Coffee With The Lord

Some go to church to be inspired and uplifted… I understand that, there are times I need that. Some go to receive comfort… There are times I’ve desperately needed that as well. Others go to be informed about what the Bible teaches and what they believe… That’s an important reason as well. The need for genuine fellowship is also valid and important. Authentic worship is also an essential reason for church gatherings. Others go to church in order provide service to God and others… That is certainly important. All of these things are important reasons to go to church.

However, in my Bible reading today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I found another reason I attend church… Here it is from Proverbs 15:31-32…

“The ear that listens to life-giving REPROOF will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to REPROOF gains intelligence.”

“Reproof” – What is it? A reproof is defined as a negative comment, reprimand, or rebuke.

I don’t know about you, but there are times I need to be challenged! Course correction, as I seek to follow Christ is often in order. Attitudes need to be changed. Behavior that is displeasing to the Lord needs correction. Practices that leach away faith, hope and love need to cease. Reproof; lovingly, but directly spoken in the power of the Holy Spirit with the authority of God’s word make me better – keep me on the right track – and draw me closer to God!

My father, Ewalt Bartel, would sometimes embarrass his sons by responding to so many invitations at church – things, at our church, that we called “altar calls!” He was a devoted follower of Jesus, but if he heard something in a sermon that challenged Him, he would acknowledge it, step to an isle in Church, go forward and settle it with his personal commitment in a time of prayer. His response? “I’m never too good for an ‘altar call!’ If God speaks to my heart through His word, I’ll respond!”

Reproof – it’s not the only reason I go to church, to be sure… But it is certainly one reason I go! Listen, I’m not going to church to be made more comfortable! I’m going to draw nearer to the Lord and to lead a life that is pleasing to Him!

The passage I read this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” is a really big deal!  It doesn’t need much commentary… it’s pretty clear!  I encourage you to read it today slowly and reflect deeply on what it has to say… I did!  (Pay particular attention to what I’ve put it all caps.)

Jesus declared… “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit… Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. WHOEVER ABIDES IN ME AND I IN HIM, HE IT IS THAT BEARS MUCH FRUIT, FOR APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING! … If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples… These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Oh Lord, help me to hear and heed your words today!  May I never forget them!

My reputation as a Christian is vital!  It either advances the cause of Christ or hinders it.  It’s often referred to as a Christian’s “testimony” and it includes not only their verbal witness, but also the integrity of their lifestyle!  How I live my life must match the witness I share.  Consistency and congruence in these two areas increases my influence with my community, colleagues, and close friends!

Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of this.  He urged the believers in Philippi, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world!” (Philippians 2:14-15)

Jesus put it another way, He told his followers, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

I want my testimony – my reputation – as a Christian to be congruent and consistent!  During my time of “coffee with the Lord” today I came across several verses in Proverbs that highlight three practical ways I can enhance my testimony (they’re found in Proverbs 14:29-31)…

1.  Don’t be a “hothead” – ask God to help you control your temper!

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (check out James 1:20)

2. Be content – don’t be envious of what others have.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (check out 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Philippians 4:11-13)

3. Be kind and generous to those in need.

“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him.” (check out 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and 1 John 3:17-18)

Three practical ways to enhance our “testimony” or witness as Christians!  I want to live this way, don’t you?