Coffee With The Lord

Powerful experiences in personal worship… anyone who has developed the habit of time alone daily with the Lord has had them! I call mine “coffee with the Lord!” I rise early in the morning, get my Bible, make a cup of coffee, go to “my place” in the house for devotions, pause to become aware of God’s presence, read Scripture, reflect, worship, pray and do some journaling. Somewhere in “there” the presence of the Lord becomes very real and I often experience a “powerful time in personal worship!” (Some experiences are more powerful than others – but the fact is God always makes Himself real in a personal way!)

The passage of Scripture I read today during “coffee with the Lord” (Romans 11:33-36) I believe describes (and records) such an experience enjoyed by Apostle Paul! He had been reflecting on the sad state of humanity (“all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”) and also God’s wonderful revealed plan and provision to “save” them through faith in Christ! (Romans 1-4)…He then thought of all the amazing benefits of being made “right with God “ by faith (i.e. “justification”) and how God planned and provided it! (Romans 5-6) Then he thought about our human struggle with “self” (Romans 7) but also rejoiced in the wonderful victory provided through Jesus Christ and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit at work within us (never separated from God’s love)! (Romans  Finally, Paul wrestled with how God has worked all of this out on behalf of both Jew and Gentile (Romans 9-11)…

And as he reflected on God’s wonderful, incredible plan – God’s revelation – suddenly it “hit him!” … And Apostle Paul had one of those “powerful, overwhelming, experiences in personal worship!” He fairly EXPLODED IN WORSHIP!

Here are his words…

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! [Then Old Testament words that Paul had reflected upon in other devotional times came to mind…] ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?’ [From Isaiah 40:13] ‘Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?’ [From Job 41:11] For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things! To Him be glory forever! AMEN!!!” (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)

Let me tell you… I’ve had experiences like that during my time of devotions – “coffee with the Lord!” Powerful, powerful episodes of worship as I reflected on God as He has revealed Himself, His word, His presence, His love! Other Scripture that I had read and studied began popping into my mind, and I was overwhelmed with the presence, the majesty, the provision, and love of God. Hey, I’m urging you… make “daily devotions” a part of your life! You won’t regret it! And you’ll have the joy of experiencing some of your own “powerful experiences of personal worship!”