Coffee With The Lord

It’s a popular argument… “The only reason people serve the Lord is because of the benefits and blessings they receive! Take those away and they’ll quit serving God in a minute!”

It’s an old argument – as old as the conversation and accusation Satan had with God Himself about ancient Job (Job 1:8-11)…

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?’ Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’ And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.’” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”

That argument “didn’t hold water” then – and it hasn’t “held water” since then, and it doesn’t “hold water” today! The case studies that rebut that argument abound!

I have had the privilege of ministry all over the world… I can tell you that some of the most devoted followers of the Lord serve Him REGARDLESS! Regardless of their annual income – they’re “dirt poor!” Regardless of gains – many have suffered loss! Regardless of popularity – they’re persecuted!” Regardless of unjust accusation – they’re often ridiculed! Regardless of the benefits – they’re viewed as having little or none! Regardless of health – many of them suffer pain! The fact is, with devotion, love, and faith they serve the Lord REGARDLESS! They are the noble “children of Job” and the Lord is proud to point out their faithfulness. They REFUTE the stupid arguments of “the Enemy!” They are those “Who are faithful unto death and receive a crown of life!” (Revelation 2:10) They are the ones who know “NOTHING can separate them from God’s love!” (Romans 8:35-39) They are the noble heirs of the faith of those in Hebrews 11 (especially verses 29-40)!

And as I stand on the cusp of 2023, I want to follow their noble example in all that life brings… all that Satan throws at God’s people… Don’t you?

A few thoughts on the first passage of the New Year in my Bible reading (using the Necessary Food Bible Reading Plan)…

Pretty hard to beat Genesis 1:1-2:3 as a “beginning” …  “IN THE BEGINNING GOD…”  He is the beginning of all beginnings… The beginning of all that is… The “new beginning” of my “eternal life” – a “new birth” … and the “new beginning” for so many others down through the centuries!

His “creative word” is powerful!  His “LET THERE BE…became…AND IT WAS SO!  When He speaks things change – things come into existance!  All things are possible – the “impossible” evaporates at His creative word – the miraculous for us becomes the normal for Him!  If we can believe, all things become possible (“Nothing will be impossible with God!” … words that He spoke to Mary regarding the birth of Jesus!  Luke 1:37)

And the decree and evaluation of all that God did and does? AND GOD SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD…VERY GOOD! (vss. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, and 31!)

Out of nothing – everything, out of chaos –  order, out of darkness – light, and out of dust – a living, breathing human life!  What a mighty God we serve – What a way to start the New Year!

Concerned about the coming year… whether you’ll be able stand strong, resist temptation, deal with difficulties, and be able to live in a way that pleases and honors God?

As I closed out my Bible reading this year (I use the Bible reading plan I authored several years ago – “Necessary Food”) I read the short epistle of Jude (brother of James the Just, and probably half-brother of Jesus as well)…

In his own words, “I was eager to write about our common salvation but found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once-for-all delivered to the saints.”

And then what follows is one of the most direct, scathing, warnings and indictments, of false teachers, corrupt “Christians,” and deceivers in all of Scripture!  He puts it this way… “Certain people have crept in unnoticed… who pervert the grace of God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”  Throughout the Bible those who infiltrate the ranks of “God’s people” have always been viewed as a greater risk than those made no claim to believe and follow the Lord.  God’s people seem to be more susceptible to, and deceived by those who claim to be “believers” and Christians then by those who make no such claim.

I mean, read the warning – read the description – Jude gives of these despicable deceivers (verses 5-19)!

The warning is valid for believers today!  The risk of deception is just as great today (or perhaps greater) as we approach the coming year!  So what to do?…

Jude’s inspired exhortation is just as valid today as it was then!

“But you, building yourselves up in your must holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, all the while waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that lead to eternal life!  And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (verses 20-23)

There it is… Devoted, diligent discipleship, Holy Spirit guided and prompted prayer, the daily experience of God’s love, living each day expectantly waiting for the Lord’s return, and sharing your witness with others regardless of the challenges!

Frightened?  Wondering if you can stand strong for Christ without falling or being deceived?  Here’s Jude’s wonderful closing word of assurance… “Now to Him WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING AND TO PRESENT YOU BLAMELESS BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH GREAT JOY – to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty dominion, and authority, before all time, and now, and forever!  Amen!”