Coffee With The Lord

What if, after coming to Christ and experiencing “salvation” we “foul up” and sin?  I think we all have… I know I have!  What to do when that happens is a big question!  1 John 1.6 – 2.2 in your Bible give some excellent advice… (I read it again this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”)  Here’s the deal…

“IF… we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness” (that’s called “hypocrisy”) … THEN… “we lie and do not live out the truth!”

“IF… we walk in the light, as He is in the light”… THEN… “We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son purifies us from all sin!” (And that’s called continual cleansing by living in His redemptive presence!)

“IF… we claim to be without sin!”  THEN… “We deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us!” (And how deluded and deceived we are!)

“IF… (however) we confess (or acknowledge) our sins (to God)”… THEN… “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness!” (How wonderful is that?!!)

“IF… we claim we have not sinned” … THEN… “We make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us!” (It doesn’t help to argue with God about this… He is the judge!  His verdict about us is what matters!)

“IF… anyone does sin” (and we all do) … THEN… “We have an advocate [and “intercessor”] with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One!  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world! (Gotta say, what a wonderful provision!)

Why was all of this written?  Well there’s a phrase in this passage that gives us the reason:  “My dear children, I WRITE THIS TO YOU SO YOU WILL NOT SIN… BUT IF ANYBODY DOES SIN…  Well He’s got that possibility covered – He’s provided for that eventuality through Christ Jesus!  Praise the Lord!!

An important exhortation from Apostle Peter for those living in “the last days”… “Since you are waiting for these things [the “day of the Lord,” the “2^nd coming of the Lord” as well as “the new heavens and the new earth” – cp. 2 Peter 3:11-13) be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.  And count the patience of our Lord as salvation… Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability!  But Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!” (From 2 Peter 3:14-18 ESV)

I read the following description of a truly wise person in the Bible today – one who exhibited wisdom with selfless concern! I found myself saying, “Oh Lord, I want to be more like that!”

“I HAVE SEEN THIS EXAMPLE OF WISDOM UNDER THE SUN [here on earth – “this side of heaven”], and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and HE BY HIS WISDOM DELIVERED THE CITY. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say THAT WISDOM IS BETTER THAN MIGHT, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” (From Ecclesiastes 9:13–16 (ESV)

After reading and reflecting on that description and display of wisdom I jotted these words in my Bible… There are things more important than recognition and reward! May I display true “wisdom” in the public interest and the common good, regardless of its personal benefit or whether I am noticed or not!