Coffee With The Lord

You’ve seen it… A young child standing over at the edge of the playground, eyes wet with tears, weeping because they were not chosen to be on someone’s team.  A picture of the deep human need to be included and accepted by “significant others” – and the deep emotional pain that comes with exclusion and rejection!

There’s good news though… GOD CHOOSES THE EXCLUDED, THE REJECTED, THE MARGINALIZED, AND THE FORGOTTEN AS HIS VERY OWN PEOPLE!  I read about this morning in the Bible during my time of “coffee with the Lord” …

Apostle Paul spoke about “THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST” and said, “This mystery is that ‘the Gentiles’ are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel!  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power…to proclaim to ‘the Gentiles’ the unsearchable riches of Christ!” (from Ephesians 3:6-8)

In another place he declared: “Consider your calling!  Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise!  God chose what is weak to shame the strong!  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even that that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus… So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord!” (From I Corinthians 1:26-31)

Oh, and one more came to mind… “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people!  Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy!” (I Peter 2:9-10)

INCLUDED!  ACCEPTED!!  ON GOD’S TEAM… THE WINNING TEAM!  Dry your eyes!  The little kid’s worship song that I sang as a child comes to mind… “Jesus included me!  Yes, He included me!  When the Lord said, ‘whosoever’ [re. John 3:16] He included me!”

Today’s post is going to help someone in the area of personal relationships!

First, a personal story….

As a pastor I was faced with an issue that I had to deal with! I knew that it could be misunderstood and painful… but I had to deal with it! I prayerfully sought the Lord for guidance. Sure enough, regardless of how I tried to minimize the impact and pain and sought to communicate my concern and care, it was going to be misunderstood! The next time I saw the offending party… sure enough, an “ice-cube!”

What to do? I sought the Lord for a way to resolve and heal the relationship… Here’s what He dropped in my heart…
“LOVE MELTS ICE!”

So every time I saw the person, regardless of the frigid feelings I would encounter I would communicate warm and caring love. In fact, I would go out of my way to seek them out and share warmth and acceptance. I’d never miss a birthday, anniversary, special occasion or any other opportunity to let them know they were loved and appreciated.

Over time it worked! I am happy to report they laid aside their defenses, became a dear friend, and even returned warmth, appreciation, and love!

You do know that this secret – this principle – is found in the Bible, don’t you? It’s found in several places – Here’s one…

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them… Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all… Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…. So if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drunk; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good!” (From Romans 12:14-21 ESV)

One more time here’s the “secret” God dropped in my heart: “LOVE MELTS ICE!”

We tend to forget… periodically we need pause and remember what God has done in our lives and on our behalf… His blessings, His grace, His goodness, His faithfulness, His miracles, His provision, His dealings in our lives!

A “history lesson” is a good thing for “God’s people!”  Psalm 105 is that kind of Psalm!!!

Here is how it is introduced (but the whole Psalm is a worthy read!)…

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

REMEMBER the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered! …

Praise the Lord!” (From Psalm 105 ESV)

Yes, REMEMBER! … AND PRAISE THE LORD!