Coffee With The Lord

I’ve been blessed and honored way beyond what I deserve!  Perhaps you feel like I do about that!

I remember receiving an honor several years ago from the denomination of which I am a part, choking up with emotion, and thinking… there are so many other people who are even more worthy of this than I am!  One of my mentors and teachers was in the audience that day, and if I could have, I would have run over to him and given him the award!  I just felt that way!  I’ve been so graciously and mercifully blessed!

I read a psalm this morning that deals with this issue that moved me deeply!  King David was taken from the sheepfold, was selected by God to replace Saul, was anointed by Samuel, and then in spite of his humble beginning was divinely honored and gifted to lead God’s flock, Israel!  What an honor!  What a gracious blessing!  God is the One who made him great!

Here’s it is in Psalm 21

“O Lord, in Your strength the king rejoices, and in Your salvation how greatly he exults!  You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.  For You meet him with rich blessings; You set a crown of fine gold upon his head.  He asked life of You; You gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.  His glory is great through Your salvation!  Splendor and majesty You bestow on him.  For You make him most blessed forever; You make him glad with the joy of Your presence.  For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved! … Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” (English Standard Version)

So here I am again today, blown away by blessings and honor the Lord has sent my way – so undeserved!  So overwhelmed by God’s grace and favor!! Thank you Lord!  Thank you!!

Several years ago in my study of Hebrews 11 I developed the following definition of “faith” and the principles that govern it appropriate expression. I trust it will be a blessing to you!

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.

Many of you are aware of my practice to send a “Scriptural Birthday Greeting” to my Facebook friends on their birthdays.  I have collected a whole list of appropriate greetings from the Bible.  Today my Bible reading during “coffee with the Lord” included one of my very favorite birthday greetings.  Believe me, it’s a wonderful passage!  Perhaps I have sent it your way in the past on a birthday or some other special occasion.  It would be difficult to find anything in the Bible that is more appropriate or gracious to share with someone you care about and love for any special occasion for that matter.  I’m passing it on to you today (birthday or not).  A BLESSING FROM THE LORD IS ALWAYS SPECIAL!!!

Here it is – Psalm 20:1-5!!!

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!  May he send you help from His sanctuary and give you support from Zion!  May He remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!  May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!  May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” (Psalm 20:1–5 English Standard Version)

If it’s your birthday… Happy Birthday!  If it’s not your birthday… just enjoy it and be blessed!!  If it’s some other special occasion accept it from God… and Me… to YOU!!