Coffee With The Lord

We’ve all seen the incredible pictures of “before and after” transformations … NutriSystem pics, makeover pics, Greatest Loser pics, the ads touting what a particular exercise machine will do for you and wondered… Wow, is that picture Photo Shopped?

Well this morning I read Ephesians 2.1-10 in my Bible about what “GRACE” can do!!  And I can tell you, God’s grace can accomplish incredible things for people!  The transformation stories could fill a library!  The “before and after” pics would blow you away … You would barely recognize the people!  Perhaps you’re one of God’s marvelous “Grace Makeovers” … I know, because I’m one of them!  Just like an “Eliza Dolittle,” that God, not a Professor Henry Higgins, transformed by grace into people of distinction, character, and beauty.

Here’s how the Bible puts it…

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”  (Ephesians 2:1–10 NIV)

God can do it – a “Grace Makeover!”  I just read about it this morning and when I did, I wrote these words in the margin of my Bible, “Thank you Lord!”  He did it my life!!  He can do it in yours!

If you had to choose between a wonderful destination or an exciting, ongoing adventure, which would you take? … Door #1 or door #2?

I don’t know about you, but I’d take the exciting, ongoing adventure every time!  It’s too easy to simply settle in and get “musty and rancid” – satisfied with a destination!  An adventure has discovery and ongoing fulfillment written all over it (even if at times things get a bit scary)!

That’s why I think Apostle Paul, in his great apostolic prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 was asking God to give His people an exciting, ongoing Spiritual adventure – not simply a settled Spiritual destination!  (And listen… I’m not one of those who believes “Heaven” is simply a destination where we go, and settle in, and adjust to “mansion living!”  I believe it will be one, ongoing, eternal experience of cosmic, universal adventure and discovery… FULFILLING IN EVERY WAY (all caps!).

So here’s the core of Paul’s prayer for your consideration today (I read it myself this morning during “coffee with the Lord” and am still relishing what the fulfillment of it means in my life in an on-going way so far…)

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe!” (From Ephesians 1:15-23 ESV)

Hey, it’s an adventure – NOT simply a destination!  Wow!  Enjoy!!

So grateful for the opportunity to celebrate 50 years of ministry as an “ordained minister” in the Assemblies of God (53 total years of ministry actually) last night at “The Oaks” in South Dallas. In retrospect, here are a couple of personal Biblical anchors that have served me well over the years…

“I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24 ESV)

“I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 ESV)

I recommend these “life verses” for anyone involved in ministry!