Coffee With The Lord

I know you’ve seen someone do it – you’ve observed it happening… Someone with a desire to be noticed, gain recognition, and seeking to obtain position and power, pushes themselves forward and tries to gain a preferential place at a banquet, conference or other event.  Then their arrogance is challenged, embarrassment ensues – and they are humiliated in their inappropriate pride-driven assertiveness.

HERE’S THE SITUATION LIKE THAT DESCRIBED BY JESUS right out of the Bible (along with a core Biblical principle) – Luke 14:7–11 ESV) …

“Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.  But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.”

AND THE CORE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE?  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted!”

Lord, help me to remember and heed what this parable teaches in this position-seeking, power-grabbing, pride-motivated world… especially the core Biblical principle!  My dad used to tell his sons: “Let someone else toot your horn, son – the sound travels twice as far!”  Hey, I believe it will be the secret for me making a lasting impact in my world, pleasing God, and fulfilling His purposes for my life!

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I think I’ve fallen in love with it all over again… In Psalm 119 it is like the Psalmist holds a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond – God’s word – up under the light of inspection and slowly turns it so that every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display its beauty, power and clarity. I’ve been savoring it…relishing it…delighting in it every day. In the next days of my reading I’ll share some of the verses that especially impacted me (sometimes with a comment or two).

Today was no exception… From Psalm 119:129–136

“Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” This is the assessment those who love God’s word regarding the quality, value, and effect of God’s word upon their lives!

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me… Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.” This is my prayer today! It describes what the Lord does for those who “love His name!”

I urge you to do what I’m doing… REFLECT on God’s word and let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!

Colossians 1:9-14, part of my Bible reading for today, establishes a pattern for INTERCESSORY PRAYER – PRAYER FOR OTHERS AND THEIR NEEDS. And in the case of Colossians, it is believed Apostle Paul offered intercessory prayer for a church and individuals he may have never met.

Listen… There are sincere, faithful servants of the Lord around the world who are facing challenges today beyond our imagination or understanding! Paul’s prayer provides a healthy pattern for Spirit-led and prompted intercession. Using Paul’s intercession for Christians in ancient Colossae as a guide, we should pray that…

1. They fully understand God’s will for their lives (1:9).
2. They honor and please the Lord in every way (1:10).
3. They continually bear good fruit (1:10b).
4. They come to know God better every day (1:10c).
5. That the Lord empowers them to stand firm under pressure (1:11).
6. That their lives overflow with thanksgiving and joy (1:12-14).

I would like to offer a tribute to my parents who are now with the Lord, two of the most effective intercessors I know.

Mom and Dad believed that battles were won and spiritual progress was made around the prayer altars of our church. And personally at home, they would pray daily and fervently until spiritual battles were won. I remember vividly, a particular prayer project they tackled. Satan was trying to destroy a marriage. I remember my Mom clinching her delicate feminine fists, setting her jaw and hearing her say “Satan will not get this one!” And he didn’t either.

Until they died they would receive telephone calls requesting prayer from everywhere. Mornings in their modest home were dedicated entirely to prayer ministry. Name after name, prayer project after prayer project, missionary after missionary, minister after minister, and nation after nation were all part of their prayers on any given day.

Mom and Dad’s impact upon the world was not in their skill as preachers or theologians. Their impact, however, as godly people of prayer would be difficult to calculate! They served as a model for the prayer ministry of hundreds of Christians, including their sons.

I remember standing several years ago in a chapel service at the Bible college where I teach, listening to a challenging message on the subject of intercessory prayer. As I listened, I was suddenly struck forcibly by the questions, “Who will take the place of intercessors like my parents? Who will serve as the models of prayer for the coming generation?”

That day, with tears running down my face, I purposed to perpetuate the legacy of prayer that I had received. I determined to be a model of prayer for my generation. Will you?

Imagine how many people in your life could be touched and influenced positively by your intercessory prayer. Think about the powerful influence worldwide you could have by adopting Paul’s pattern of intercession for fellow Christians and Christian leaders around the world! Let’s pray!