Coffee With The Lord

I’ve posted this before but just sensed there were some friends of mine who were having a “Faith Struggle” today and thought this might be of help…

My Definition of “Faith”

Faith is confidence in God… trusting His character, believing and obeying His word, embracing His promises, following His leadership, and drawing upon his encouragement and strength.

Bartel’s Suggested 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11

1. Faith depends on the reliability of God’s character.

2. Faith is predicated on divine revelation.

3. Faith demands obedience.

4. Faith follows the Lord’s leadership and guidance.

5. Faith requires spiritual eyesight.

6. Faith expects God to fulfill His promises.

7. Faith expects and experiences miracles

8. Faith endures seeming contradiction and difficult circumstances

9. Faith requires sustained confidence and patience.

10. Faith does not require perfection in order for it to work

Developed by Dr. LeRoy R. Bartel

An issue in reading Job in the Bible is the accuracy and appropriate application of the “advice” given by Job’s “friends” (check ‘em out in Job 2:11-13… They started out right to “comfort” him, but later their advice was often condescending and misapplied).

Eliphaz, however early on, I believe made an accurate observation and gave some good advice that I am convinced is appropriate for any of us when we’re going through great trials and tests: 

He said, “We are born to trouble as the sparks fly upward!  AS FOR ME, I WOULD SEEK GOD, AND TO GOD I WOULD COMMIT MY CAUSE – He who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number!” (Job 5:7-9)

Good advice I believe!

Here’s a “sip” from my time of “Coffee with the Lord” today… In reading the account of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist I was challenged by the purpose and passion of our Savior and Lord… “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying ‘I need to be baptized by YOU, and are YOU coming to me?’ … But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it be be so now for thus IT IS FITTING TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS!”

Gotta tell you, I want that to be my purpose and passion – like that of my Lord and Savior!

“And when He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him! And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” (From Matthew 3:13-17 NKJV)

The Heavenly Father’s divine approval – His divine authentication! I want it!! Hey, I’m not claiming the uniqueness of Jesus (wouldn’t do that!) – but I want THE ATTITUDE of my Savior and Lord… and THE APPROVAL of my Heavenly Father!