Coffee With The Lord

A “sip” that is healthy for life in today’s world… “I will ponder the way that is blameless… I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless! … A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil… I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me!” (From Psalm 101 ESV)

I grieve every time I read or hear of a high-profile Christian leader who falls morally or is under accusation for ethical missteps! The “cause of Christ” is severely damaged by such accusations and failures and the “Enemy” has a “heyday” of criticism and cynicism.

I’m also always concerned when criticism from the Christian community becomes vicious and unrelenting, rather than redemptive. Interestingly, I know a little bit about some of the most vocal in this regard, and am aware sometimes of “rats in their closet.”

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read a healthy word of correction and caution in such situations… Here it is:

“If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted! Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” (From Galatians 6:1–4 ESV)

In reading those verses this morning 3 words worthy of remembrance came to mind in such situations…

• Critical – Don’t allow this attitude to control you – avoid it! (instead, be prayerful!)
• Cocky – Be alert to an attitude of cynical arrogance!
• Careful! – “Keep watch on yourself, lest you also be tempted”

Thank you, Apostle Paul! Point well taken!

What a delicious “sip” for me, a “Gentile,” this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”… “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles by Christ Jesus, so that we could receive the promised Spirit through faith!” (From Galatians 3:13–14 CSB)

It prompted me to write in the margin of my Bible… “Oh praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus! I’m so grateful – so blessed!” But He didn’t do just for me – He did it for ALL who receive Him!