Coffee With The Lord

Just sitting here reflecting after reading some great advice this morning – a reminder actually – from Proverbs 6:20-35.  Thinking about the great advice my dad and mom, Ewalt and Vera Bartel gave me as a young man… advice about a lot of different subjects, all grounded in reverence for the Lord, and anchored to the clear teaching of God’s word.  I’m much older now, but looking back on what they told me, it has stood me in good stead for the challenges and temptations I’ve faced! 

If you’ve had parents who gave you godly instruction, you are blessed indeed!  And if you didn’t have biological parents who instructed you, but had adoptive parents who did it – or even “spiritual parents” who mentored and taught you, praise the Lord!  My advice today?  Recall, reflect on, and relish some of that instruction!  It will bring back sweet memories, engender deep appreciation, and probably help you in something you’re facing right now!

Here’s how the writer of Proverbs expressed it:

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching!  Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.  When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.  For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.”   (Proverbs 6:20–23 ESV)

Oh, and then what follows is some great advice and guidance (and warning) about moral purity… teaching that I would say, is pretty important in our culture today!

No fear!  Not ashamed!  Bold – not intimidated!  These need to be more than just bumper sticker slogans!

That’s the kind of people God wants, and the Holy Spirit produces, in a culture that is increasingly anti-Christian and a world where followers of Christ who openly live out and share their faith are persecuted!

I know you’ve seen them… wounded people, cowering souls, who almost seem ashamed of themselves – afraid of almost everything, reluctant to look up, fearful of speaking up and terrified of getting involved in any cause…

God’s presence and transforming influence in a life doesn’t produce that kind of person!  His grace is at work within lives, where He is invited, to produce wholeness, health, integrity, love, joy, peace, and hope… and confidence!

I just read it this morning… “The Spirit God gives us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner [Apostle Paul speaking to Timothy].  Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God… This is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day!” (From 2 Timothy 1.7-12 NIV)

In another place Apostle Paul put it this way… “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes!”  (Romans 1.16)

ARROGANCE IS SIN!  BUT A CONFIDENT, BOLD CHRISTIAN, WITH A HEALTHY SELF-CONCEPT IN CHRIST IS A GOOD THING!  We need to be Spirit-filled, grace transformed, oozing love, walking in faith, and living out the mandate of Christ to take the gospel to all people – all nations!  Lord work within me by your Spirit to become that kind of Christian!

We live in a culture often driven by greed and materialistic pursuits – a culture with values filled with real risks for authentic, devoted followers of Christ!  Against that background I read these wise and inspired words from Apostle Paul during my time of “Coffee with the Lord”…

A WARNING TO BE HEEDED:  Be alert to the risks of materialism, greed, and love of money!

“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desire that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils!  It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves through with many pangs… Flee these things!”

A BLESSING TO BE EXPERIENCED:  The blessings of godliness with contentment!

“Godliness with contentment is great gain! … If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content! … Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith love steadfastness and gentleness!  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called”

THE CHALLENGE TO THOSE BLESSED WITH WEALTH:  To practice generous stewardship with the resources God provides:

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy!  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed!”

(All of this from 1 Timothy 6:6-19 – check it out for yourself!)

Oh Lord, in a culture often driven by money and materialism, may I never forget and heed these wise words!