wield our power. We are admonished once again that God is love and so must we be. This means, we’re told, no judging, no resentment, all patience, all power, and all supply. That tells me that I am to go out of my way to accommodate the needs of my student, co-worker, servant, etc. It means I am to exercise patience and not be resentful of his/her needing my assistance. It means I am not to even think negatively about that one, let alone speak negatively. I’ve personally seen a few folks give up completely, and even go so far as to leave their employment, because they overheard some derogative talk going on about them. Children have run away from home for that reason. One can only take so much negative energy and atmosphere. Husbands and wives have destroyed their own marriages through impatience, resentment, and negativity.

Secondly, this speaks to me about storing treasure up in one’s heart. As we serve one another, we’re getting a double blessing. We are sowing seeds of love, affirmation, and encouragement. The Bible tells us that we are to build one another up. We are also reaping treasures for our own hearts. What wonderful memories of joyful celebration over a victory I’ve had. One in particular was my oldest daughter’s victory over decimals in math class. Face beaming, eyes aglow with joy, and a grin from ear to ear…that picture will be with me forever. And oh, the joy of sharing in that celebration. Jesus asked some on lookers once, “for which is easier to say…” (Matthew 9:5) He had just healed a lame man. Those scribes thought Jesus was blaspheming by claiming to have authority to forgive sins. But Jesus set them straight. It wasn’t about authority or power, it was about love and lifting someone up. It was about giving someone the desire and the power, within, to get up. A true king or queen uses his/her power and authority to reveal the divinity within, to his/her subjects. This facilitates that one accord thing. We lift one another up, we care for one another, we’ve got each others’ backs. And that is exactly what our Lord, Jesus does and wants us to do for one another.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Unequally Yoked Gets You Nowhere

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. The message here, goes much deeper than just religion or religious law, though.

The scripture about being unequally yoked with unbelievers, is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14. But if you look in Deuteronomy 2:10, you’ll see it this way: “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.” That tells us something about cooperation or being like minded. An oxen is docile and plows readily; it’s easily handled. A donkey, on the other hand, has a mind of its own. You may have to cajole and pull and bribe that critter to get it to do what you want it to. Otherwise, your row is not getting hoed! There’s also a revelation about temperament and/or personality compatibility there.

Let’s move on to something Jesus said. “”No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This tells us something about motives, purposes, agendas, etc. Selfishness is addressed here as well. Are you serving yourself, or are you serving God, the cause, the vision, the greater good, etc.? Are you working that job because you feel you’re called to do that kind of work? Are you working that job because the money is good? There’s nothing wrong with getting paid well. But, keep in mind that there’s a difference between money and wealth, between mental, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment and meeting material needs. That’s the difference between life and existence or survival. We can really get into some deep and very dark places if we allow ourselves to become confused about this stuff. If you’re somewhere to serve yourself, or just to meet your material needs, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Job stress is one of the most frequent stresses seen in the working class. There’s also a lesson here about being careful who we surround ourselves with, and whom we choose as teammates. Clearly, if the person you’re working with isn’t on the same wavelength as far as vision, agenda, and dedication or passion, it’s very likely going you’ll have problems.

Finally, there’s the scripture about sowing two kinds of seed, etc.. (Leviticus 19:19) We can see clearly here, this speaks of one negating the other. Deuteronomy 22:9 tells us sowing two kinds of seed in the same vineyard may defile both the crop and the harvest. A spiritual example here would be if I, say, a shopaholic, decide to spend the entire day in the Mall, just window shopping… First mistake: I’m sowing temptation by going to the mall. Second: I’m choking off any good seed (progress) I’ve made by window shopping. I have set myself up for failure. The harvest of this little vineyard, unless I run like a bat out of hell with the devil behind me, will be a bunch more clothes that I really don’t need, a blown budget, and a maxed out credit card, if I really splurged-which shopaholics tend to do. Another example is to tell a kid that he/she can’t have a sweet snack before dinner, and then pop a toaster strudel into the toaster for yourself…and especially if you’re trying to lose weight. You’re sending mixed messages to your child. That’s confusing, and it also sets the stage for disrespect from that child because you’re sabotaging yourself. When I caught these revelations in my spirit, I became so much stronger in regard to boundaries and standards. I also learned that being selective is my responsibility as well as my right; especially if I want to succeed, or to progress.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 14, 2019, 2:40 p.m.

Never Feeling Inadequate

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Happy Palm Sunday! Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to retreat into silence, or quietness, until calm is restored within, whenever we feel ruffled.

We are admonished never to feel inadequate for any task. There is a difference between being unprepared and being inadequate. We may be unprepared (lacking tools, knowledge, materials), but we are never inadequate for any task that God gives us to do. 2 Corinthians 12:9 is referenced, saying to us, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness.” Another one comes to mind as I read the message. It is “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Still another is found in Psalms. All throughout Psalm 18 the LORD’s power and love are revealed to us. Psalm 18:32 tells us that it is God who arms us and makes our way blameless.

The feeling of being inadequate is actually that same question in disguise…”if you are the son of God…” That’s a negative emotion meant to bind our hands and feet, and cloud our thinking. We need to battle that immediately when it crops up. We need to replace that with an “I am that I am,” attitude. We are creators, filled with creativity. This means when I need to learn something, I can, because I have the mind of Christ. It means I can tap into creative energy and come up with great ideas and effective solutions to problems, etc. That’s why it is important to retreat into that place of quietness and commune with the Holy Spirit when we are assailed by those negative emotions of doubt, fear, and inadequacy. The victory is already ours; we have but to walk in it. Those negative emotions are just stumbling blocks in the road before us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoM0AT8fBvs

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 11, 2019, 2:18 p.m.

Written On Your Hearts

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are called to be a “peculiar people.” The message admonishes us: “Today in life and work, in Love and service, My children must be outstanding. ”

The title of the message in God Calling is “Marks of the Kingdom.” Whenever I read this, I think about tattoos. People everywhere have tattoos of everything, ranging from “I love Mom,” to the cross and even Jesus’ likeness. These are marks that show a person’s heart outwardly. Jesus tells us to put the right things into our hearts because the things we put in are the things that come out. (Matthew 12:35) We’re also told to guard our hearts with all diligence for everything we do flows from the heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

We often get caught up in looking like we’re doing the right thing, or the Christian thing. I use the word, “looking,” because we get concerned with how people see us and what they think of our faith. You may be completely sincere. But, if it isn’t flowing out naturally; if you have to plan it, or struggle to do it, etc., just stop! Just stop. Go back, look inside, and deal with that thing. See, the heart is where God’s promises and laws should be written. Then, the marks of the Kingdom flow out naturally. They shine forth from you as lights in the darkness. Some of the marks we don’t think about are confidence rather than insecurity, boldness rather than shyness or fear, peace rather than anxiety, perseverance rather than surrender to difficulty; giving up. These actually are the marks that should show. 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells us: “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” This is the second greatest commandment; love your neighbor as yourself. The greatest peculiarity about a child of God should be that he/she is never daunted. Psalm 34:19 promises us: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” When our hearts are right, whole and at peace, outstanding is the norm for us. What’s inside shows outwardly.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 7, 2019, 12:43 p.m.

The Crucifixion is the Blessing

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that through and in Christ Jesus we are indeed blessed. We are bid to loose our grip on all of Earth’s things; especially the worries and woes. Falls and failures, slips and stumbles, and the like are included in the earthly things. Another thing that’s included, and is crucial for us to let go of, is the harm done within; be it by others or that done to ourselves.

The scripture that comes to mind when I read this message is Luke 9:23: “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” You see, the cross, the crucifixion, is the blessing of Easter. Yes, Sir, yes, Maam, the cry heard from that crowd that was gathered before Herod, that cry, “CRUCIFY”, that’s the blessing!

How can that be, you ask. Well, let me tell you about someone who is afraid to say, “no.” Afraid of being rejected, ending up alone, etc., that person will agree to anything or go along with anything-and usually to their downfall. Then, there are the drugs and/or drink he or she has to use to quiet that voice of conscience (the Holy Spirit), or to numb the pain and self-loathing of being so fearful and weak. It’s a vicious ride on an out of control merry go round. Wouldn’t you love to crucify (put to death) that fear, and the self loathing and weakness, the pain, and the addiction? Yes, darling, you can. Jesus gave you that gift-the power to put those things to death in your life, and then to be resurrected to a new life of fearlessness, peace, and power within. That’s why we take up our cross daily. Then we have it right there whenever we need to crucify something.

Have you ever heard the words, “he/she’ll never change?” “You’ll never amount to anything.”? “You’re worthless!”? Yeah, I have too. But then, I heard a voice tell me, “I love you just as you are. I am the truth, the life, and the way.” That made me want to find out more about this person. His Name is Jesus. It’s an ongoing process, this resurrection thing; or at least walking in the newness of a true life, or truly life. That’s why Jesus said, “daily.” And, praise God! I’ve never, ever, ever, not been blessed by the crucifixion of some earthly thing. Whether it was a good thing gone bad because of my selfishness or misunderstanding, or abuse of it. (food, alcohol, etc.), or a bad thing caused by myself or someone else. Never has God’s love failed me! I’ve always been resurrected from that thing to joy, to peace, and to more power within! PS -I will be posting God Calling messages on Saturdays when I feel the Lord prompting me to do so. This is an awesome revelation, I believe, anyway. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 5, 2019, 10:32 a.m.

Efficiency is Your God Ordained Right

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, speaks to us of divine efficiency. This is when it all comes together nicely and effectively; powerfully.

We are reminded that not all miracle works are done in a moment. The kind that brings the Gospel of salvation to others, especially, is the result of years of steady training and learning. Peter is cited as an example. He is probably the best example. Peter went from wondering who Jesus thought He was to tell him how to fish, to such a humble servant of the LORD that when Peter’s shadow fell on someone, they were healed. That’s miracle working power! “No man can save unless he knows the sinner,” the message tells us. This is true. It’s why we are thankful when we face trials and tribulations, heartbreaks and heartaches, failures and falls. It is in and through these very things that we learn lessons, our faith is strengthened, our conviction made sure, and our “self” is changed into a selfless soul with the power of God flowing through.

Another powerful statement, quoting directly from the message: “The Kingdom of Heaven can only be preached by those who have learned to prize the authority of its Kingdom.” Do you recall the words, “It is written!” ? How about, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” ? (Matt. 28:18) Jesus also said to us, “And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,” (Luke 22:29) That means that I have the same authority here in the earth, and in the Heavenlies that Jesus does! Yes, in the Heavenlies too. “Don’t rejoice that the spirits are subject to you; rather rejoice that your names are known in Heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

When we operate in our divine authority, we can operate in divine efficiency. One of the best examples I found is Peter again. A man was begging for alms. “Silver and gold have I none,” said Peter, “but what I do have, I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Peter didn’t hesitate or wonder what to give the man. He didn’t apologize for not having any gold. He didn’t even ask the man if he wouldn’t rather be healed. Peter knew what he did have; he knew the power of it, and he knew he had the authority to wield that power. Sometimes we need to stop and think for just a minute. We need to think about the shortest route from A to B. We need to think about the powerful solution; the one that will save, elevate, or propel to success, or victory. We can do that when we know who and whose we are, and what we have-which is everything He has. God is not a god of chaos and confusion, but a God of order, so it follows that orderly ways bring efficiency onto the scene. You will be surprised at how much time you save, and how much more time you can find for other things when you operate in an orderly way. It’s a simple matter of being disciplined to be steadfast, unwavering, and persevering.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, April 3, 2019, 4:39 p.m.