Coffee With The Lord

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I was reading the recommendations of “the Great Physician” regarding a dangerous, destructive (even deadly) virus that has spread its deadly toxins among many Christian communities… That virus is “HATRED!” Sadly, its destructive influence has not only impacted the Church, but it has also had a devastating impact on the testimony of many Christians, rendering the witness ineffective.

The reporter in this instance, Apostle John, infallibly guided by the Holy Spirit indicates there is only one vaccine to negate and protect against the deadly influence of this virus… LOVE. It was first offered to all by the Almighty God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But it must be received and shared with others by individuals who have personally received the immunization it provides. Apostle John seems to say that periodic boosters are needed and helpful. He warns that LOVE shared with fellow Christians – even enemies – is the only effective vaccine for the deadly HATE virus.

Here’s a portion of the official report that I read this morning…

“I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you… Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother [or sister] abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother [or sister] is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (From 1 John 2:7-11 ESV)

In another place the report urges, “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Let me add my voice to what Scripture says… I urge you to accept God’s love in Christ Jesus! Let it come in and transform your life! Reject “HATRED” – and be immunized by LOVE (God’s LOVE in Christ!) I have – and what a liberating experience! Then share your testimony of what LOVE (God’s love in Christ) has done in your life with others… Urge them to be vaccinated and immunized. Believe me, it will make a powerful impact in our churches, communities and world! Let’s stop HATRED in its deadly tracks!

The season of the year we call “Christmas” and all the holiday trappings we see around us are so filled with folklore and mythical stories … the stuff of fairytales!  It’s all designed, I guess, to appeal to children – to make their eyes dance and fill the air with laughter and excitement.  It’s also the fertile ground for marketing schemes and the jingle of cash registers.  So what is reality in the midst of all that is mythical? 

I read a passage from the Bible this morning that I think makes the case for that…

“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen.  We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands.  He is the Word of Life!  This One who is Life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him.  And now we testify and proclaim to you that He is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then He was revealed to us.  We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.”  (1 John 1:1–4 NLT)

In the midst of all the mythical and the merriment, I don’t want to miss the reality… Jesus is real!  He actually came to earth as a babe in a manger!  He lived among us!  The miracles in the Bible actually happened!  He suffered and died for our sin… and rose again… He ascended back to heaven… and ever lives!!

Don’t miss the “real thing” in the Christmas season – don’t let your children mix up reality with fiction… Just say’n!  As a Christian I’m determined to keep Christ in Christmas!!!

So here’s the sequel to yesterday’s post in  “coffee with the Lord”…  Doesn’t need much comment…

“And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.  And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved… I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.  Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”  (2 Peter 3:14–18 NLT)

According to these passages we face two things… The frightening prospect of “the Day of the Lord” and the wonderful prospect of “the day of God” with the confident hope of “a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells”!

I intend to live ready for what the future brings… trying to reach others with the gospel… staying alert and on guard for my own spiritual welfare… and keep on growing in the wonderful grace He provides… all the while getting to know Him better and better!!

How about you?