Some things I post in “Coffee with the Lord” are new and fresh… they come right out of my personal time of devotions every morning – a time I call “Coffee with the Lord!” (In fact MOST of it comes from those early morning times of Bible reading, worship, prayer, reflection and journaling. But sometimes a post is really more dated – old stuff, things I did quite a while ago, and as much as I’m sharing it with all of you, I’m posting it as a reminder to myself. Today’s post is like that…

Several years ago I took a month and prayerfully crafted “My Personal Core Values.” Things I deeply care about – things at the very core of my soul – values I’d be willing to die for and stake my life upon. So I post them again today and share them with you… but just as importantly I post them as a reminder to ME! But I hope they are as much a blessing to you as they have been to me over the years…

My Personal Core Values…

1. I value my marriage and family
Faithfulness and fidelity in marriage and family life are infinitely more important to me than any competing human loyalty.

2. I value people
Since God loves everyone and His heart throbs redemptively for all people of the world, regardless of their race, gender, culture, or situation in life, so should I.

3. I value the church
Since Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25), I should love it in spite of its imperfections, pray daily for its well-being, contribute my best to its mission and ministries, be willing to submit its authority, and live so its reputation in the world is positive.

4. I value the Holy Spirit
The secret to effectiveness and victory in my Christian life is for me to live all of life sensitive and responsive to what the Holy Spirit is doing within all the various contexts of my life.

5. I value my ministry
My ministry, to be effective, must be in keeping with my calling and gifts, must express itself as servanthood and stewardship, must be fundamentally interpersonal in nature, and made effective through the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. I value the Bible
The Holy Scriptures are uniquely inspired by God and completely trustworthy. They are essential to my life in Christ – my all-sufficient guide for faith and daily living.

7. I value my daily quiet time with God
Time spent with God — getting to know Him, His Word, seeking His will, embracing His purposes, and listening to his voice — is not wasted, but wisely invested time! It is essential for the effectiveness of my personal life and ministry.