Coffee With The Lord

An issue in reading Job in the Bible is the accuracy and appropriate application of the “advice” given by Job’s “friends” (check ‘em out in Job 2:11-13… They started out right to “comfort” him, but later their advice was often condescending and misapplied).

Eliphaz, however early on, I believe made an accurate observation and gave some good advice that I am convinced is appropriate for any of us when we’re going through great trials and tests: 

He said, “We are born to trouble as the sparks fly upward!  AS FOR ME, I WOULD SEEK GOD, AND TO GOD I WOULD COMMIT MY CAUSE – He who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number!” (Job 5:7-9)

Good advice I believe!

Here’s a “sip” from my time of “Coffee with the Lord” today… In reading the account of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist I was challenged by the purpose and passion of our Savior and Lord… “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying ‘I need to be baptized by YOU, and are YOU coming to me?’ … But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it be be so now for thus IT IS FITTING TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS!”

Gotta tell you, I want that to be my purpose and passion – like that of my Lord and Savior!

“And when He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him! And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” (From Matthew 3:13-17 NKJV)

The Heavenly Father’s divine approval – His divine authentication! I want it!! Hey, I’m not claiming the uniqueness of Jesus (wouldn’t do that!) – but I want THE ATTITUDE of my Savior and Lord… and THE APPROVAL of my Heavenly Father!

REPENT! REPENTANCE!

I don’t know why it is, but for most people those words have a negative connotation!  That’s tragic, because the core meaning of the words are not negative at all … in fact, at the beginning of this new year, they are positive!  IN FACT THE WORDS “RESOLUTION” OR “NEW BEGINNING” would be terms that are close cousins.

In my Bible reading today John the Baptist’s message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  Now “the kingdom of heaven” is certainly not a bad thing!  In fact it is the sphere of God’s reign over those who belong to him… it is characterized by righteousness, God’s exhibited power and blessing, and wholeness!  Hey, Where the Living God reigns things are good and right – not marred by evil and sin!  To live uninhibited in that domain, however, things just have to change!

That’s why John’s challenge was… “REPENT”! … Prepare the way for the Lord!”

The NIV Study Bible has this great comment/definition of “repent” found in the notes for Matthew 3.2… “Repentance is not merely a change of mind, but a radical change in one’s life as a whole that especially involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God.”  Now that’s not negative – a “downer” – that’s really positive!!  It prepares a person for living in the sphere where God reigns, leads, and blesses!

Just take it from me… I want to live in that sphere – that domain!!  With God’s help, I’m going to seek to allow the Holy Spirit to identify anything in my life that hinders that sphere of power and blessing this year and CHANGE!!  In other word’s … I’m going to REPENT!  Hey, it’ll be good – watch and see!!