Coffee With The Lord

I finished the marathon… 26.2 grueling miles on a challenging terrain! I certainly didn’t come in first (but on the other hand I wasn’t last either!). But I FINISHED (and I ran all the way)! I was proud of that! I had done my best! I had prepared with serious and ample training. Over the previous months I had hardened my legs to the road with many miles! I had followed the instructions of my trainer, an ol’ army sergeant, who had many marathons under his belt…

Did I mention I finished? Did I get a trophy for first place among all the runners? … No way! But I got “MY TROPHY!” …A medal to put around my neck that declared I had “finished the race!” So I hung around awhile after the race was over until they gave me “MY TROPHY” … I still have it – the “medal!” First marathon! It means a lot to me (I’ve finished several marathons since then) but that one’s special!

Thought of that as I read these words from Apostle Paul as he approached the end of his life and ministry…

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE [some versions read “the course” – really better for the marathon imagery], AND I HAVE REMAINED FAITHFUL! AND NOW THE PRIZE AWAITS ME!—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (From 2 Timothy 4:6–8 NLT)

Hey, it’s not enough to start well! In a very real way the Christian life is NOT a sprint – it’s a marathon! I want to “finish my ‘course’ – I want to keep the faith!” I want “the crown of righteousness” and His “well done, good and faithful servant!” more than anything! My objective? “Finishing the race!”

Here’s a Bartel truism that relates to my running… “I’m not fast – just stubborn!”

During “coffee with the Lord” and reflection upon God’s incredible grace and mercy toward me, the words of this old gospel song came to mind…

“I am unworthy of the price he paid for me
I am unworthy of his death on Calvary
I am unworthy to call upon his name
Yet he loved me, still he loves me
Praise his holy name!

“I am unworthy of the blood he freely gave
I am unworthy, for in sin I was a slave
I am unworthy that he should bear my shame
Yet he loved me, still he loves me
Praise his holy name!

“I am unworthy of the place he has prepared
I am unworthy of his love that he has shared
I am unworthy to claim his precious name
Yet he loved me, still he loves me
Praise his holy name!”

 Gloria Roe, Daniel Thomas

Yes, UNWORTHY! But loved! “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:6-8)

I watched the evening news on TV last night and read the perspectives of some aspiring to lead the highest office in our land, as well as other offices at the national, state, and local level… Then had my time of “coffee with the Lord” this morning and read these words in my Bible…

“In the last days there will be very difficult times! People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1–5 New Living Translation)

Wow! I would say Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, pegged it right wouldn’t you? I don’t care whether you’re a Democrat, an Independent, or a Republican… if you advocate positions that lead us that direction, or personally embrace and practice things like that, you should be ashamed of yourself! You’re the problem – and your positions disqualify you from being the kind of leader we need in public office.

It is certainly “the last days!” It won’t be long before Jesus will return and take over! I’m looking forward to that day passionately! In the meantime, with God’s help I intend to be “salt and light” (seasoning an unsavory cultural situation – and showing the way to “the light of the world”). He told me to do it! He said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16) And as bad as it is… and as bad as it may get… with God’s help I intend to do just that!