Coffee With The Lord

Just let me say, I’m concerned about Christians who flaunt their freedom!  In the exercise of their personal freedom they sometimes trample on the sensitive consciences of newer Christians and do things that lead “babes in Christ” back into the bondages they have just escaped.  Shame on them!  

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read this important principle and exhortation from Apostle Paul…!

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery! … You were called to freedom, brothers (and sisters).  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh [the inclinations of the natural, sinful self], but through love serve one another.”  (From Galatians 5:1-15 ESV)

So here’s the principle:  I AM free in Christ Jesus!  I cannot be right with God and gain righteousness by simply keeping a list of rules.  But, on the other hand, I must be willing to limit my personal freedom out of love for fellow Christians!

Have you been wronged?  Have unjust accusations been made against you or a family member?  Perhaps it’s been an assault, destruction of property, or you’ve been cheated financially.  You are hurt, angry and feel violated.

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read some words in Lamentations that may provide helpful advice and comfort.  Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple was just a smoking pile of rubble, and the people had been carted off into exile in Babylon!  The situation was dire – the results disastrous!

And in the midst of it all the writer of Lamentation penned these words…

“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.  You heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’  You came near when I called on you!  You said, ‘Do not fear!’  You have taken up my cause, O Lord!  You have redeemed my life!  You have seen the wrong done to me, O Lord! … You have heard their taunts, O Lord – all their plots against me! … You will repay them, O Lord!” (From Lamentations 3:55-64 ESV)

That’s right, do what the writer of Lamentations did!  Take it to the Lord – put the matter in His hands!  Listen for His voice in your situation.  Don’t take the matter into your own hands.  Trust Him to work and vindicate in His time and way!  That’s what the writer of Lamentations did.

Here’s God’s inspired word on it from another place in Scripture… “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

A reflection on personal and world evangelism from my reading in the Psalms today…

Oh, may all our attempts at evangelism have this character about them!!

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples … Say among the nations, ‘the Lord reigns!” (From Psalm 96.1-10)

What a positive, winsome, approach!!  Lord help me to always exhibit and exemplify it!