Coffee With The Lord

For a number of years I taught a wonderful Bible study class (along with the late Dr. James Hennesy) at Trinity Church, Cedar Hill, TX – “TRUTH SEEKERS CLASS” – that over and over again beautifully exemplified the passage I am about to post.  This reflection, in part at least, is a tribute to them…

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own!  They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us… Since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”  (2 Corinthians 8:1–7 NIV)

I’ve watched it over and over again… Those who give the most – those with the greatest capacity for generosity and selflessness – are NOT usually those with the most money.  In fact, they are usually, people of ordinary means (even poverty)!!  Thankfully there are exceptions – and what a wonderful thing that is!  The beauty of it – the wonderful, exquisite, wonder of it – is NOT the amount of money that is given but the “grace of God” that prompts it.  No arm twisting, no use of guilt motivation, a need surfaces and there it is… LOVING GENEROSITY!  SELF-GIVING!  In fact, actually “pleading for the privilege of sharing in this service!”  What kind of “spirit” motivates this incredible display?  Paul nails it on the head… THESE KIND OF PEOPLE “FIRST OF ALL GIVE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD!”

Kudos to “Truth Seekers!” … And all the generous, self-giving and sacrificial-giving people like them!

“Just a sip” from my time of “coffee with the Lord” today

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!”  (Psalm 73:25–26 NIV)

“I’m sorry!” (or simply “Sorry!” … Body language and vocal inflection says a lot about how sincere those words are!  But even more important is what is sometimes referred to by the adage, “the proof is in the pudding” or perhaps another saying that emphasizes that words alone are simply not enough – there must be actions that demonstrate authentic sorrow and repentance!

In my Bible reading today (2 Corinthians 7:5-16)  Apostle Paul addressed a painful situation he had to deal with as a spiritual leader in a local church.  He had written a painful letter that dealt with the issue, giving direction that confronted the problem and prescribed the remedy.  He had waited with anticipation and prayerfulness to see what the response would be.  Paul was relieved and thrilled to receive a report from Titus, his representative, that the response was sincere and positive!

So what kind of “sorrow” (and repentance) makes a difference?  What satisfies God (and thrills those who are charged with the difficult task of spiritual leadership?  Here’s Apostle Paul’s wise commentary on the issue…

“I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways!  IT WAS THE KIND OF SORROW GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO HAVE! … THE KIND OF SORROW GOD WANTS US TO EXPERIENCE LEADS US AWAY FROM SIN AND RESULTS IN SALVATION! There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.  Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right!”   (2 Corinthians 7:8–11 NLT)

I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a situation where you’ve been confronted with sin in your life – something you did (or failed to do) that was wrong!  I have!!!  It hurts – it’s painful – it’s embarrassing – it can make you mad!  Or it can lead you to repentance, healing and restoration!  If that’s your situation (or it has been in the past and is still unresolved) I suggest listening and responding positively to Apostle Paul’s advice.  I did! … And I’m the better for it!!!