Coffee With The Lord

This morning I’m grateful for – and rejoicing in, the order in the universe. Can you imagine the horror if suddenly everything – and I mean everything – just came apart – unraveling suddenly like a tightly wound ball of rubber bands? Imagine it… from the macroscopic, universal aspect of things, all the way down to the microscopic, smallest of object (sub-atomic particles) just suddenly flying apart! … The damage, destruction, and panic would be beyond imagination!
I mean, what holds it all together anyway? Where does the order in the universe ultimately come from?
Well, as one who believes in and reverences (or “fears”) God, I believe it comes from Almighty God! In fact I read about it this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens! Your faithfulness endures to all generations! You have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, FOR ALL THINGS ARE YOUR SERVANTS!” (From Psalm 119:89–91 ESV)
And to buttress that perspective Colossians 1:16-18-19 declares, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together… that in everything He might be preeminent!”
Yes, I believe and embrace that worldview with all my heart! Divine order!! … Ultimately He’s in charge! And I’m grateful! Aren’t you? morning I’m grateful for – and rejoicing in, the order in the universe. Can you imagine the horror if suddenly everything – and I mean everything – just came apart – unraveling suddenly like a tightly wound ball of rubber bands? Imagine it… from the macroscopic, universal aspect of things, all the way down to the microscopic, smallest of object (sub-atomic particles) just suddenly flying apart! … The damage, destruction, and panic would be beyond imagination!
I mean, what holds it all together anyway? Where does the order in the universe ultimately come from?
Well, as one who believes in and reverences (or “fears”) God, I believe it comes from Almighty God! In fact I read about it this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens! Your faithfulness endures to all generations! You have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, FOR ALL THINGS ARE YOUR SERVANTS!” (From Psalm 119:89–91 ESV)
And to buttress that perspective Colossians 1:16-18-19 declares, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together… that in everything He might be preeminent!”
Yes, I believe and embrace that worldview with all my heart! Divine order!! … Ultimately He’s in charge! And I’m grateful! Aren’t you?

Sometimes encouragement comes from the most unexpected sources! I’ve gone to the hospital to visit someone who was dying of a dread disease to encourage them, and before I’d left their room they had encouraged me! I recently visited a family to provide comfort after the sudden and unexpected death of a family member and frankly I think the hope flowed from them more than me!

This morning, during “coffee with the Lord,” I read of a similar situation. Apostle Paul is in prison, chained 24 hours a day to Roman guards, and he writes these words to fellow Christians in Philippi…

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice… Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (From Philippians 4:4–7 ESV)

Imagine that! The guy in prison for his faith encouraging his friends who are out of prison! He’s rejoicing! He possesses the secret of “peace that surpasses understanding” and is sharing it! He’s the one who has divine perspective on His circumstances! He’s the one who knows how God can guard your heart and mind in incredibly difficult and frustrating circumstances! They’re the ones who are struggling!

What a guy Apostle Paul was! What incredible people some of those who have ministered to me have been! I want to be that kind of person! Don’t you?

I’ve been thinking about it all day… The Gospel, powerfully experienced and practically applied would solve all the problems that surround and have led to the terrible incident we grieve about that transpired in Dallas yesterday evening…

• The profound transformation of the evil in the human heart
• Love for others in the place of hatred
• Justice in the place of injustice
• Reconciliation in the place of Enmity
• Forgiveness instead of harbored bitterness
• Acceptance in the place of intolerance
• Kindness instead of vengeance
• Blessing instead of cursing
• Humility instead of arrogance
• Peace-making instead of violence
• Redemptive Love that embraces all humanity, regardless of differences, rather than bigotry

I could go on… this is NOT a complete list!  But as a Christian and devoted follower of Jesus, why don’t we make the Gospel with all its power and redemptive potential, our one grand cause in the world… I think Apostle Paul had it right; he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, it is the power of salvation to all who believe!” (Romans 1:16)  Don’t know about you, but I’m going to accept the challenge of taking it, sharing it, and living it wherever I go!