Coffee With The Lord

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!

There are good days – and there are some “other” days…

I’ve discovered that God’s word – paying attention to what He has to say – listening to Him, can transform any day! That’s why I’ve made meditating on God’s word a big part of each day! I call my time with Him “Coffee with the Lord.” Early in the morning I get my Bible, read selected passages, reflect on them, listen for God’s voice, worship and pray… and my day invariably goes better! I carry what I’ve received with me all day long regardless of what I’m facing (and it often overflows in a song)!

Today that reality was anchored in my heart as I read Psalm 119:49-56… I gave it a title – here it is…

“YOUR WORD – MY HOPE AND MY SONG!”

“Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope! This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life… When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord! … Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep Your law. This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept Your precepts!” (from Psalm 119:49-56)

Let me tell you, I’m grateful for God’s word! It sure beats the message I get from the daily news! His word – my hope and my song!