Coffee With The Lord

The Lord sets a high standard for authentic righteousness – not simply external adherence to His law, but inside-out obedience!  I admit, when I read passages that describe the standard of righteousness He requires I feel so helpless, so inadequate, so deeply aware of how far short I fall of His standard!  I felt that way this morning as I read the following passage demanding an incredible expression of love as evidence of the righteousness He requires…

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.  If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  Be merciful then, even as your Father is merciful!”  (From Luke 6:27–36 ESV)

There is only one way for what this passage demands to be fulfilled in my life!  It takes a deep and profound work of God’s grace in my life!  I must first experience His love and grace for my failures and sinfulness.  Then, for it to become a reality in my life, I desperately need the profound, deep, working of that love and grace within me through the power of the Holy Spirit transforming me inside – out!  I cannot do it on my own!  It requires an inner motivation – a supernatural transformation – a deep work of the Holy Spirit.  Oh I cry out today… Lord help me to be – help me to become – the kind of person you desire!

When everything around you seems to be unraveling… Nations are in turmoil!  There is a severe leadership crisis… Institutions you’ve depending upon are failing… The economy is in crisis…  Values you’ve depended upon are dismantled and abandoned… even friends fail… And you are about to panic… You need to read Psalm 97!!!  (I read it during “Coffee with the Lord” this morning… Glad I did!!!)

Here is a taste of what it says…

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! … Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne… before the Lord of all the earth.  The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory…  For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.  O you who love the Lord, hate evil!  He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.  Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.  Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” (From Psalm 97 ESV)

Given what is happening to human institutions today and the condition of our world… I really needed that!!  How about you?

Too good not to repost… (Thanks for sharing it Pastor Troy Singleterry)

Count me in… I purpose to be “One of the few!” (Luke 10:2 … Read it!) But I pray for others to join me!