Coffee With The Lord

An encouraging “Sip” from my time of “Coffee with the Lord” this morning… “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! … I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes!’ Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You! Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful… Be of good courage! He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord! (From Psalm 31:19-24 NKJV)

Here’s a couple of good questions for Christians to ask themselves:  Am I using or abusing my freedom in Christ?  Am I flaunting my freedom or using it to serve others… This came to mind as I read what Apostle Paul had to say about his “freedom in Christ” this morning…

“THOUGH I AM FREE AND BELONG TO NO ONE, I HAVE MADE MYSELF A SLAVE TO EVERYONE, TO WIN AS MANY AS POSSIBLE. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (THOUGH I AM NOT FREE FROM GOD’S LAW BUT AM UNDER CHRIST’S LAW), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.  I DO ALL THIS FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL, that I may share in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:19–23 NIV)

I want to use the freedom I have in Christ to serve others and effectively communicate the gospel, don’t you?

Well it’s near that time of year again … My “Annual Birthday Prayer Run” beginning April 1!  I’ve done it annually since age 65… The week of my birthday (which is on April 8) I run my age in miles (and dedicate the time spent doing it to prayer for prayer needs sent to me.  This year I’ll be turning 79 on April 8 – You got it… 79 miles beginning April 1 and finishing by April 8.  This announcement is just a “heads-up” – If you have a prayer need you’d like me to pray about as I run then just message me via Facebook Messenger, or text via 972-921-9317 or my email (leroybartel@gmail.com) …  as always, needs are treated with strict confidentiality.