I have in my mind’s eye today a wonderful, loving, generous parent. I see the many ways their love and selfless giving has expressed itself from the moment of their child’s birth – better than that, even before the day they were born. Their dedication to the welfare of their child and their provision has been clearly in evidence all the way through their life… every moment, every day, each birthday, every significant milestone of their life… the first day of pre-school, kindergarten graduation, day 1 of elementary school, junior high, and all they way through high school… always there, always loving and praying, always providing… and then high school graduation – a really big day celebrated with special gifts. And then the day the car was packed with stuff for college. Finally the big hug and kiss, the credit card, the cell phone, and the words, “If there is anything else you need honey, you just call and let me know!”
I’m not talking about a parent who has “spoiled their child rotten” – They’ve also taught character – responsibility and accountability – but all along they’ve modeled loving provision as well!
Just like our Heavenly Father it seems to me! From the day of “new birth” – no, more than that, even before “new birth” – in eternity past provision was made! After all, according to Scripture, Jesus was “the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world” to provide salvation for all who would receive it (Revelation 13:8). Hey, our Heavenly Father’s generosity and loving provision through Jesus Christ was no afterthought! And then every day since… “From His fulness we have received grace upon grace” (John 1:16)!
All of this came to mind as I read these words during my time of “coffee with the Lord” today…
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them we might become partakes of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption this is in the world because of sinful desires… (and then the responsibility stuff – more than just the provision – the loving instruction…) “For this reason make every effort to supplement your faith [with godly character qualities]… For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful… If you practice these qualities you will never fall…. And you will be richly provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!” (From 2 Peter 1:2-11 ESV)
The car is loaded to the top… we’ve been given the credit card and the cell phone… Our Heavenly Father embraces us and gives us this promise… “Just let me know, I’ll provide everything you need!” I’d say we have a wonderful, loving Heavenly Father, wouldn’t you? Divine provision of everything needed – but more, a deep concern for the development of our character and fruitfulness! I love Him, don’t you?!
They’re not just observable actions and activities directed toward other people (sometimes no more than a person’s “body language”)… Facts are arrogance and pride begin with attitudes of privilege and superiority (we think somehow we’re better than other people)… attitudes and actions like that are spiritually dangerous – even deadly! In fact, they’re sin! … and they put us on the wrong side of God (not a good place to be)! That’s the message of 1 Peter
The last couple of days, I’ve encountered some very important leadership lessons from a couple of guys in the Bible named “Asa” and “Jehoshaphat”… After reading their stories, I only wish leaders in our nation would learn from their example! (2 Chronicles 14 – 20 in your Bible – Believe me, these chapters are worth reading! Here’s just a taste of what those chapters tell us…)
Coffee With The Lord 