Coffee With The Lord

The holiday season is here – that period that encompasses Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year.  Guests and family members drop by for a visit (and we want them to) but sometimes the timing isn’t always convenient for us and we’re left scrambling to get things ready for their visit (“ready or not…”)  Ever had the experience?

Jesus is coming back!  We don’t know precisely when!  The end of all things is at hand – His return is imminent!  He sent His word promising to return and warning us to be ready:  “You must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect!” (Matthew 24:44; 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-40)

Here’s the issue… What can we do to be ready?  This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read a passage addressed to some Christians going through difficult times, suggesting some things they could do to be ready for the “end” and the return of their Lord…

Here’s what Apostle Peter suggested…

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore…

*“Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

*“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

*“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

*“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

*“Whoever speaks, let them do it as one who speaks oracles of God

*“Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies”

And the goal of it all? … “That in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen!”  (From 1 Peter 4:7–11 ESV)

Hey, the end of all things is near!  Jesus is coming back – and soon!  I want to be ready!  Lord help me, as a devoted follower of You, to build these things into my life!

I’m grateful we still have Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday!

Giving thanks is a BIG deal!  I was reminded how big a deal it really is this morning during my time of Bible read and reflection this morning… Romans 1 in the Bible says this about what happens in lives, and within a culture, that rejects God and is not thankful…

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of those, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.  So they are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God, OR GIVE THANKS TO HIM, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools.”  (From Romans 1:18-22 ESV)

The sad consequences of lack of thankfulness to God are seen all around us!  Let me say it again… Thankfulness to God is a BIG deal!

So here’s what I want to be the constant posture of my heart to the Lord – not just on Thanksgiving Day, but EVERY Day!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His steadfast love endures forever!” (A theme echoed repeatedly in Psalm 106, 107, 118 and 136!)

And in the New Testament…

“Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Ephesians 5:20)

“Rejoice always!  Pray constantly!  Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The following passage was part of my Bible reading today… When I read it, I found this lady’s picture next to it as the illustration of its truth…

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…