Coffee With The Lord

Proverbs 3:1-12 is one of my absolute favorite passages of Scripture in all the Bible!  It was my Bible reading yesterday during my time of “coffee with the Lord.”  After reading it again I gave it this title: “Com’on, Wise Up! – 6 Keys to a Profitable, Fulfilling Life”

A couple of things to be kept in mind… This passage was written to a young person preparing for leadership.  Since it is Biblical (Hebrew) poetry it is characterized by a lot of vivid imagery.  And finally, since it is “wisdom literature” its roots are deep in reverence (‘fear”) for God and its implications impact all of life! (see the pic I’ve produced)

So here we go… “6 Keys to a Profitable, Fulfilling Life”…

1.  Give high priority to Godly teaching – remember it!  Heed it!  The promise?  You’ll enjoy a long, fulfilling life! (Verses 1-2)

2.  Make “steadfast love” [covenant love – Hebrew “Hesed”) and faithfulness the major adorning feature of your life!  The Promise? You’ll enjoy both God’s “favor” and the respect of others! (Verses 3-4)

3.  Trust God completely – acknowledge and honor Him in everything you do – every decision you make!  The promise?  He’ll lead you and work out all the details of your life! (Verses 5-6) [Note: This was my godly mother’s life verse!]

4.  Don’t be a “know it all!”  Reverence God and live the way He wants you to live!  The promise?  Your life will experience incredible physical, emotional and spiritual well-being! (Verses 7-8)

5.  Honor God with your income and all your possessions (Malachi 3:10b-12)!   The promise?  God will pour out blessings on your life that overflow (Malachi 3:10b-12)!  (Verses 9-10)

6.  When your Heavenly Father disciplines you as His child (and He will – Hebrews 12:5-11) – don’t resent it, complain or pout!  The promise?  God’s discipline is proof-positive of His love – He delights in you and wants only the best for you! (Verses 11-12)

Wow!  Good stuff eh (and it’s in your Bible!)?  As someone has said, “That’ll preach!” – No, better than that – You can live by it!  And with God’s help I intend to!!!

Remember this dream of mine? …

I posted the following on Facebook in Early July…

“I’m seriously contemplating leading a weekly interactive online Bible study experience possibly entitled “Digging Deeper” (perhaps kickoff in August). Anyone interested? It would feature an inductive approach to Scripture… Participative, not simply presentation oriented – guided – not simply lecture delivery. Searching for the best app platform for that kind of delivery… You that have been doing “online church” for awhile – recommendations (and reasons)?”

Well, this dream is about to be realized in early September!!! It will be a cooperative endeavor with the Assemblies of God “Bible Engagement Project” (BEP) under the able leadership of a former student, Jon Catron. It will be a weekly online interactive Bible study via Zoom – “100 Great Passages of the Bible” … Be watching for further announcements!!!

Sharon and I are privileged to have RG Huff and Carlita Huff as our neighbors… A wonderful Christian couple who have a long history of serving as Ministers of Music at several churches.

Rg Huff posted the following this morning on FB – his composition – the lyrics and suggested music for a wonderful hymn (a prayer really) for cleansing and renewal. I post it here with his permission…

God of Renewal, Growth and Change
Text: R. G. Huff

“God of renewal, growth and change,
in our disorder, rearrange
all wand’ring thoughts and wayward steps,
corrupted motives, secrets kept.

“Here we admit we lean t’ward sin.
Your restoration now begin.
Into our darkness, transfer light;
from drab of gray, show colors bright.

“Stunted in our maturity,
settling for less than we could be.
Nourish our lives; feed heart and soul
that we might flourish in our role.

“Much of our path is still the same.
Struggles and brokenness remain.
Alter our plans, our dreams renew.
This is our goal: to model you.”

© 2020 by R. G. Huff – Permission granted for use in worship.

Suggested Tune: MARYTON (“O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”)

“Search me Oh God and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! See if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)

RG, your song – my prayer! Amen!!