Coffee With The Lord

An interesting (and very significant) Bible reading today in the Bible reading plan I developed a number of years ago – “Necessary Food” (based upon Job’s words in Job 23:12)… especially in view of the fact we are between two major political conventions and are embroiled in an election season characterized by polarization, anger and vitriol. Never has it been more important for God’s people to be “salt” and “light” in their world! (Matthew 5:13-16)

Thus the challenge of Apostle Paul I read today to the God’s people in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 has never been more appropriate…

“First of all, then, I URGE THAT SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND THANKSGIVINGS BE MADE FOR ALL PEOPLE, FOR KINGS [i.e. national leaders] AND ALL WHO ARE IN HIGH POSITIONS, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, WHO DESIRE ALL PEOPLE TO BE SAVED AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.”

After reading these verses this morning I jotted these words in my Bible… “DO IT! DO IT DAILY!! … and God helping me I will!!!

PSALM 150 IN MY BIBLE READING TODAY – Last one in the book of Psalms at the Hymns of Praise section at the very end of the Psalter! 

Not a psalm that has as its purpose emphasizing methods of worship or worship techniques…

A Psalm that could be captioned with words from the old Nike ad… PRAISE THE LORD… JUST DO IT!!

“PRAISE THE LORD!

Praise God IN his sanctuary;

Praise him IN his mighty heavens.

Praise him FOR his acts of power;

Praise him FOR his surpassing greatness.

Praise him WITH the sounding of the trumpet,

Praise him WITH the harp and lyre,

Praise him WITH timbrel and dancing,

Praise him WITH the strings and pipe,

Praise him WITH the clash of cymbals,

Praise him WITH resounding cymbals.

LET EVERYTHING THAT BREATHES PRAISE THE LORD!

PRAISE THE LORD!”

Hey, imagine it… No, more than that… JUST DO IT!!

Mental pictures can be pretty powerful! Psalm 148 paints such a picture!! If we could only enter into it – if we could only see the reality of it in our mind’s eye! Today I want to walk through my day with the mental picture of this in view! I am convinced it will change how I view things… Read it over and see what you think…

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the Lordfrom the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens… PRAISE THE LORD!”

Can you imagine it?! ALL CREATION ENGAGED IN WORSHIP OF THE LIVING GOD! One day it will become a vivid reality for us all… Sin’s curse will be lifted and what is now hidden will become visual and actual! For those who believe – for those with eyes of faith – it is a present reality… both “already” and “not yet”!!! Wow!! Believe it’s going to change this “Lord’s Day” for me!!