Coffee With The Lord

I’m really grateful this morning for the significant spiritual leaders I’ve had in my life – those who have made a profound impact on my walk with the Lord.  They came to my community, pastored a church that I attended, or somehow crossed my pathway and were a tool that God used to bring me to Christ, contribute to my spiritual growth, were a channel God used to meet a need in my life, or helped me through some phase or situation where I needed help.  Some had a position or title – others did not, but their contribution was profound!  I could give you names but the list would be pretty long and I am confident I’d forget or neglect naming some…

Here’s Apostle Paul’s list:  “Tychicus…is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord!  I have sent him to you…that he may encourage your hearts… Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother… Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner… Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, is always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God… Luke, the beloved physician… Nympha, who had a church in her house.” (from Colossians 4:7-18)

Oh, the God-ordained diversity!  Did you pick up on some of the key descriptors – the characteristics of these spiritual leaders?  …“faithful minister, fellow servant, encourager, fellow prisoner, prayer warrior – brother (or sister)”?  All of them God’s agents for encouragement, spiritual growth, strengthening and stability.

I’m grateful for each one God has sent my way and their contribution to my life!  Aren’t you?!  In fact, right now I’m pausing during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” and offering thanks for them by name to my Heavenly Father.  …And, believe me, I’ll be looking for opportunities to tell them personally what a blessing they’ve been to my life!