Coffee With The Lord

A periodic leadership lesson from Scripture today from my time of “coffee with the Lord” …

GODLY LEADERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFEGUARDING THEIR INTEGRITY AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE LORD’S WORK. 

A large financial gift had been gathered for the believers in the church at Jerusalem.  It had to be delivered to them.  Paul said, “We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.  We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” (2 Corinthians 8.20-21 NLT)

There have been so many religious charlatans (fancy name for “religious crooks”) that have given the church a bad name.  In fact, movies have been developed around their lifestyle … fancy clothes, coiffured hair, smooth talk, expensive car, luxurious home, personal jets – they’ve ripped off people, made empty promises, abused funds, and lived immoral lives!  They’ve given “the church” a bad name. 

Would to God, every religious leader would embrace the ethics Paul expressed here…  Accountability, concern about criticism in the way money is handled, integrity before God and determination to build a reputation of honor before “everyone else”!

Today, I am determined to be a “committee of one” that will do his best to give the Lord’s work and “the ministry” a good reputation!!  In fact, the reputation of the Church one of my core values…

VALUE #3 – I VALUE THE CHURCH:  Since Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5.25), I should love it in spite of its imperfections, pray daily for its well-being, contribute my best to its mission and ministries, be willing to submit to its authority, AND LIVE SO ITS REPUTATION IN THE WORLD IS POSITIVE.” … So help me God!

People complain a lot about financial appeals in the church – “All they ever do is ask for money”!

Boy, I don’t know where those people go to church (or even if they do)! All I have to say is, that hasn’t been my experience at all!! The appeals from my internet provider, utilities company and every telemarketer in the country on my phone and Facebook have the Church beat “all hollow” on that score!!

In my Bible reading this morning, however, I was challenged by Paul’s testimony about the Church in Macedonia and their attitude to giving…

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in His kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia… I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more! And they did it of their own free will!! They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for THEIR FIRST ACTION WAS TO GIVE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD and to us, just as God wanted them to do.” (from 2 Corinthians 8.1-5 New Living Translation)

What an attitude!! What a marvelous spirit of generosity!! Makes you wonder where they got it … where they picked that kind of attitude up, doesn’t it?! Well I think the next verses provide an answer…

“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make us rich.” (verse 9)

Wow! Kind of helps puts everything about this “giving issue” in perspective doesn’t it?! When I really grasp the magnitude and spirit of His gift that will motivate and impact my giving.! Sure want it to!! I believe it will!!!

Ever lose your balance spiritually? Something happened that didn’t seem fair, a spiritual anomaly that just tripped you up? You just couldn’t seem to get past it. You found yourself on the ground emotionally – thrashing around spiritually. I’ve been there!

I read Psalm 73 this morning during “coffee with the Lord” – it speaks so powerfully to that issue!!

“I had almost lost my footing! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else… These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!

“I ask myself, ‘Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?’ So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!

“THEN I WENT INTO YOUR SANCTUARY, O GOD, AND I FINALLY UNDERSTOOD the destiny of the wicked… I realized that my heart was bitter and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you! You hold my right hand – you guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny! Who have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth! My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever! … How good it is to be near God! … I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do!” (From the New Living Translation)

You know what? I’ve decided I need to spend more time in God’s word and with God’s people – being in the Lord’s presence… just listening for His voice!!