It’s New Years… And I did what I usually do… I got up early, made myself a cup of coffee, got my Bible and had “coffee with the Lord”… I used “Necessary Food” (the Bible reading plan I developed based upon Job 23:12: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food”). And I read (and reflected upon) the following passages:
From the Old Testament historical books: Genesis 1:1 – 2:3
Biblical poetry: Job 1:1-5
The prophetic books: Isaiah 1:1-31
The gospels and Acts: Matthew 1:1-17
The epistles: Romans 1:1-7
The “take away” for me from one of those passages this morning?
The Bible describes Job as “a blameless and upright man, one who feared [reverenced] God and turned away from evil.” It goes on to say, he was “the greatest of all the people of the east” (in other words, not only wealthy but a man of great influence). He had a family he cared about and loved! He interceded for them regularly… Here is what the Bible says:
“Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burn offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, ‘It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.’ THUS JOB DID CONTINUALLY!” (from Job 1:5)
I am a parent and grandparent (and believe it or not, I even have 4 great-grandchildren!). I love my family and have deep concern, not only for their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being, but even more for their spiritual welfare! This morning I was challenged to do what Job did… He interceded for the members of his family. So I wrote this in the margin of my Bible… “On this first day of 2018 I again covenant to do the equivalent of what Job did in the Bible! I will pray for every member of my family, my wife, my children (and their spouses), my grand-children (and the spouses of those who are married) and my great-grandchildren daily! I will mention each one of them by name to the Lord and pray for their physical, emotional, mental, social, AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE daily. Job did something like that for his family… I’m going to do it again this year for my family!
Some of you today that are reading this post have experienced pain, loss, trials, disappointments, and grief the past year. 2017 is coming to an end and you actually marvel that you’ve made it! It’s been the grace of God and the inner enabling strength the Lord has provided. 
Coffee With The Lord 