Coffee With The Lord

I’m not much a fan of “preaching as performance” – just putting on a good show for the enjoyment of an audience… I read about the sad, unproductive results of that kind of thing this morning in Ezekiel…

The Lord spoke to Ezekiel and said, “Behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. When this comes (i.e. God’s judgment) – and come it will! – then they will know that a prophet has been among them!” (Ezekiel 33:32-33)

On the other hand, as one who has taught students to proclaim God’s word for years, I’m not much a fan of preaching done poorly… unprepared preaching, preaching that is not true to Scripture, all bluster and no content – prayerless, preparation-less, prideful, powerless preaching.

I long for more prophetic, productive, Pentecostal (and by that I mean, Holy Spirit empowered) proclamation… the kind that convicts of sin, communicates the Gospel, and transforms lives. I convinced that’s what God wants as well! Apostle Paul had it right when he charged Timothy to “Preach the Word!” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

“Coffee with the Lord” – what a way to start the day! My Bible, a good cup of coffee, and an unhurried time of reading, reflection, prayer and worship! I recommend!! Been doing it for years!

Thought of how appropriate these words from Psalm 143 are for my daily time with Him early in the day…

“Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul… Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (from Psalm 143:8-10)

Yup… just made it my prayer for today! How about you?

This morning during “Coffee with the Lord” I read again Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26-49). It always deeply moves me! Here’s a few excerpts…

“And as they led Him away … And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by watching, but the rulers scoffed at him… The soldiers also mocked him… One of the criminals (who was crucified with Him) railed at Him… Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last. And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.” (From Luke 23:26-49)

“As I read this today an old gospel song came to mind (haven’t heard the words in a long while). They seemed to capture what I was feeling… (Read the words slowly and thoughtfully)

It was his love for me that nailed him to the tree,
To die in agony for all my sin.
For my own guilt and blame the great Redeemer came,
Willing to bear the shame of all my sin.

To Calvary’s hill one day the Lord was led away;
None else the price could pay for all my sin.
He on the cross was slain, yielding his life in pain;
He felt the bitter stain of all my sin.

Was ever love so strong, was ever crime so wrong,
When Jesus suffered long for all my sin?
He saw my greatest need, became my Friend indeed,
Through him I have been freed of all my sin!

Oh, what a Savior is mine!
In him God’s mercies combine!
His love can never decline!
And he loves me!!”

-Norman Clayton