Coffee With The Lord

Ever been approached with an “opportunity” (a “task”) that you did not feel qualified to fulfill?  Your response perhaps was “thanks, but no thanks!”  You saw the risk – yes, you were aware of the possibilities – but the hazards scared you to death!

That’s what happened to Moses!  God had heard the cry of the children of Israel suffering under the oppressive taskmasters of Egypt.  He chose Moses as the person who would lead them out of Egyptian bondage and into “the promised land.” 

Moses argued with God that he was not the right person – he was not an adequate spokesperson!  So God graciously provided Aaron, Moses’ brother.  God warned Moses of the risks – Pharoah’s heart would be hard, and the Lord predicted he would not listen.  But God assured Moses that He would work signs and wonders and would deliver the children of Israel by “great acts of judgment.”   When those were completed the Lord predicted,  “The Egyptians would know that He was the Lord!”

The Bible records Moses accepted the difficult (even impossible) assignment and “Did just as the Lord commanded!” (Read about it in Exodus 3:1-4:6 and 6:28-7:6)

What a pattern for us when we face difficult challenges that are in the will of God for us!  We may feel unqualified and even offer excuses!  But remember these words uttered by Apostle Paul in very difficult circumstances… “I can do all things through Him that strengthens (i.e. enables) me!” (Philippians 4:12-13)

There are a lot of things that bind people together… family, common interests, hobbies, politics and politicians (both liked and disliked), sports teams, neighborhoods, even religious beliefs and groups… and the list could go on…

In a context, however, that deals with disunity and personality cults that divided Christians, Apostle Paul argues for “the message of the cross” being the focus, the unifying truth, the principal thing that binds God’s people together!

“For the word of the cross [i.e. the message of the Gospel] is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God!” (1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV)

It may seem to be foolish to some who have not experienced its power – but for those who have embraced it in faith, it is the powerful life-transforming message of God!

We need to determine to keep it central and prioritized among us – it is that which ought to bind us together!!!

Whenever I read Matthew 13.1-9 (the parable of the farmer scattering seed and the various soil types) and its explanation (verses 18-23) I usually pay attention to various types of soil that Jesus identified and the difference in their fruitfulness.

Today, however, during “coffee with the Lord” I was impressed BY THE ENEMIES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS JESUS IDENTIFIED… I want to be especially alert to them in my life… and avoid them and/or “deal with ‘em”!!

1) The “evil one” himself who if he has his way will find a way to snatch away the seed that is sown. (vs. 19)

2) My own lack of “deep roots” so that I allow problems or persecution keep me from bearing fruit. (vs.21)

3) The “thorns” – i.e. the worries of life and the lure of wealth and materialism that I permit that choke out spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

I want to be alert to these enemies of spiritual growth and fruitfulness in my life! I want to hear the message of the Kingdom, understand it, believe it and embrace it and produce a bountiful harvest for my Lord!!! (After all, it’s His field, isn’t it!!)