Coffee With The Lord

Watched the news last night and heard an incredibly wealthy man pontificating about things as though he were the fount of wisdom for everything.  It appeared as though he felt his wealth had purchased for him a level of influence that should be unquestioned.  He apparently thought he was right and anyone else who disagreed with him was wrong.  He exuded confidence and arrogance… I’m not at all sure though that his views were accurate and truly characterized by wisdom.

I was reminded of his display of arrogance and confidence this morning as I read Psalm 49 in my Bible…

“Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when the sinful deeds of deceptive men threaten to overwhelm me?  They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches…They name their lands after themselves, but, despite their wealth, people do not last… Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich and his wealth multiplies!  For he will take nothing with him when he dies; his wealth will not follow him down into the grave.  He pronounces this blessing on himself while he is alive: ‘May men praise you for you have done well for yourself!’ But wealthy people do not understand they are like animals that perish.”

Now there is nothing wrong with being rich – if the rich person lives in the “fear (or reverence) of the Lord and understands their responsibility for the wise management of what God has allowed them to have.  Here is what Apostle Paul had to say on that subject:  “Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.  Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.  In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

My prayer today?  Lord help me to keep things in proper perspective and understand that true wisdom and lasting influence do not come from wealth – they are instead sourced in humility and “the fear of the Lord!”

Mount Zion… Where God reveals Himself! Where God’s people gather to honor and exalt him! I read one of the songs of Zion this morning during “coffee with the Lord” and it provoked praise in my heart and upon my lips… Here’s just a few select lines from the song that especially spoke to me today…

“The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise! … We have heard about God’s mighty deeds, and now we have seen them! … We reflect only your loyal love, O God! … The praise you receive as far away as the ends of the earth is worthy of your reputation, O God! … God, our God, is our defender forever! He guides us!” (from Psalm 48)

Hey, it’s true! He has done great things! His character is excellent and without any fault! His love is steadfast! His reputation is impeccable! He is our Savior, defender, and guide! He is worthy of praise! I believe I’m having a “Mount Zion experience!”

The Lord… the great king over all the earth!  It may not seem like it today if you look around, but one day it will become reality!  I’m looking forward to that day!  Every societal problem will be solved!  Every injustice will be made right!  Every despot destroyed!  Every sick person will be healed!  Peace will flow like a river!  I could go on…

He is “king over all the earth” for me, today … King of kings and Lord of lords!  I read about it this morning during “coffee with the Lord”…

“All you nations, clap your hands! Shout out to God in celebration!  For the sovereign Lord is awe-inspiring!  He is the great king who rules the whole earth!  …God has ascended His throne amid loud shouts; the Lord has ascended his throne amid the blaring of ram’s horns.  Sing to God! Sing! Sing to our king! Sing!  For God is king of the whole earth! Sing a well-written song!  God reigns over the nations! God sits on his holy throne!  The nobles of the nations assemble… God has authority over the rulers of the earth. He is highly exalted!” (from Psalm 47 the NET Bible)

This prophetic word and vision came to mind today as I read Psalm 47

“The kingdoms of the world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.  And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign!” (Rev 11:15-17)

Take my word for it… no better take HIS word for it… what is prophetic reality today will become actual!  “He is king over all the earth!”  I’m anticipating it!  I’m affirming it… TODAY!