Coffee With The Lord

In my time of “Coffee with the Lord” this morning I read Ephesians 6:10-20 – a wonderful passage that addresses “Spiritual warfare” and how to resist and overcome “THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL.”

I couldn’t resist… In this day of computer technology and cybersecurity I gave the passage the following title… (For those who have some background in computer technology, cyber attacks and utilities to assist cybersecurity this will make sense – and will probably prompt a sermon series or group of Bible studies )

Here’s the title that came to mind (followed by the Bible passage itself)…

“God-defender Complete Security” – Ranked best against satanic attacks!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (From Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV)

Who are you going to bless, esteem and honor … yourself?  Psalm 115 urges us… “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! … The Lord has remembered us; He will bless us! … He will bless those who fear [reverence] the Lord, both the small and the great! … May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth! … We will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!  Praise the Lord!” (From Psalm 115)  Don’t know about you today, but I’m going to “bless the Lord!”

In high school I had a “tough-as-nails” cross-country coach (I could tell you the stories!) … But he was also a coach that always produced a winning team!  He had a theme he drilled into our running psyche – “NO EXCUSES!” – NONE! Regardless!!

I thought of Coach Crumpton this morning and his “mantra” drilled into our psyche this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” as I read the “excuses” of several people Jesus summoned to follow Him in discipleship and ministry.  Here, read it for yourself…

“As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I WILL FOLLOW YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” [in other words, “COUNT THE COST!]  To another he said, “FOLLOW ME!” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”  And Jesus said to him, “LEAVE THE DEAD TO BURY THEIR OWN DEAD. BUT AS FOR YOU, GO AND PROCLAIM THE KINGDOM OF GOD!”  Yet another said, “I WILL FOLLOW YOU, LORD, BUT LET ME FIRST SAY FAREWELL TO THOSE AT MY HOME.”  Jesus said to him, “NO ONE WHO PUTS HIS HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOKS BACK IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” (Luke 9:57-62 ESV)

Listen, just let me say, if you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart and sense the beckoning call of Jesus to follow Him, may you also hear “Coach Crumpton’s” challenge… “NO EXCUSES!”  In each of the cases in this Biblical account there were “Excuses… Excuses… Excuses!”  Jesus’ response to His invitation – His summons?  “NO EXCUSES!” (Hey, I can still hear it!)