Stepping Into Christ

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is our Savior every day, in every way. The message speaks to us of our refuge, our sanctuary, God. He is where we need to flee to from everything that threatens to overwhelm us.

He is where we need to flee to from ourselves. I think of Peter whenever I read this message. Peter, walking on the water, Peter, falling into the water, Peter, crying out to the Lord, “Save me!” We’re bid, in the message to enter that Presence of God and absorb His Divinity. It is that Divinity that has overcome the world, because that Divinity created the world. That includes us. It isn’t just the world around us that can cause us trouble. The world in us, or the flesh nature, can be horribly wounding, confusing, and overwhelming to our Divine nature, our spirit. Thank God we have Jesus to save us from ourselves.

The one scripture that speaks so loudly to me on this, is “The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16) This is telling us that we have a license to sin. It says to us that Christ Jesus is our judge. Therefore, we need not fear the condemnation of men, nor worry about their opinions of us, how we rate with them, etc. We are freed from that in Christ Jesus. We’re also freed from self condemnation. It’s a journey; not a test. Nor is it a trial. The trial already happened in Jerusalem when they arrested the King of kings and condemned Him to death.

Realizing Christ’s mind is ours is a powerful revelation, and an awesomely electrifying surge of strength, spiritually. It means I can learn from Jesus, how He viewed the Heavenly Father, the world around Him, all the stuff He had to deal with and listen to, and do. Jesus is not just a meek and weak little lamb. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah! Kingly, regal, in authority; that’s Jesus, our Savior. He’s by no means a bully. But, He definitely knows who and whose He is, and what rights and responsibilities He has. He never wavered, never altered His order/way of dealing with things, etc. When we can do that….WOW!!!!! You can almost feel the bonds of the “world” and all its “stuff” fall off, and freedom bursting up from within. That’s how Jesus could tell us, “In the world you’ll have tribulation. But be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Thank you, Jason Upton for this awesome version of Freedom Reigns.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Believes In You

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is not willing that any should perish. We are reminded that Jesus never gives up on us. He is the “Heavenly Beggar, in His great humility, always knocking at the door of your heart. And, let me tell you, Jesus can and will be there the instant you call on Him. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them. And, He will take you into His arms and make you His when you come. “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,…” (John 1:12)

Even after you’ve been saved, Jesus never pushes Himself on you. He knows each heart, and He has perfect timing, and the perfect way to reach you. I’ve been chastised so gently by the Lord. And then there was one time I asked, “Lord why don’t I feel your presence? Why aren’t you talking to me?” The answer thudded in my heart: “When’s the last time you came and talked to me?” Not that Jesus was trying to teach me a lesson. But let me tell you, the Holy Spirit will surely reveal your heart to you. I’d been into this, “it’s all about me” attitude with the Lord.

As children of God, we are commissioned to preach the Gospel, and lead others to Jesus. I’ve learned something over the years; from my own life experiences, as well as from witnessing to others. I’ve also picked up some revealing little nuggets just from listening to people talk about God. One of the most important things is that people don’t want to hear about how to get to Heaven, nearly as much as they want to know how to get out of their Hell (s). Heaven is, for the unbeliever, much too far away for them to “waste time” thinking about right now. “Give me something that I can use, and right now,” is pretty much what their attitude is. One of the best salvation sermons you can preach is about what Jesus has done for you. The woman at the well did just that, and a town full of folks got saved. Jesus said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves, or what to say. For at that time, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

I was in a discussion about whether or not God exists, one time. The man kept saying He didn’t believe in God; and rather snidely. I wasn’t arguing with Him about it. I did give Him my testimony of some things Jesus has done in my life, and of the power of God displayed in my life. Still, he said, “I do not believe in God!” I said, “That’s okay. He believes in you. Remember that when you need to.” Then I walked away. “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) That’s the scripture that came to mind as I was leaving. Sometimes, it’s only ours to sow the seed. The Word of God is alive and filled with power; and it will accomplish that for which it was sent. So, just be still, and know that He is God, He has perfect timing, and He will save whom He will save. You’ve done your part.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

It’s A Choice

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to rise into the realm of joy and appreciation; rather than stay “earthbound” in spirit by worry, burdensome toil, and poverty of spirit.

Poverty of spirit, or soul, is the greatest deciding factor regarding whether or not we appreciate our lives and have joy. Appreciation and joy are both choices. Each one elevates and enriches life. When we begin to appreciate the small things in our lives (morning coffee, peace within, those little moments of laughter and celebration, etc.), our lives begin to grow warmer and richer. I believe that it is when we realize and appreciate how truly blessed we are, God is able to bless us with more and more…and in more ways.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Don’t Worry; Just Let Him Lead

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus has it all under control. If we just let Him lead, we can come out of unrest to rest, disorder to order, etc. I’m living proof that He can; and we can in His Name, and with His help. And can I say this? – Oh, how wonderful it is when peace surrounds you-within (heart), and round about you.

I love this song by Hillsong. I think it goes perfectly with today’s message- I hope you’ll read it at twolisteners.org. And I hope you are as blessed by this song as I am – every time I hear it! What a great way to start the day!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

What Praise Unlocks

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there is an order to all things; even approaching God. The message bids us to seek first something we can be thankful for-even in distresses, and then praise God for it…then approach boldly with your cry for help.

I learned some time ago to just live in a state of thankfulness. Even in the darkest moment, the most outrageous distress, the most dire circumstance, you still have at least one thing to be thankful for. That one thing is God. If that’s all you can see that you have to be thankful for, so be it. Thank Him for being Who He Is. The instant you do that, the floodgates open, and the blessing flows. Worry, doubt, fear, anger, bitterness, resentment all dam up that flow. Praise breaks up the “log jam.” Praise unlocks the door of the storehouse where your treasures are kept. The next thing you know, the darkness is dispelled, the fear is gone, the shame and distress are both disarmed, and you know where, exactly you’re going. “First right with Me, then righted in the eyes of men, too.”

Psalm 26:6-7 is referenced by the message: “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.” There is a powerful revelation in this scripture. Washing your hands in innocence suggests that you aren’t going to allow a spirit of shame or fear to stop you from going to God’s. When we proclaim aloud God’s praise and tell of His wonderful deeds, we are putting the forces of darkness on notice that we’re standing on God’s promises and His Word – “It is written!” We are also stirring our own spirits up by recounting our victories in Christ, and our state of blessedness through Him. “I am a child of God Most High; and an heir with Christ Jesus!” Hallelujah!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Sabbath Rest Empowered

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s friendship is truly deep, intimate, and abiding.

Quoting directly from the message: “But to My subjects I have given the right to enter My Presence when they will, nay more they can summon Me to bedside, to workshop – and I am there.” We have access to Him any time we want or need it. We have but to call Him, and He’s there. Isn’t that a wonderful assurance?!

When we cultivate a constant awareness of this truth, all fears, worries, doubts, etc., truly do vanish. The Sabbath rest of walking in God’s abiding love, His presence, is empowered. The longer and stronger our walk in that Sabbath rest is, the more our faith is empowered.

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Keep the Faith- Keep the Miracles Coming

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus cannot work miracles in our lives if we don’t believe in Him. “Be it unto you according to your faith,” and, “Your faith has saved you,” are two things Jesus spoke.

I found out when I began to pray, just lifting everyone up to the Lord, and thanking Him for all He’s given me-and all He’s withheld, my walk changed. By that, I mean that it sort of set the tone for the whole day to one of faith. I stopped waiting for the other shoe to fall. Worry, anxiety, upset over little things just went out the window. Here’s the awesome part. As I grew into this attitude of faith, I found more and more things to be thankful for, because God’s got me. Let me tell you what a weight comes off your shoulders! You find yourself smiling more, frowning less, and laughing so much at some of the little stuff that used to send you over the edge.

This attitude is the same attitude those two women in the Bible had. “I know who you are, Lord, and I know who I am! I know you are my miracle!” Note, please, that I said, He is your miracle. Guess what; when you got saved, you got your miracle. You got all the miracles in that one! You have to but trust the Lord, and walk in His promises. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” “Ask, and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock, and it will be opened to you.” When we walk in an attitude of faith, and, I believe, thanksgiving and praise, that door stays open to us.

Keeping that thankfulness, praise, that faith, is part of the battle. -The greatest part of the battle. Do what you have to do to stay strong in your faith!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu