Coffee With The Lord

Proper protocol is important when entering the presence of a king or the president of a country!  Wise people check to see what is required – what is considered proper – upon entering their presence.  Failure to follow the expected decorum can result in embarrassment, loss of favor, and disappointment.  I thought of that as I read Psalm 100 this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord.”

It seems to me that Psalm 100 addresses this issue on two levels:  1) The corporate level – when we gather together for worship in places dedicated to that cause (houses of worship), and 2) On the personal level – when I “enter His presence” in times of personal devotion.

In both cases these things apply…

Joy and gladness are always appropriate – a “joyful song” is proper protocol for corporate worship (and private worship as well (can you think of one right now that you would use?)

A deep awareness of who God is, what He is like – His character is essential – Silent, meditative, recall and reflection of His character sets the stage for entering His, divine presence.  It builds faith and sets the stage for effectively presenting our needs and request.  Our God-focus, in part at least, needs to be upon what verse 5 expresses:  “For the Lord is good, and His love endure forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations (a core expression found repeatedly in Scripture to describe God’s character)!”

On the other hand, it is important for me to have a deep inner awareness of who I am… His creation, one of “His people” – one of the “sheep in His pasture – His flock” (and He is the “good Shepherd” – the Lord is “my Shepherd” – our Shepherd, if you please)

Heartfelt thanksgiving and praise should be the FIRST thing out of our mouths when we enter His presence personally and the FIRST thing we do in corporate worship gatherings.  It is pleasing to the Lord, it orients our hearts correctly, and it postures our heart appropriately for “asking and receiving “ anything we need from the Lord!

This morning, I’m standing at the door of His divine presence, ready, I believe, to enter!!  I’m tingling with excitement and anticipation… The Holy Spirit is right here beside me to help me do this right (He is “the Helper you know).  Here we go…

There’s an old… and I mean OLD children’s worship song that I sang in “children’s church” as a small boy that seems appropriate today.  Let’s see if any of you remember it…

“The birdies in the treetops sing their song
The angels chant the chorus all day long
The flowers in the garden blend their hue
So why shouldn’t I, why shouldn’t you
Praise him too!”

Listen, I don’t just want to hear His praise through ear buds on my device… I’m going to take ’em off and hear his praise all around me in what He has made!…

Here’s the passage from the Bible that prompted that reflection…

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him… All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!  Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!  With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!  Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!  Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord!” (From Psalm 98)

Hey, IT’S SPRING!  The birds, the brook, the breeze, even the buds are bursting with His praise!!!  So “WHY SHOULDN’T I, WHY SHOULDN’T YOU, PRAISE HIM TOO?”

Here’s a link of sweet song birds so you can enjoy their song… even all day!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CppmXLEWzEs

A number of years ago, when I served as National Director of the Division of Christian Education for the Assemblies of God, we observed a migration away from what was traditionally called “Sunday School.” Concerned about this and its impact on discipleship and Biblical/doctrinal literacy our team developed a document entitled “Sunday School: The Functional Equivalent.” Attached find a copy of that document. It may be of help to some of you who are seeking to address these issues in your church. Blessings!