Coffee With The Lord

Was at a little “hole in the wall” restaurant yesterday… the service was very average, the food was ok, and if I were giving a grade to the place, I’d probably give it a “C” or even a “C -” … Got out my billfold to pay the check and was tempted to “honor” them with a minimal tip. Looked at the place, looked at the guy who served us … and felt a “check in my spirit” (that means a spiritual “red flag went up” within). I believe God was giving me a chance to battle stinginess. (Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating that we give premium awards for poor service … I’m just saying I think God gave me an opportunity to overcome a stingy spirit “on the spot”!) I’m glad I did what I did… extend a little kindness and generosity!

Thought of that experience this morning while I was having “coffee with the Lord” and read these words from the Bible…

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver… As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God… (O, and) thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (from 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 ESV)

Overcoming stinginess … developing generosity!

I am always blown away by the incredible goodness and steadfast love (Hebrew: “Hesed” – covenant love) of the Lord! So undeserved, so abundant, so beyond our human comprehension! Today, during “coffee with the Lord” I read one of God’s incredible testimonies to those qualities given to a group of people that deserved remitting judgment… It reminded me of His “goodness” and “steadfast love” to me, a judgment deserving sinner!

^“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah… ‘Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. For thus says the Lord… I have hidden my face from this city because of all their evil. Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first. I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it. Thus says the Lord: In this place of which you say, ‘It is a waste without man or beast,’ in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man or inhabitant or beast, there shall be heard again the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: ‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’ For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the Lord.’” (from Jeremiah 33:1–11 ESV)

Hey, He promised to show a rebellious and wayward people, who deserved unremitting judgment, his goodness and mercy… and delivered on His promise! He has done the same for me! And He’ll do the same for you!

Perhaps today has just been one of those days… Everything has gone wrong! Everything! You almost feel like it was a mistake to get up… You’re sorry you did, and tomorrow, because of the way things look, doesn’t look any better. You’re battling frustration, disappointment, fear and dread.

It had to be a situation like that (or worse) that caused the ancient believer, Asaph, to pen the following words…

“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me! In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying. I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart… Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has His steadfast love forever ceased? Are His promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His compassion?’ Selah

“Then I said, ‘I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm have redeemed Your people!’” (from Psalm 77 ESV)

I think Asaph understood what we’ve all experienced and felt at one time or another (or he did a pretty good job of describing what we will go through sometime in the future). It also seems to me his process of dealing with it was pretty effective… 1) Honestly, authentically, getting it off your chest to God! Tell Him how you feel – what you’re going through. 2) And secondly, remember! Remember what you’ve gone through in the past! Remember how you prayed and poured out your heart to God! Remember His faithfulness and help – His sustaining grace and marvelous deliverance.”

Gonna stash Psalm 77 away… I have a feeling I’m going to need it some day! Oh, and by the way, it might be just what one of you need today!