Coffee With The Lord

One of the passages I read today during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” contains a wonderful invitation and promise for those who are truly hungry for what ultimately satisfies.  An invitation to leave the “junk food” that we sometimes fill our minds and hearts  with and instead eat and drink the spiritually delicious, nutritious feast spread out on God’s table.

The passage urged us to listen closely to God’s voice – to seek Him with all our heart.  The result?  Life!  The promise of experiencing God’s incredible love fulfilled in our lives. 

God’s plans for us are so much higher than ours – they’re in a totally different dimension – higher and better than we can even imagine.  And the good news?  If we’ll cooperate with what He’s trying to do in our lives He’ll surely fulfill His purpose and promise – just as surely as the spring rains water the earth and seeds that are sown there spring up and produce a bountiful harvest. 

And the outcome of living this way… Joy, celebration, rejoicing… an incredible party “here on earth, just as it is in heaven!”

Just let me say, you REALLY should read Isaiah 55 for yourself today!  It’s all in there!!!  Aw, com’on DO IT!!!

Break time discussion stuff… “Who is the greatest?”  Everyone has an opinion.  The evidence varies.  “My guy!  That gal!  I’m pretty great too!  What do ya think?”

Why not ask Jesus?  He should know!”

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  He called a child over and had him stand among them, and said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!  Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven!  And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.’”  (from Matthew 18:1–5 the NET Bible)

A child!  That was His answer!  Figure!! … Humble, not presumptuous or aggressive… compliant, obedient … submissive, not pushy … trusting and believing … loving and affectionate … I could go on… A child – the greatest!  Wow!! 

A Kingdom lesson I need and want to learn… At least if that’s how Jesus feels about it!

You may feel like what someone in authority is asking for, is unfair!  In fact, it not only infringes on your rights as a Christian – it tramples on them!

It happened to Jesus… The collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”  Peter apparently was not sure if Jesus had, but he answered to the best of his ability, “Yes.”  Later Jesus approached Peter, asked about the encounter, and explained why he believed He (and his followers) should not have to pay the tax… But then he added… “However, NOT TO GIVE OFFENSE TO THEM, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.  Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (From Matthew 17:24-27 ESV)

You may think a request (or a requirement) placed upon you as a Christian by someone in authority is unfair – it tramples on your rights.  And the fact is, you don’t really have the resources to do what is being asked of you (and shouldn’t have to do it)! … Remember, your testimony as a Christian is greater than the issue of your “rights!”  And also remember, God is able to supply your need (even miraculously, as he did in this instance) if your desire is to please and honor Him!

Just say’n!