Coffee With The Lord

I just finished reading Apostle Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonians this morning… If you know anything about Paul’s concerns in the letter, you’re aware he was deeply concerned that these believers respond to issues related to the “last days” and the 2nd Coming in a healthy way! …

“Now, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come!” (2:1-2)

Speculation, false teaching, and a host of opinions regarding “the last days” are rampant today, as they were then! Fear, anxiety, and conjecture beyond the clear teaching of Scripture abound! Watchfulness and a sustained attitude of spiritual alertness is appropriate – anxiety and fearfulness are not!

Interestingly, in light of that, Paul closes this letter with an appropriate prayer and blessing for God’s people… “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way! The Lord be with you! … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!” (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 ESV)

And as we approach the time of the end and the return of our Lord with signs that signal “the last days” that’s my prayer for you! “Watchful, alert, Biblically informed, and engaged in evangelism and the Lord’s work… but experiencing ‘peace at all times in every way!”

Here’s a really important “sip” from my Bible reading today during “coffee with the Lord” for those who are followers of Jesus in today’s culture…

“A dispute also arose among them [the apostles], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings [leaders] of the Gentiles [the nations] exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.  BUT NOT SO WITH YOU! RATHER, LET THE GREATEST AMONG YOU BECOME AS THE YOUNGEST, AND THE LEADER AS ONE WHO SERVES… I AM AMONG YOU AS THE ONE WHO SERVES!”  (From Luke 22:24–27 ESV)

Imagine it… Running for your life from someone who once thought you were pretty important and special! Having to hide in a cave in fear… Feeling threatened, rejected, and alone… In fact, David voiced it… “NO ONE CARES FOR MY SOUL!”

Ever feel some of those emotions in circumstances you’re facing?

Here’s the prayer David poured out to the Lord… (And you can make it your own!)

“With my voice I cry out to the Lord! With my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord! I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell my trouble before Him! …

“When my spirit faints within me, You know my way! Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; NO ONE CARES FOR MY SOUL! I cry to You, O Lord; I say ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living!’ Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me! Bring me out of prison that I may give thanks to Your name! The righteous will surround me! You will deal bountifully with me!” (From Psalm 142 ESV)

Feel that way? Pray it now – make David’s inspired words your own!