Coffee With The Lord

Sometimes, as time passes we forget things that are important and we need reminders. I wish we’d never forget, but sometimes we do. Where did we put that item? What did that person tell us? What was that telephone number? How did I do that? When did that happen? … You’ve had a few “forgets” too, I can see! What’s frustrating is they tell me it gets worse as you as you get older!

I thought about all of that as I read these words from the Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord”…

“Listen to me! … Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He! I am He who will sustain you! I have made you and I will carry you! I will sustain you and I will rescue you! … Remember this! Keep it in mind! Take it to heart! … I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please… What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do!’” (from Isaiah 46)

God said that! I can’t afford to forget it! (And most of all, I’m very grateful for the reminder!!) Don’t let me forget this Lord!!

What should be the commitment and calling of everyone called to communicate the message of God’s word via preaching/teaching ministry… “For Christ … sent me to preach the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (From 1 Corinthians 1:17-18)

Jesus, Son of God and Messiah, certainly honored the fifth of the ten commandments – “Honor your father and your mother!” (Exodus 20:12). Apostle Paul referred to it as “the commandment with promise.” (Ephesians 6:2) As a result I am sure family life was a priority and core value in our Savior’s earthly life. In fact, at His crucifixion Jesus insured that his mother was properly cared for after His death. (John 19:26-27)

Understanding that, Jesus’ response to someone recorded in Matthew 12:46-50 has been puzzling to many. Jesus was very busy speaking to the multitudes one day. The Bible records that is mother, Mary, and his brothers were standing aside, waiting to speak with Him. Someone brought that to Jesus’ attention and His response perhaps seemed out of character…

He asked, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” In other words, “Who is family to me?” Then he pointed to His disciples and explained, “Here are My mother and My brothers! Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!”

Jesus wanted to make an important point! The “family of God” is made up of those who seek to do the will of God!” – He views them as “family!”

You know what I jotted in my Bible after reading that this morning?

Here it is: “Oh, I want to demonstrate unmistakably that I’m a member of God’s family! I want to do God’s will!!! …God is Heavenly Father, Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and I’m His child… I’m FAMILY!”