Coffee With The Lord

I had a conversation with a young man the other day who had recently decided to “follow Jesus.” We were discussing the challenges of that journey and the secrets for doing it successfully. My advice to him was “be sure you are ‘all in!” Follow the Lord with all your heart – mind, soul and strength!”

Today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read a passage in Proverbs that was written to another young person centuries ago that makes the same point…

Apply your MIND – what occupies your ATTENTION!
“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body!”

Guard your HEART – your attitudes!
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

Watch your MOUTH – what you say!
“Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech!”

Your EYES are important too – be careful about what you look at!
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you!”

Don’t forget your FEET – may your walk be with purpose, don’t be sidetracked by what is evil!
“Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil!”
(From Proverbs 4:20–27 New Living Translation)

Good advice it seems to me for anyone following Jesus! … “ALL IN!” – eyes, ears, mind, mouth, feet – and most of all heart! The secret of spiritual success!

I realize the following words were written from an older mentor apostle to a younger man – a protégé of Apostle Paul in ministry…

“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.  DON’T LET ANYONE THINK LESS OF YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.  Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.  Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.  Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” (From 1 Timothy 4:11–16 NLT)

Wonderful advice for young people serving the Lord in ministry…  But I wrote these words in the margin of my Bible during my time of “coffee with the Lord” today… YOUR AGE SHOULDN’T MATTER!  I’m 72 and I’ve been a credentialed [ordained] minister for nearly 50 years and Paul’s words still apply to me!

Listen, I want my life, my teaching, and my service to draw people to join me in following the Savior!  I want to be a Holy Spirit empowered “magnet” in my service for the Lord in our world… until He comes!

The past several days I’ve been reflecting on my personal core commitments (and convictions) as a Christian… Here they are…

1. The authority and accuracy of the Bible – the Holy Scriptures. My all sufficient guide for faith and daily living.
2. The pervasive and destructive impact of sin upon creation, culture and humanity.
3. The redemptive and restorative power of the gospel.
4. The centrality of Jesus Christ to God’s redemptive plan.
5. The essential power of the Holy Spirit.
6. The one true God – holy, loving, sovereign, eternal, our creator and Heavenly Father.
7. The Church – the corporate expression of “the body of Christ” in our world and local communities.

They’re not perfect I am sure, and are not comprehensive of all I believe, but they are core convictions that I hold dear as a Christian.  I hope you share them with me… They guide my life and are the basis for my faith and hope.