Coffee With The Lord

This morning my Bible reading included Ephesians 4:4-16, one of the most powerful passages in the Bible addressing the makeup and purpose of “the Church” (utilizing the inspired imagery of “the Body of Christ”).

I am always challenged by Paul’s description in the passage of the Church’s make up, its ministering leaders, and its purpose in the world as “the body of Christ.”

So this morning after reading the passage again, I crafted the following definition/description of “the Church” based upon what the passage has to say.  Here it is…

The Church (i.e. the “Body of Christ”) is a group of individuals, redeemed by Jesus Christ and gifted by the Holy Spirit who are called to represent Jesus Christ both individually and collectively within their communities and around the world without distortion in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve got to tell you, I want to represent Jesus accurately in my world!  (Believe me, tragically there are too many distortions of His ministry in our world today!)  I want to be sure that the role that I play within “His body” to contribute to His ongoing ministry in my community and in our world!  And I want to do everything in my power to help the local church I am a part of (and the universal Church worldwide) to represent Him without distortion in the power of the Holy Spirit!

The frightening news may have come from the doctor… “There is nothing more we can do.”

The finality of the death of a treasured loved one may have left you feeling stunned and helpless – like you simply can’t go on!

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read two closely related stories about Jesus and jotted these two comments in my Bible… I know I wrote them there for me!  And it’s entirely possible I was led to write them down for you as well! Here they are…

With Jesus, your situation is NOT hopeless!

When Jesus is involved, death is NOT the final word … “Only believe!”

The stories are found in Luke 8:40-56 … You should read them both.

The first involves a woman with a chronic hemorrhage for 12 long years… One physician and treatment after another… money gone… and then the terrifying words, “there is nothing more we can do!”  Hearing about the power of Jesus she struggled through a huge crowd, and in self-conscious, but hopeful faith, reached out to just touch the edge of his garment… instant miraculous healing! Jesus stopped dead in his tracks and said, “Someone touched me!  Power has gone forth from me!” Trembling, she admitted what she had done. Jesus declared to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well! Go in peace!”

The second story involves an interruption… A religious leader had begged Jesus to come to his house and heal his 12 year old daughter who was dying… [on the way the interruption of the woman Jesus stopped and healed] … Hope evaporated… friends from the leader’s house came with the news… “Don’t trouble the Teacher any longer… Your daughter has died!”  But Jesus told the grieving father, “Do not fear; only believe!” Jesus, the “resurrection and the life” brought life out of death! With Jesus, death is not the final word!

Perhaps you’re someone who needed the encouragement, faith, and hope those stories bring today.  Why not let Jesus, from those stories, speak His word of encouragement, faith and hope to your situation today.

A periodic leadership lesson today from the Bible…

Power, position and prestige are highly regarded by some leaders… and it shows!  These sorts of leaders often resort to strong arm techniques, manipulation, and strategies designed to exert their control.  Those who work for and with them are often viewed as really only means to an end.

I’d like to suggest that “integrity” is a much better foundation upon which to build leadership!

King David wasn’t a perfect leader… He had some serious moral and ethical lapses (eg. 2 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 51).  He was however, highly regarded, deeply respected, and is honored as a prototypical king-leader in Scripture.  Psalm 101 is attributed to him… In it, David expresses the importance of “integrity” as the foundation of his leadership.  Read what he had to say there and see if it doesn’t express the kind of leader you’d like to have…or be… a person of “integrity!”

“I will sing of your love and justice, O Lord. I will praise you with songs.  I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.  I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.  I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil… I will not endure conceit and pride.  I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.  I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.  My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.” (Psalm 101 NLT)

“Integrity” – a commitment to integrity!  God give us more leaders like that!  I’ll take that over power, prestige, position, and personal charisma any day!  And with God’s help, whenever I’m called upon to lead, I want to be that kind of leader!