Coffee With The Lord

This post in “coffee with the Lord” is for those involved in Christian service. You’ll know what I am talking about…

Sometimes in service for our Lord, you will have had a very busy day of “ministry” … Things have happened that have produced emotional, physical and spiritual drain. You are “bone tired”! You just feel like you need to get away for awhile … no people, no pressure, no one with needs … solitude! An opportunity to refresh and replenish would be good… You need some space, OK?!!

And then there is a knock at the door… or the phone rings… or someone interrupts you in the hall…

I read these words this morning in the Bible about our Lord… John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin had just been beheaded… “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said… ‘send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away, You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14.13-21)

My observation over many years of serving Jesus? Sometimes the biggest miracles happen when we serve others even when we’re “bone tired!” In this instance Jesus fed over 5,000 besides women and children (10,000 – 15,000 people at least!) on 5 loves and 2 fish with basketfuls left over! I’m not advocating foolishness – or saying you should never withdraw for rest (believe me, I’m not saying that)!! But I am saying sometimes the biggest miracles happen when we just go ahead and serve others even when we’re “bone tired”! I can tell you the stories!!

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!” (1 Corinthians 1:8 cp. Romans 1:16) The “Gospel” – a powerful, life transforming message to those who are experiencing “Salvation!” (and all it involves/includes)! Not an offense! Never!

It’s frankly inspiring to watch a loving parent care for a small child! Eyes constantly on them – watching, providing, protecting, assisting, warning, advising, training, nurturing – and even disciplining them in love!

That imagery filled my mind this morning as I read Isaiah 43 during my time of “coffee with the Lord!” OUR “HEAVENLY FATHER” is a wonderful “DIVINE PARENT!” He does all the things listed above – and MORE! We are “birthed” by Him (our natural physical life and our “new birth”). He protects us, delivers us from danger, teaches us, warns us, nurtures us, sustains us, defends us, heals us… and I could go on! He does it for us collectively as His people; but it is also true for us personally as His children!

The entire chapter (Isaiah 43) expresses all these things; but verses 1-4 especially captured my attention…

“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you… He who formed you… ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you! When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you! For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of God … your Savior! … Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you!'”

Now the imagery of “Divine Parent” – “Heavenly Father” is what captured my attention today… He is that to me! But in this passage he is really MORE than that – He is MY GOD – My Savior and Lord! I love Him – I want to serve Him – I worship Him!!!