Coffee With The Lord

Sometimes you read something in the Bible and find yourself saying, “THAT DESCRIBES MY FEELINGS EXACTLY!”  Well that’s what happened to me this morning when I read Apostle Paul’s description of his violent and sinful past… and then his transformation by God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness!  (I may not have murdered Christians, as Paul did before He encountered Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, but I was a hypocrite and just as lost in sin!)  So this is my testimony as well as his:

“Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent person.  But I received mercy… and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  THE SAYING IS TRUSTWORTHY AND DESERVING AND OF FULL ACCEPTANCE, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, of whom I am the foremost!  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life!” 

Anyone else identify?  And Oh, am I grateful!

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen!”

(Taken from 1 Timothy 1.12-17 ESV)

Expectations!  What do you expect to experience when you gather with fellow Christians (in a house of worship on Sunday, in a small group gathering or Bible study, or even a chance gathering with Christian friends)?

Here are some of my expectations…

I expect to experience wonderful uplifting fellowship!  I expect to experience vibrant, heartfelt worship!  I expect an uplifting, challenging encounter with God’s word!  I expect to sense God’s presence among us in powerful way!  I expect to see lives transformed and miracles occur as we pray and trust God together!  I expect powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit that will build and bless and help fellow Christians!  Those are just a few, basic expectations I have as I prepare to worship with fellow Christians!

This morning, during my time of “coffee with the Lord, I read these words from Psalm 147 and thought to myself… “You know, some of these words express what I expect when I gather with fellow Christians for “Church”…

“Praise the Lord!  For it is good to sing praises to our God – it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting! … Great is our Lord, and abundant in power!  His understanding is beyond measure! … Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving!  Make melody to our God on the lyre! … The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him – in those who hope in His steadfast love! … Praise the Lord!!” (from Psalm 147)

You know what?  I’m really looking forward to the next time we get together!  My expectations are high!  I intend to participate with all my heart!

“PALAVER” – Webster defines it as “a long parlay between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication; idle talk; to talk profusely or idly.”  You might refer to it as a lot of “hot air” – a long and extended argument that produces a lot more heat than it does light.

I have a friend (who will remain unnamed) who never saw an animated argument he didn’t like.  He seems to gravitate to discussions filled with controversy.  He likes it when voices raise, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at one another, people are called names and things are said that wound and hurt others… I mean the guy really seems to enjoy it!  He likes it so much he looks for opportunities and issues like that… and he’ll bring them up in a conversation whenever he gets a chance.  What really is troubling is that those discussions are often over religious practices, the work of the church, theology, and Biblical studies.  I wish he’d stop it!!  I’ve told him so… he doesn’t seem to listen!  Oh, you know this guy?  Not the same guy?  Another just like him?  Lord, help us!!   More than one?!!!

Read a passage from the Bible this morning that addresses this issue (and problem)…

Apostle Paul urged Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that you can command certain people” not to engage in those kinds of discussions.  Here is what he said about them…

“Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have departed from these and turned to meaningless talk… they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (from 1 Timothy 1.3-7 NIV)

Don’t know about you, but I’m a little edgy about hanging around someone who always wants a good argument!  I feel much more at home in a sincere conversation with someone characterized by “love, a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith.”  I want to talk about the Lord, his provision, Christian living, and the cause of the Gospel in that kind of way, don’t you?!  I’m praying for my friend… (and looking for the right opportunity to talk to him lovingly about his problem.)  I’M TIRED OF “PALAVER”!