Coffee With The Lord

A devotional reflection from my Bible reading today using the “Necessary Food” Bible reading plan: 2 Kings 21:1-26; Proverbs 22:9-16; Obadiah 15-21; John 19:38-42; Hebrews 10:32-39

REGARDLESS! Quite a word! Oxford Dictionary defines it as “Pressing on without paying attention to the present situation, despite the circumstances.”

A while ago I had a conversation with a young man who had recently recommitted His life to Christ and determined to serve the Lord REGARDLESS of what came his way. He was facing temptation, trials, difficulty, and challenges of all kinds. Fact is, he was in prison. He told me, “When I get out, I’m going to get myself a t-shirt with that word in big letters on it…”REGARDLESS!” … in fact with God’s help I’m going to make it the 1-word motto of my life – for the rest of my life!”

You know what? I believe he got it right!

In fact, that word is what came to mind as I read Hebrews 10:32-39 today in my Bible…

“Recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with suffering, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction… you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourself had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward! You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised! … We are NOT of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls!” (From Hebrews 10:32-39 ESV)

Here’s just a couple of Biblical examples that come to mind of those who were faithful REGARDLESS!

Job… “Though He slay me, I will serve Him!” (Job 13:15)

Apostle Paul… “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us!” (Romans 8:18) “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all thing through Him who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:11-13)

And, most of all, Jesus – our Lord and Savior: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God!” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

You know what? I think I want one of those t-shirts! … I want my life theme and testimony to be “REGARDLESS!”