Coffee With The Lord

Today’s “Coffee with the Lord” post is an edited and updated repost from a number of years ago (but it is from a passage in my Bible reading today)…

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I’m an older person now – 79 in fact. I jokingly used to tell my students, “You’re listening to an old dog!” But I remember vividly many of the “life lessons” taught to me by my father and mother as a child and a young man. Listen, I’m so glad for the decision I made early in life to listen to them and heed what they had to say – rather than resist them! Looking back, I’m so grateful for what they taught me, and their godly example!

I have other friends… I’ve observed other lives… who rebelled, who resisted what their elders tried to teach them – who rejected their advice and were determined to go their own way. They’re older now and many of them live with deep regrets and in their own words “wasted years.”

Thought of that this morning as I read these wise words from Proverbs 1…

“The fear (or reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge! Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son (or daughter), your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching! They are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

“If sinners entice you, do not consent! If they say, ‘Come with us, let us… let us… let us… we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— do not walk in the way with them! Hold back your foot from their paths! For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these individuals lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.” (From Proverbs 1:7–18 ESV)

Yes, looking back, I’m glad I listened – glad I heeded the wise words of my parents and other wise leaders and spiritual influences God sent my way! No regrets on that score! Like I said, I’m 79 now… And I want to keep listening… and heeding (and sharing what I’ve learned with a younger generation)!

Thought of all of my dear Christian friends today as I read these words in the Bible during my time of “Coffee with the Lord.” (I’ve adapted them a bit, but send them out you today with my sincerest thoughts, prayers and love…

“We give thanks to God for you, dear friends, beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you and saved you, setting you apart as His very own by the Holy Spirit as you have believed the truth of the gospel! May you obtain the glory that He has promised through our Lord Jesus Christ! Regardless of the trials you may face, stand firm and hold fast what you have been taught! Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and has given us eternal encouragement and good hope through His grace, continue to comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word! Amen!!!” (Adapted by “yours truly” from 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17)

“He’s got someone in his office right now and can’t see you today! … I’m sorry, but her next available opportunity for an appointment is in three weeks” Ever hear those frustrating – maddening words when you’ve got an emergency – a crisis?

I’m so glad God isn’t like that!! I read these words from Psalm 144 this morning and was greatly encouraged…

“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them – mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow!

“Part the heavens, Lord, and come down! … Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me!

“Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace! Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision… There will be no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed are the people of whom this is true! BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD!”

Hey, He’s got time for you! He cares for you! He’s not too busy to hear your cry! (Check out 1 Peter 5:7!) “PART THE HEAVENS, LORD AND COME DOWN!”