Coffee With The Lord

Today I read a passage during “coffee with the Lord” that surprised me a bit… I realized something about it I had never noticed before. The passage is most often used, in my experience at least, in contexts of “spiritual warfare” – those kinds of situations where evil forces and demonic activity is confronted directly. I had failed to realize, I guess, that the apostle Paul in the passage was dealing with resistance from human adversaries… that the passage was fundamentally interpersonal in nature… He was dealing with carnal, rebellious, arrogant people – not simply with the devil, demons or evil spirits directly (although I’ve met plenty of carnal people that I felt were influenced by evil forces like that).

Here’s the passage… (and notice particularly that Paul is speaking to people in the church in Corinth who were causing problems within “the body of Christ.”)

“Now I, Paul, appeal to you personally by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (I who am meek when present among you, but am full of courage toward you when away!) [probably their criticism of him – my note]— now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards. For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:1–5 the NET BIble)

This, it seems to me, is wonderful encouragement to any Spiritual leader who has ever had to deal with carnal people and interpersonal problems in the church! There is something powerful, attractive, and distinctive about authentic Spiritual authority in action. God gives influence, favor, and wisdom! When a leader acts cooperatively in the Holy Spirit with meekness and gentleness, the weapons they wield are powerful and mighty – not mere human power or influence! Spiritual strongholds are rendered impotent and demolished. Seems to me it takes conflict management to a whole new level. I’ve seen it work! No shouting or screaming… “steel under velvet” in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am so grateful that when the Lord transformed my life through “new birth” that he changed my “spiritual DNA” from a selfish, grasping person who was trying to get all he could for himself, to one that found great satisfaction and delight in giving!  A generous spirit is one of the most significant results, for me at least, of being “born again!”  (There are others to be sure, but I was reminded of that one in particular this morning!

What blessings accrue to those who are generous (rather than live a grasping life)!  Here’s what Apostle Paul had to say about it (all taken from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)…

Blessing #1 – Rich reaping for those who sow generosity

“The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.”

Blessing #2 – A wonderful experience of God’s love for the generous heart

“Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.”

Blessing #3 – God’s miraculous and bountiful provision so that we can go on being generous and meeting needs.

“And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work… Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow.  You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion.”

Blessing #4 – The wonderful knowledge that your generosity is catalyzing thanksgiving to God

“Your generosity… is producing through us thanksgiving to God, because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.”  

Blessing #5 – God is glorified!

“Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.”  

Blessing #6 – The recipients of your generosity offer prayer for God’s blessing and provision on your behalf.

“And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.”

Blessing #7 – The “clincher”:  A deep and deepening appreciation for God’s indescribable gift… Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

One of the things I and my brothers, as well as our children and grandchildren, loved to do was listen to my mother tell the wonderful stories of God’s provision, His miracles, His faithfulness over the years since her conversion and her years of ministry and family life.  Dad had wonderful stories to tell as well and we loved to hear him tell them with his heavy German accent.  I thought of that today as I read this passage during my time of “coffee with the Lord.”

“We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s praiseworthy acts, about his strength and the amazing things he has done… so that the next generation, children yet to be born, might know about them! They will grow up and tell their descendants about them.  Then they will place their confidence in God! They will not forget the works of God, and they will obey his commands!” (from Psalm 78:4–7 the NET Bible)

Oh, I’m so glad my parents did that for me!  I’m so glad my children have heard the stories and my grandchildren as well!  What a rich spiritual legacy!  Now, because of God’s faithfulness, Sharon and I have our own stories to tell – stories of miracles, stories of provision, stories of God’s faithfulness.  I’m determined to pass them on!  And I’m banking on the promise of this passage… “Then they will place their confidence in God!  They will not forget the works of God and they will obey His commands!”

Hope you’ve got your own stories to tell… Com’on let’s tell about God’s power and provision to the next generation!