Coffee With The Lord

Just a few words to summarize and anchor in my mind and heart what I read in the Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord”… Psalm 111

WORSHIP!… WORD!… WORKS!…WONDER!

“Praise the Lord. I WILL EXTOL THE LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are THE WORKS OF THE LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are HIS DEEDS, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused HIS WONDERS to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate… He has shown his people the power of HIS WORKS… THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS are faithful and just; all HIS PRECEPTS are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow HIS PRECEPTS have good understanding. TO HIM BELONGS ETERNAL PRAISE.” (From Psalm 111 NIV)

Good stuff, eh? He’s worthy!!

I’m sure you’ve heard this figure of speech used to describe something challenging … “That’s a tall order!” Well this exhortation in Scripture is “a tall order!” … “BE IMITATORS OF GOD, as beloved children!” Thankfully the next verse provides an example (and the encouragement) that helps define it and make it possible! … “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offer and sacrifice to God!” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV) The secret? Simply share with others what you’ve received from the Lord!

My Bible reading today included Psalm 109… and believe me, it’s a “toughy!” It’s identified as one of the Bible’s “Imprecatory Psalms” which are known for calling down calamity, destruction, judgement, and God’s anger upon those who are the vicious enemies of God’s people. As such, “Imprecatory Psalms” are often considered less than righteous responses to wrongs suffered… less than Christlike in tone and expressive of New Testament standards.

After reading what David had to say in Psalm 109 today I wrote these words in the margin of my Bible… “This Psalm is a toughy! I’ve not experienced what prompted David to express what he did here, but I’ve underlined in its verses how I want to respond when I face similar circumstances”…

“In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer! They reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love! … But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf [with my adversaries & enemies] for your names sake. Because Your steadfast love is good, deliver me! For I am poor and needy and my heart is stricken within me! … Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! … Let them curse, but You will bless!” (Selected from Psalm 109)

Then I added these words in the margin of my Bible…. “And to those words from Psalm 109 I want to heed the urging of the following verses from the New Testament (you really need to read them all)… Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:14, 17-21; 1 Corinthians 4:12b-13a; and 1 Peter 3:9.” They urge us to “bless,” “pray for,” “forgive” and show “kindness and love” to those who wrong, persecute, and take advantage of us! It’s the better way, the overcoming way, the Kingdom way and the Heavenly Father’s way – the “THE GRACE WAY!“