Coffee With The Lord

Life goals are a big deal!  What do I really want – what do I really pursue in life?

I’ve watched people who say they really want one thing – but their daily lives testify to the fact that they really want something quite different.

Some want security… others seek pleasure… Money and possessions drive the efforts of others… And then there are those who seek power and position.  Some seek one thrill after another, pushing boundaries to the very limit.  And all those I’ve mentioned just scratch the surface of the possibilities.

The reality is, with some life goals there are collateral benefits… with others sad consequences.  Believe me, I want to choose and pursue wisely!

This morning in my Bible reading I encountered a Proverb that caught my attention and said it all for me…  A worthy life goal with incredible collateral benefits!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor!  (Proverbs 21:21 ESV)

Jesus put it another way… “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be yours as well!”  (Matthew 6:33)

And what was the result of thinking about that this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord?”  Some course correction!  I want my life goals to be “on target” for God’s favor and blessing!

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During my time of “coffee with the Lord” I’ve been reading and reflecting on Apostle John’s account of the crucifixion – what Jesus went through at the hands of sinful men on our behalf to provide for our salvation! (John 18-19) Oh, what Jesus went through on our behalf! He, the holy, innocent one, suffered so much on our behalf!

Then I also read these words in Hebrews 10 this morning…

“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins! Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” (Quoted from Psalm 40:6-8)

“When he said the above, he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will!” … And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (From Hebrews 10:4-10)

I’m so grateful that he fulfilled the prophetic word for us all! As I reflected on His sacrifice today on our behalf the words of this wonderful old gospel song came to mind…

“It was his love for meThat nailed him to the tree

To die in agony for all my sin.

For my own guilt and blame

The Great Redeemer came,

Willing to bear the shame

Of all my sin.

“To Calvary’s hill one day

The Lord was led away;

None else the price could pay

For all my sin.

He on the cross was slain,

Yielding his life in pain;

He felt the bitter stain

Of all my sin.

“Was ever love so strong,

Was ever crime so wrong,

When Jesus suffered long

For all my sin?

He saw my greatest need,

Became my Friend indeed,

Through him I have been freed

Of all my sin.

CHORUS:

“Oh, what a Savior is mine,

In him God’s mercies combine;

His love can never decline,

And he loves me!”

Norman J. Clayton, 1943