Coffee With The Lord

“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!”

This morning as I was having my time of “coffee with the Lord” I was reminded of the challenges of persecuted Christians around the world! I don’t think we think about them enough – fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing pressure and persecution for “the faith” – Pastors and church leaders (and their families) who are maligned, intimidated, imprisoned, tortured… even giving their lives for the sake of the gospel!

I thought about them TODAY as I read Apostle Paul’s prayer requests for the church in Thessalonica (and himself) this morning. Both Paul and the church in Thessalonica were sharing the gospel and living it out in hostile environments… There were risks (and opportunities) at every turn… This is what Paul asked… and this is the assurance he sought to provide them…

First his prayer requests…

“Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored… Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith… May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

Then the assurance he sought to give them…

“The Lord is faithful! He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one! We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.”

(from 2 Thessalonians 3.1-5)

Today I’m aware there are fellow Christians that are suffering severely for the sake of the gospel! They are facing incredible pressure and persecution for the Name they hold in highest honor and esteem – the name of Jesus. I will answer Paul’s appeal for prayer as though it were given today! I will lift the needs of “the persecuted church” to the Lord in prayer! I will allow the Holy Spirit to make specific what to me seems a general need. I will pray in the Spirit according to Romans 8.26-27 AND I will have confidence that God will fulfill the next verse in Romans 8 on their behalf… “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose!”

So I wonder what people who saw and heard me running this morning thought? … Here’s an ol’ guy running through Getzendaner Park in Waxahachie, TX quietly singing this ol’ hymn – (it just popped into my memory as I was running and expresses the cry of my heart!)

1. “I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me!

But I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee!

Refrain:

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord to the cross where Thou has died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious bleeding side!

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the power of grace divine!

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine!

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea!

There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest  in peace with Thee!”

Lyrics-Fanny Crosby – Music-William Doane

I don’t know about you, but that ol’ hymn expresses perfectly the longing of my heart!  Oh, “DRAW ME NEARER!”