Coffee With The Lord

I watched with a deep ache in my heart as a dear, dear friend of mine wasted away with a dread disease, wracked with pain.  We prayed fervently for his healing… with faith I might add… but he suffered and eventually died.

But I also watched with admiration at his faith, his love for God, the evidence of an indomitable spirit and the exhibiting of Christlike character!  Still positive in the face of suffering… always chuckling at something humorous… more concerned about the needs of others than his situation.

I thought about my friend this morning as I read these words from Job…

“My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow… But the righteous man holds to his way and the one with clean hands grows stronger!” (Job 17:7-9 NET Bible)

Apostle Paul had it right about the inner strength knowing Christ brings (even in the face of suffering)!  “So we do not lose heart!  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day!” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

My dying friend showed me how to live… He also showed me how to face pain and death!  He is now with His Lord (and I might add… pain free!).

Just a healthy reminder from the “Sermon on the Mount”…

“Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by others. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NET Bible)

Having said that, don’t forget… “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NET Bible)

The difference is “self-righteous pride” vs. “humble, godly influence” … Oh Lord help me exhibit the latter!”

This post in “coffee with the Lord” will be brief this morning… perhaps it’s brevity will help anchor the truth in your heart…

The effective Christian life, victory, success in overcoming sin, and living without condemnation is NOT found in trying to live up to an external list of “rules” but sensitive and responsive to the internal activity and influence of a Person – the Holy Spirit!”

Check it out…. Romans 8:1-17 in your Bible. I just read it again this morning and savored the wonderful truth it expresses.