Coffee With The Lord

I want to thank every one of you who are a part of “Coffee with the Lord”!!! It is my delight to post something good from my devotions almost daily. Today, I want to share something else I feel very passionate about… God’s heart of love for ALL the people of the world. It is because of that I’ve partnered with Eurasia Cafe to create a “Coffee with the Lord” coffee blend – the proceeds from which will help fund a ministry training school in North India. Would you go to the link below and order a pound or two? It would mean a lot to me and it would help further the cause of Christ in India… Do it now!! Thank you!!!

http://eurasiacafe.org/shop/custom-label/coffee-with-the-lord/

I was reminded this morning in my Bible reading of a beautiful reflection of God’s steadfast love (the Hebrew word is “Chesed” or “hesed” – covenant love) – the love of a wonderful parent! Some refer to it as “unconditional love” – and it is surely that. A rebellious son – but loved! An ungrateful daughter – still loved! Walked out and slammed the door – but all the while gone an aching heart, fervent prayer and incessant love. Anger at irresponsible behavior – but love! Love that nurtures – love that accepts – love that disciplines – love that is costly – love that forgives – love that endures! Steadfast love!!

Read about it this morning in the Bible…

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols… I led them with cords of kindness, and with the bands of love… But my people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender… For I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath!” (from Hosea 11:1-2, 4, 7-9).

God has that kind of love! I’ve received that kind of love! I want that kind of love! I want to share that kind of love!

This morning I am resting in (and relishing) the “ONCE FOR ALL” sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf! (I’ve included the words from Hebrews 9:23-28 that prompted my reflection this morning…

“Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands (a temple constructed by humans), which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf! Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared ONCE FOR ALL at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself… so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (from Hebrews 9:23–28 ESV)

“Once for all” (a decisive and final sacrifice)… Not for His own sin (for He had none)… It was for MY sin He suffered and died! And one day He’ll return, having dealt decisively with the sin issue with His own sacrifice on our behalf, and take us to be with Him forever in Heaven! Thank you Jesus for offering yourself “once for all” for our sin on the cross!