Coffee With The Lord

I want to say this as kindly… but directly, as possible. My years of experience in the Lord’s work as taught me that some of those who protest and criticize most loudly about sincere, exuberant, and even extravagant worship are often those whose hearts are not right toward God (and some even seek to cover hidden sins with their loud protestations)! Enough said…

Here is just one passage that illustrates my point…

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.’” (from John 12:1–8 ESV)

Several years ago, when I was involved in pastoral ministry, I preached a message I entitled “Are You Offended by Extravagant Worship?” based upon this passage. After having preached the message, a wonderful Christian lady gave me a gift to remember that message by that I will always treasure… an “alabaster bottle of sweet perfume.” Listen… I am never in the camp of those who would use worship as a way of self-promotion or attention getting personal display… On the other hand, I NEVER want to be among those who are critical of authentic, sincerity worship! In fact, I want passages like Psalm 150 to guide the worship I embrace (you might want to read it)!

Your path and mine will cross the path of someone today who is discouraged, despondent, or depressed.  It could be the result of any number of things.  It may be something they say or do that tips you off, it may be simply their countenance.  When that happens, we’ll have an opportunity!  I read about it this morning in the Bible… Proverbs 12:25 to be precise…

“Worry (anxious fear) weighs a person down; but an encouraging word cheers them up.”

I don’t know about you, but my prayer today is that I’ll be an agent of God to do precisely that for someone today!  I’ll be watching for the opportunity and the “nudge” of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that role in someone’s life!  How about you?

Today, during my time of “Coffee with the Lord,” I read once again the incredible story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their courage in the face of the intimidating edict of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3. In the face of great social, ethical, political and spiritual pressure, as young leaders in Babylon, they exercised great spiritual and moral courage and resisted the king’s demand. God honored their brave act of civil disobedience with divine deliverance!

Nebuchadnezzar’s challenge was, “Who is that God who can rescue you from my power?” Their courageous response was, “If our God whom we are serving exists, He is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us, O king, from your power as well! But if not, let it be known to you, O king that we don’t serve your gods, and we will not pay homage to the golden statue that you have erected!” (from Daniel 3:15-18)

Oh, we need to see that kind of courage from professing Christian leaders in the face of spiritual, social, moral and political intimidation once again!

As I read the story again today, I was reminded to pray for Christians that God has placed strategically in government and other places of influence in our world today (especially young leaders). They face great pressure to compromise their godly beliefs and values and bow before the “god of this age” and the edicts of a secular (even pagan) culture. The pressures they face are incredible! The stand they must make requires great spiritual courage! But I am convinced God will honor them for it, vindicate them, and deliver them just as he did when these three young men stood tall for the Lord in the face of Nebuchadnezzar’s edict! Will you join me in prayer for them today?