Coffee With The Lord

We often throw around phrases for special occasions (and even out of courtesy) and we don’t even think about what they mean!  The big one that came to mind during my Bible reading time today was “Blessings!” or “Bless you!” – Matthew 5:1-12 (you really ought to read it!).

What people generally think of with those words and what the Bible teaches are two very different things!  After all, who is REALLY “blessed” anyway?  What does “blessing” look like?  And finally, who (or perhaps, better “Who”) really is the source of blessing?

I would argue that “blessing” ultimately comes from God – “blessing” is really a “God-thing!

And who is “blessed?”  Not those you might imagine based upon the popular view of things:  Jesus taught it was, “The poor in Spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers…those who are persecuted for righteousness sake… even when others revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely” because you are a devoted, obedient, follower of Christ!

And what does “blessing” look like?  Well, not at all like we often imagine… It’s not necessarily gaining riches, position, power or fame – not even necessarily being healthy… It’s gaining the Kingdom of heaven, being comforted, inheriting the earth, spiritual satisfaction, one day seeing God Himself, being called a “child of God” – even being able to rejoice in persecution when it’s for the right reason!

So here’s the deal… After reading Matthew 5:1-12 (often called the “beatitudes”) in my Bible this morning and reflecting on what Jesus taught there, I paused… and prayed… and told the Lord, “I really don’t care about the popular concept of “blessing!” – I want YOU to be able to bless me, and bless me for the right reasons!  I just have a feeling I’ll be reflecting on that for awhile and spending some time seeking to be the kind of person God can bless!

I’m a “fan” and “follower” of Jesus! I not only admit it – I’m prepared to proclaim it! In fact, I’ve devoted my life, to the best of my ability and His enablement, to doing it daily!

In the “gospels” in the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) there periodically are places that serve as summaries of the life and ministry of Jesus. I read one such summary this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”… It’s located in a strategic place – at the end of Matthew 4 and just before “the Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5. Here’s what the “summary” records about Jesus…

My Personal Mission, Vision and Core Values Statements… LeRoy R. Bartel

My Personal Mission and Vision Statement

To personally study and teach God’s word, and enable others to do the same, in such a way that the minds and hearts of people are engaged, they develop Godly attitudes and their lives are transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit as they are encouraged to respond obediently to God.

My Personal Core Values

1. I value my marriage and family

Faithfulness and fidelity in marriage and family life are infinitely more important to me than any competing human loyalty.

2. I value people

Since God loves everyone and His heart throbs redemptively for all people of the world, regardless of their race, gender, culture, or situation in life, so should I.

3. I value the church

Since Christ “loved the church and gave Himself  for her”  (Ephesians 5:25), I should love it in spite of its imperfections, pray daily for its well-being, contribute my best to its mission and ministries, be willing to submit its authority, and live so its reputation in the world is positive.

4. I value the Holy Spirit

The secret to effectiveness and victory in my Christian life is for me to live all of life sensitive and responsive to what the Holy Spirit is doing within all the various contexts of my life.

5. I value my ministry

My ministry, to be effective, must be in keeping with my calling and gifts, must express itself as servanthood and stewardship, must be fundamentally interpersonal in nature, and made effective through the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. I value the Bible

The Holy Scriptures are uniquely inspired by God and completely trustworthy.  They are essential to my life in Christ – my all-sufficient guide for faith and daily living.

7. I value my daily quiet time with God

Time spent with God — getting to know Him, His Word, seeking His will, embracing His purposes, and listening to his voice — is not wasted, but wisely invested time!  It is essential for the effectiveness of my personal life and ministry.