Coffee With The Lord

“You can take it to the bank!”

It is a figure of speech indicating something is reliable, firm – something you can depend upon!  It’s as sure and dependable as a signed check from a person with the resources to cover it!

That figure of speech came to mind this morning when I read these words in the Bible…

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens!  Your faithfulness endures to all generations!” (From Psalm 119:89-90)

If God has promised it, He will fulfill it!  If He has said it, you can know it is sure!  He has the power, the resources, and the character to see to it that it is done!  He is “faithful” and able!

“Take it to the bank!”

I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy discipline as a child from my earthly father (and I was fortunate – I had a loving, godly earthly father!). His discipline, however, helped me become a responsible, obedient, Christ-loving and Christ-following adult.

On several occasions I’ve also experienced the discipline of my Heavenly Father… And there was little difference in the level of enjoyment I experienced… However I must admit, He has always been loving, holy, and just – and His purposes for me have been always been redemptive! In fact, I’d like to suggest you read Hebrews 12:3-11 on that subject to understand the purpose of your loving Heavenly Father’s discipline… that’s right, read it and reflect on it.

But this morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I read a reinforcing Old Testament passage on the subject of God’s discipline as my Heavenly Father… Here it is from Psalm 119:65=80…

“You, O Lord, have dealt well with your servant, according to your word! … I believe in your commandments! Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word! You are good and do good! … It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces! Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding! … I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me! Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant! Let your mercy come to me that I may live; for your law is my delight!”

Hey, in the words of the writer of Hebrews… “For the moment all discipline seems painful, rather than pleasant, but afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet.” Or to use the words of my Dad, “Com’on Son – straighten up! I love you and want you to grow up to be a son I can be proud of – serving the Lord with all your heart!”

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with quite a few astute, very successful business people. I can tell you, they watch their “profit and loss statements” like a hawk! Everything… I mean EVERYTHING they do – every decision they make regarding their business is determined by what they see there!

Apostle Paul had his own “profit and loss statement” … This is what he said: “We worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh! … Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord! For His sake… I count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own…but that which comes through faith in Christ!” (from Philippians 3:3-9 ESV)

I want that to be my personal spiritual “profit and loss statement” as well – my life aspiration – the “bottom line” in everything in my life!